Storage unit auctions happen reluctantly. Most facilities do not want to do auctions but, in order to recover unpaid rent on the unit, it is the only way they can recover financially. After the auction, the storage unit facility takes the money and puts it toward the debt; if there is money left over then it is distributed to the original renter. Sometimes a facility will schedule several units to be auctioned on the same day and then when you arrive, there are only a couple of units that are going to be bid upon. The renter has the chance to recover their belongings and pay up on the rent up until the morning of the auction. So, be prepared for less than advertised.