Hello!
I could use some advice. Some basic info about my situation first:
- I'm considering signing units over to the storage company and letting them auction the contents.
- Location: California, LA County
- Number of Storage Units: 2
- Both units are under the same storage company. I won't list the company name, but it's one of the bigger, well known companies that have units all over the US.
- None of the units are in my name. However, both owners are now deceased. I am the next of kin for both owners.
- There are no probate or estate considerations that prevent me from auctioning the units. I have spoken to estate attorneys. I'm legally free to do whatever I want with these units.
- The storage lease doesn't really address my situation. It addresses what happens with auction when monthly payments are missed, but I am NOT behind on payments. Payments are current and units are in good standing.
Some questions you may have:
- Do I want to sell any of the stuff in the units?
While it would be nice to get some money back considering how much we've paid over the years, nothing in the units would be worth much. Even if there is some unknown expensive item in there, y'all, I'm tired. I have friends to help occasionally, but it's mostly on me and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed dealing with 2 deaths close together. I have other estate matters to deal with and I feel like these units are sucking me dry. Financially, I need these units to be gone.
Currently, my emotions are waffling between crying helplessly on the storage room floor to wanting to burn everything down in frustration the longer I stand among the dusty boxes.
(In case y'all were wondering where I'm at in the grieving process 😅)
- Do I want to donate items instead of auctioning?
My local library is desperate for book donations and I plan to donate any that haven't been damaged, but there are a lot of items in the unit that donation places won't take. Usually because they have too many already and it's hard for them to get rid of the items themselves.
- What if I just get rid of everything myself and close out the units?
I'm by myself. If donation centers won't take the items then that means I'd have to hire someone to help me move stuff. That's time and money I don't have.
So....
Is there anything I should consider before doing this? I'm not looking for legal advice just suggestions based on your personal experience.
Because the units are in good standing, is there a chance I'd get a percentage of the money?
I realize that last question may be dependant on lease and company rules, but I'm curious if it's an option in a general sense.
Please do not DM asking me to sell things to you personally. I don't know you and I don't want your money. I will ignore you if you approach me as an individual buyer.
I'm just looking for advice from anyone who's been in a similar situation. How did you handle it? I'm looking for anything that isn't mentioned in contract but may have hit you out of nowhere from left field.
If there's another Reddit community I should post too, please let me know!
Thank you in advance!