Are Auctioned Storage Units Worth the Gamble? The Top 10 Most Common and Most Valuable Potential Finds

If you’ve ever seen the popular TV show  “Storage Wars,” you are familiar with the allure of what lies within abandoned storage units. These units are put up for public auction when the owner defaults on payments after a specific period of time as determined by state law. Storage unit facilities sell the contents of these units to recover losses on the unpaid rent.  

Some buyers purchase these units for business. They can afford to lose money and bid strategically, to flip and resell anything of value they find for profit. Others love the thrill of the treasure hunt and the possibility of unearthing a gem or a goldmine. The reality is that most buyers will find typical household goods that may or may not be of value, though occasionally there may be a high-value item among them.  

If you have the money to burn and are willing to take your chances, an auctioned storage unit may be a fun and lucrative investment. What might you find? Keep reading to learn more about the possibilities, considerations and opportunities of purchasing an auctioned storage unit.

Storage Unit Auctions: What You Should Expect to Find

If the idea of buying and flipping storage units at auction sounds intriguing, you’re probably wondering about the specifics of what, on average, you can expect to find. Auctioned storage units are wild cards, because you won’t know what’s inside until after your bid has won. You may buy a unit only to have the lock cut and the door swing open to reveal an empty unit, or you could luck into a gold mine of valuable goods.

Commonly Found Items in Auctioned Storage Units

Here’s what you can realistically expect to find in most abandoned storage units:

Furniture

Furniture is one of the most commonly found categories of items in auctioned storage units. Sofas, chairs, dressers, mattresses, dining tables, and even outdoor furniture are often stored during or after moves, estate sales or home cleanouts. The condition of these items can range from like-new to heavily worn, so it’s important to inspect each piece for damage, odor or signs of pests.

Resale value depends heavily on style, era, and quality. Mid-century modern, antique, or high-end brand-name pieces tend to perform best in resale markets like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local consignment stores. Even basic pieces can yield a profit if you’re willing to clean them or do light restoration.

To assess value quickly, look for solid wood construction, dovetail joints, and brand labels. And before you sell or take home any pieces of stored furniture, be sure to inspect it thoroughly for odors, signs of pests or bedbugs, wear & tear, and rust.

• Common finds:
  Sofas, tables, dressers, outdoor sets
  
• Where it sells:
  Local resale, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, consignment shops
  
• Quick tip:
  Knowing how to store furniture in a storage unit to protect your investment should you need to keep the furniture you won at auction in storage. Elevate items off the floor, use protective covers to keep items free of dust or moisture, and maintain climate control. Remove any hazardous items or items that are not in compliance with the storage facility’s rules.

 

Household Appliances

Small household appliances are another staple frequently found in auctioned storage units. Name brands and high-end models often resell quickly, especially if they’re in working order.

Microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, fans, and mini-fridges are most common. Always test appliances before reselling them, and don’t despair should you find any non-functional appliances in your lot, as these can sometimes still be listed and sold for parts.

Appliances in good working condition can sell quickly on local platforms, while vintage or high-end brands (like KitchenAid or Vitamix) can be flipped online for a higher price. Always clean appliances thoroughly and check for wear or frayed cords. If you’re new to storage unit auctions, this category offers some of the most reliable resale opportunities.

• Common finds:
  Blenders, mini-fridges, vacuums
• Where it sells:
  Local resale, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, appliance repair flippers
• Quick tip:
  Always test and clean appliances. If repairs are needed, weigh the cost vs. the resale price before spending the money.

 

Books & Media

Valuable media is less common than other valuable finds at storage unit auctions, but rare books, out-of-print titles, and collectible records or video games are always worth hunting for.

DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and video games are frequently found in bulk in storage units. Hardcover and paperback books may also be found and, while most titles aren’t worth much, rare first editions, out-of-print books, or collectible albums could equal sizable returns in the marketplace.

Look for signed copies of books, box sets, or vintage records from artists with cult followings. Book scanning apps like BookScouter or Abebooks can help you instantly estimate the value of items. Discogs can help you determine the value of records and CDs.

