When most people think about what could go wrong when storing their belongings, forgetting to retrieve something usually isn’t at the top of the list. But believe it or not, this is one of the most common issues that storage unit customers face. If you forget to bring something important with you when you move your belongings from storage, there’s a good chance you’ll have to go back and get it. Of course, this can be difficult if you live far away from your storage unit. Plus, there’s no guarantee that whatever you left behind will still be there when you return. What exactly happens if you leave your stuff in your storage unit following a move or a relocation? Keep reading to find out.
They May Contact You
While this certainly does not apply with every storage unit company, sometimes, if you leave something behind in your storage unit, the management team may try to reach out to you. The company may use a variety of methods to try to contact you, such as calling your phone or emailing you.
The amount of times they will reach out differs from company to company. This is a good thing to look into and ask about when signing up for your contract. Some companies reach out once and keep your stuff for 30-90 days before discarding them. Others will be more diligent and call or email until they get a hold of you.
Therefore, it is important to keep your contact information updated with the storage unit company. If the company is unable to reach you, it may be necessary to dispose of the item.
Auction
If you leave things behind, the storage company could auction off your belongings to the highest bidder. This could happen if you don’t pay your bill or if you’ve gone past the expiration date for your rental agreement. If you leave your stuff in a storage unit and do not get in contact with the storage unit company, this may very well be the course of action they choose to take.
Storage unit companies generally have a clause in their contract that allows them to auction off any leftovers if the renter doesn’t come back for a certain length of time. This is done in order to make sure that the company isn’t losing money by having to store someone’s belongings indefinitely.
Storage Elsewhere
Lastly, if you do not claim your belongings after a certain amount of time, the company may choose to store them elsewhere. This could mean storing them in a warehouse or another location. Most places will charge you a fee for this and it can get expensive!
It’s also important to keep in mind that the company may not be able to hold onto your belongings forever. They may eventually have to dispose of them if they cannot find someone to purchase or pick them up.
Questions?
When signing up for a storage unit or moving out of one, it’s important to read the fine print on the contract so you can understand the steps to take if you do accidentally leave something behind. Do you have any other questions about what happens if you forget your stuff in your storage unit? Contact The Storage Group. They are more than happy to help!