Examples may include long forgotten antiques and collectables and unique household items. One last word about dust in a storage bin. There is something else to look out for when that door opens for the first peek and all the dusty boxes are revealed. If you see fresh handprints or footprints in the dust, it may mean that the unit has been pilfered or violated prior to the auction. Take this into consideration when bidding. With experience you will come to realize that the shape of a box, the way it is packed, and how it is taped or closed also may be indicative of what contents are inside.

Storage Treasures experts tend to think that irregularly shaped boxes hold household items such as small appliances, dishware, lamps, knickknacks and more. If a unit contains regularly shaped boxes, neatly taped and stacked, they are likely to contain retail items.

Here is something unusual to look out for: if the storage unit (also known as a storage locker) has taped boxes that have been opened and retaped, it probably means that they contain personal items such as documents and photos that the prior owner has gone in looking for at some point. On the other hand, untidy but taped boxes that haven't been opened usually contain unused household items the owner can't part with or plans to use in the future

If the storage auction takes place at a facility that is climate controlled, you are more likely to discover valuable goods. A climate controlled storage facility, which generally costs the renter more money, is more likely to contain valuable contents worth protecting. Goods stored in a climate controlled unit will also suffer less damage and deterioration over long periods of time.

Lastly, when a unit is opened for inspection and reveals a large amount of goods stacked to the rafters, it is more likely that it may be an entire household full of merchandise. As an auction buyer, your chance of finding valuable items increases with the volume of goods.