• Valuable finds:
  First editions, vintage vinyl, box sets
• Where it sells:
  eBay, Amazon, Discogs
• Quick tip: Bundle similar media (e.g., mystery novels, classic rock records) for bulk reselling.

The Potential Big Scores in Auctioned Storage Units

Here’s where things get interesting. Now that we’ve considered the more mundane storage unit finds you might expect, let’s get into some uncommon but possible finds that could net buyers big money:

Toys & Games

Vintage and collectible toys are among the most profitable items buyers can find in abandoned storage units, because they can increase in value over time and command high prices at resale.

Complete sets, limited editions, and licensed pieces from franchises like Star Wars, Pokémon or Marvel are among toys in highest demand among collectors. Look for classic board games, action figures, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, action figures and 80s/90s memorabilia. Even loose items like LEGO sets are desirable, and all these items could fetch nice returns at sale, especially when sold as a bundle.

Packaging can make all the difference between a modest and a stratospheric sale. Toys in good condition that come with their original packaging may be worth gold, more so if the item is still sealed. If you think you’ve found a gem, always double-check for authenticity before listing it for resale.

• Valuable finds:
  80s-90s toys, Pokémon, board games
  
• Where it sells:
  eBay, Facebook Marketplace
  
• Quick tip:
  Incomplete sets may still be valuable if the item is rare. Online sites like Noel Barrett, Vintage Toy Authority, and Value My Stuff can help you appraise a toy’s value.
  

Collectibles & Memorabilia

If you dream of stumbling upon a storage unit cash cow, these items are the kinds of finds that could rake in some of the biggest bucks. Signed jerseys, autographed memorabilia, vintage lunch boxes, championship rings and rare trading cards are all potential jackpots.

Keep an eye out for entertainment memorabilia as well: concert tickets, backstage passes, and film scripts can all be worth money.

As always, authentication is essential before attempting to sell these kinds of potentially high-value items, and you’ll be glad you did so because third-party grading or certification can significantly increase a collectible’s resale value. Rarity, condition and demand determine the marketability of these items, which often appeal to niche buyers.

• Valuable finds:
  Autographs, sports cards, movie merch
• Where it sells:
  Sotheby’s Modern Collectibles Department, pawn shops, private collectors, heritage auctions
• Quick tip:
  Carefully research and authenticate anything that looks even remotely like it might fit the category of memorabilia or collectibles. Few things are worse than tossing out an item that, with just a little homework, might have fetched a pretty penny.

Electronics

The electronics unearthed in abandoned storage units are usually hit or miss, especially in older storage units. These devices are not often brand-new, but some units may contain older electronics like televisions, gaming consoles, speakers, cameras, stereo equipment and laptops.

Fortunate buyers will find in-demand vintage electronics in good working order, especially original Nintendo or Apple products. Keep an eye out for old Sony Walkmans, first-generation iPods, GameBoys, vintage computer systems, instant cameras, rotary phones, amplifiers and tape recorders, to name a few.

It is not uncommon to find electronics that are missing power cords or specific required connections. Check eBay to see if you can find a compatible replacement piece or a similar unit being sold for parts that has the piece you need. 

• Valuable finds:
  Nintendo, Sony, Apple vintage items
• Where it sells:
  eBay, Best Buy, Apple, Facebook Marketplace
• Quick tip:
  Always wipe data, clean and test equipment before reselling any electronics.

Artwork & Antiques

Framed art, vintage prints, and even oil paintings are common finds in abandoned storage units. While most pieces are usually decorative rather than valuable, occasionally a forgotten antique or original artwork is tucked inside.

Antique furniture, sculptures, and home decor may also carry value—especially if crafted from quality materials. Valuable antiques can often masquerade as overworn junk, so to be safe, take nothing for granted. Check the back, bottom, corners and inside of each piece for signatures, certificates of authenticity or artist labels to be sure you don’t miss a collector’s gem in hiding.

Resources like online auction databases and collector forums can help you estimate worth. These items require a bit more research and time, but could yield surprisingly high returns.

• Valuable finds:
  Signed works, period pieces, designer items
• Where it sells:
  Auction houses, private collectors, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy
• Quick tip:
  Use online databases and collectors’ groups to verify and authenticate these items. Never toss vintage-looking pieces until you’re certain they are worthless.

Tools & Equipment

Power tools, hand tools and contractor equipment are nearly always in demand, especially high-quality or commercial-grade gear. These finds are among the most practical and profitable items in auctioned storage units. 

Brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Snap-On do especially well at resale, especially if the tools are well-maintained and in good working condition. Industrial equipment, garden tools and even auto repair gear sell well to DIYers, tradespeople and hobbyists.
Carefully check tools for rust, frayed cords and damaged or missing parts. Research online to find proper cleaning tips for specific tools. eBay is a good source if you need to find replacement or missing parts to prep tools for resale.

• Valuable finds:
  Power tools, hand tools, mechanic gear
• Where it sells:
  Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace
• Quick tip:
  Test everything safely and keep a basic power supply or battery on hand when scouting.

Clothing & Textiles

Bins of clothing might look like junk at first, but these may actually be troves of buried treasures that could include vintage pieces and designer brands. Items with tags or in excellent condition do best at resale, as do like items sold in bulk lots. 

If you luck into vintage finds and designer labels, these can be resold for a significant profit. Look at original tags and packaging, even stitching and quality fabrics to help you identify keepers from junk. Levi’s 100% cotton denim, ‘90s sportswear, leather jackets, or anything Y2K-era fashion should sell well to fashion fans. 

Keep in mind, however, that not all garments are worth the effort. Mass market clothing and fast fashion may bring in only a few dollars per piece at best, and some may be better suited to the donation bin than resale.Create separate piles for donation, resale and anything you may want to keep.

• Valuable finds:
  Leather jackets, Y2K fashion, denim
• Where It sells:
  Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop
• Quick tip:
  Sort through all items and use the internet to research popular fashion staples of different eras to help you identify pieces that may have value.

Jewelry & Watches: The Treasure at the Bottom of the Box

High-value jewelry and watches are uncommon finds, but these do surface from time to time in storage unit auctions. Jewelry finds can range from costume pieces to real gold or silver. 

Use a magnifying glass to look for hallmarks or karat stamps, and consider testing for authenticity with a simple gold tester kit. That shiny stone that looks like cubic zirconia could actually be a diamond, so make an appointment with a jeweller to have it appraised to be sure. Watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Seiko can hold resale value—especially vintage models. 

Jewelry is often the hardest category of items to authenticate just by looking, so it’s best to have a professional evaluable any piece about which you are unsure.

• Valuable items:
  Gold chains, gemstone rings, luxury watches
• Where it sells:
  Valuable pieces – Consignment, independent jeweller
  Costume pieces – Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, Mercari
• Quick tip:
  Look for common karat markings (10K, 14K, 925) and bring a magnet—real gold isn’t magnetic.

High Risk, High Reward: Hitting the Jackpot in Auctioned Storage Units

When it comes to storage unit auctions, the famous Forrest Gump adage says it all: Abandoned storage units are like a box of chocolates–you never know what you’re going to get. While auctioned storage units will always be risky financial bets–especially when you’re hoping to clean up with a lucrative find–when they pay off, they can pay off big. The biggest ticket items are uncommon, but occasionally buyers do get lucky.

Here are some of the newsworthy, rare and valuable treasures others have found that, should your stars align just so, you might too:

• Cash, currency and valuable coin collections
  Sealed envelopes of cash, forgotten safe deposit boxes, and vintage currency collections have surfaced in abandoned storage units. Buyers have found hundreds of thousands of dollars in rare coins and cash stashed away in boxes of household items.
• Luxury vehicles and vintage cars
  Though cars are rarely forgotten, there have been reports of classic cars like Mustangs and even a Lamborghini Miura found inside storage units. These high-value items are often abandoned when their heirless, well-heeled owners pass away, and such finds can inspire viral news stories.
• High-end sporting equipment
  Golf clubs, bicycles, fishing equipment, especially if well-maintained or vintage, can resell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Look for custom golf club sets or rare fly fishing rods that appeal to niche collectors.
• Work tools and equipment
  Contractors’ tools, especially brand-name power tools or specialized machinery, hold serious resale value. Buyers have uncovered everything from Snap-On tool chests to industrial-grade welders in excellent condition.
• Vintage or rare musical instruments
  Well-kept guitars from brands like Gibson, Fender or Martin can be worth a fortune, particularly vintage models from the ’50s and ’60s. Upright pianos, violins, and brass instruments can also fetch a tidy sum if they are still in playable condition.
• Rare books, artwork or one-of-a-kind collectibles
  First editions, signed manuscripts and original artwork have all turned up at auction. One famous case involved an original Salvador Dalí sketch found tucked among dusty frames and posters.
• Vintage clothing
  Designer dresses, rare band tees and retro leather jackets can command high resale prices, especially in the vintage and streetwear markets. Look for high-end labels like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and well-kept viral streetwear labels for vintage Levi’s, original Nike or Adidas pieces.
• Sports memorabilia
  Signed jerseys, baseball cards, autographed balls and vintage equipment from icons like Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth can be incredibly lucrative. Provenance and authentication are key, but even replica items can have collector value if they’re rare or tied to a moment in sports history.

The Fine Print for Flipping Storage Units: Ethics and Legal Obligations 

Purchasing an abandoned storage unit at auction can be an exciting and profitable adventure, but there are legal requirements and ethical considerations to keep in mind, beyond just paying the bid.

Legal Obligations

Buyers who win abandoned storage units at auction legally agree to accept their contents as-is, sight unseen, and with no required guarantees as to its condition or historical information. Whether your unit contains bars upon bars of gold or nothing but hot air and disappointment, whatever is–or is not–inside is yours. The buyer assumes risk, a reward is not guaranteed, and your purchase is non-refundable. 

Further, some auctioned storage units may contain private or personal information about their former owners. Birth certificates, social security numbers or financial records should be handled with careful discretion to avoid any appearance of misuse that could incur serious legal repercussions, such as identity theft. If you find documents containing personally identifiable information among the items in your unit, look up your local laws on found property and data protection to ensure you manage this information appropriately.

Ethical Considerations

The reasons behind why a storage unit was abandoned can be sensitive. Sometimes these units are abandoned as a result of death, sometimes the previous owner may have been unable to continue payments. It’s common to find photographs, family heirlooms, personal items that appear to have been well-loved, and even urns. 

The general rule of a very ethical thumb among those who frequent storage unit auctions is to try to reunite any such items with their former owners whenever possible. The storage facility may be able to help locate the previous owner, or the documents and pieces themselves may provide contact information. A reputation for ethical behavior will serve buyers well in the long run.

Know Before You Go: The Smart Approach to Storage Unit Auctions

It’s not hard to understand the appeal of storage unit auctions. If you don’t mind a little risk and can afford to lose however much you end up spending to win, the mystery and possibilities these units hold can be a thrill worth the gamble. You might score a windfall, or you could walk away with something you find cool that has zero resale value. 

It’s an exciting game to play, but newcomers should keep their expectations realistic, as there’s no way to know if or when an abandoned storage unit will yield a big payday. It’s important to be prepared to dive deep into the world of historical research, appraisals and niche markets to get the most value from unexpected finds. Above all else, to be successful, you should make sure you know the laws in your state and treat sensitive personal items found along the way with care. 
If auctioned storage units sound like your kind of fun, find storage units near you and start your journey. Whether you’re looking to dive into the world of flipping storage units, or simply looking for some extra space to store your own finds, we’re here to help you get started. Self Storage’s easy find and compare tool makes it easy to quickly browse storage options and prices in your area, so you can choose the right solution for your needs.