Where to Buy Storage Units: A Complete Guide for Buyers

Meta Description: Looking to invest in storage units? Learn where to buy storage units from , the best places from auctions to private sales, and how to find the best deals.

Storage units have become a booming industry, with increasing demand for both personal storage solutions and investment opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to store personal belongings, buy storage units for resale profits, or invest in an entire storage facility, the market offers multiple ways to get involved.

The key to making a smart purchase is understanding where to buy storage units and how to choose the right option based on your goals.

Some buyers look for abandoned storage units through auctions, hoping to find valuable items they can resell for a profit. Others seek long-term investments by purchasing entire storage facilities and generating rental income.

On the other hand, individuals or businesses often need extra storage space and look to buy pre-owned or customized storage units for personal use.

Regardless of your purpose, knowing where to buy storage units is crucial to making a financially sound decision. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to buy storage units, their advantages and risks, and how to find the best deals in the storage industry.

Understanding Different Ways to Buy Storage Units

Before diving into the storage unit market, it’s important to understand the different ways to buy storage units. The process varies depending on whether you’re purchasing a single storage unit for personal use, an abandoned unit at an auction, or an entire storage facility as an investment.

Each method offers unique advantages, risks, and levels of financial commitment. Below are the primary ways to buy storage units, including what to expect from each:

1. Storage Unit Auctions

One of the most popular ways to buy storage units is through storage unit auctions. When renters stop paying for their storage units and fail to claim their belongings within a given period, the storage facility has the right to auction off the unit’s contents to recover lost revenue.

Storage unit auctions can be an exciting way to purchase a unit, as you never know what valuable items you might find inside. Some buyers specialize in storage auction flipping, where they bid on abandoned units, sift through the contents, and resell valuable items for a profit.

Auctions can be held in-person at the storage facility or online through platforms like:

• https://www.bigtexstorage.com/storage-auctions-in-houston/

Pros:

• Potential to find valuable items at a low cost.
• Fast purchasing process without long negotiations.
• Exciting opportunity for resellers looking to make a profit.

Cons:

• Risky investment—you don’t know exactly what’s inside until after you buy.
• No refunds or guarantees, meaning you could end up with low-value or unusable items.
• Highly competitive, as many bidders look for hidden treasures.

2. Private Sales (Buying Directly from Owners)

Another way to buy storage units is through private sales, where individuals or businesses sell their pre-owned storage units. This method is best suited for those who need extra storage space for personal or business use rather than for investment or resale.

Private sales can include purchasing:

• Mobile or portable storage units from businesses that no longer need them.
• Used shipping containers for storage purposes.
• Storage pods that homeowners no longer require.

These units are often sold through online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local classified ads.

Pros:

• No bidding wars, allowing for a straightforward purchase.
• Can inspect the unit before buying, ensuring it meets your needs.
• More negotiation flexibility on price and terms.

Cons:

• Limited availability, as private sellers may not always have units for sale.
• Prices may vary, depending on condition, size, and location.
• Not an investment opportunity unless resold at a profit.

3. Buying an Entire Storage Facility for Investment

For those looking for a long-term investment, purchasing an entire self-storage facility can generate steady rental income. The self-storage industry is a growing sector, with many investors seeking to buy and operate storage businesses as a passive income stream.

You can find storage facilities for sale on different websites as well

• LoopNet (a marketplace for commercial real estate).
• Crexi (a commercial real estate exchange).

Buying a storage facility requires a larger financial investment and often involves property management responsibilities. However, it can be highly lucrative if the facility is well-maintained and located in a high-demand area.

Pros:

• Steady rental income from multiple tenants.
• Long-term investment with high growth potential.
• Lower maintenance compared to residential real estate.

Cons:

• Requires substantial capital to purchase and operate.
• Ongoing management needed, including marketing and customer service.
• Market competition can affect profitability.

4. Government or Business Liquidation Sales

Another way to buy storage units is through government surplus auctions or business liquidation sales. Sometimes, government agencies, law enforcement, or businesses sell off storage units that contain seized, unclaimed, or surplus items.

These sales are often less competitive than traditional storage auctions and may include:

• Law enforcement auctions selling confiscated goods.
• Government surplus storage units with office furniture or equipment.
• Bankruptcy and business closure sales, where companies liquidate assets.

Websites like GSA Auctions offer listings of storage units and containers available for public purchase.

Pros:

• Potential to buy at a lower price due to limited competition.
• Wide variety of items, including business equipment and vehicles.
• Less risk compared to blind storage unit auctions.

Cons:

• Can be difficult to find listings for storage units specifically.
• May require additional paperwork or bidding qualifications.
• Limited visibility into what’s inside before purchasing.

Where to Buy Storage Units at Auctions?

One of the most popular ways to buy storage units is through storage unit auctions. These auctions happen when tenants fail to pay rent, and the facility must clear out the unit to recoup losses. Buying auctioned storage units can be a great way to find hidden treasures or valuable items at a fraction of their retail value.

Types of Storage Auctions

1 – Live On-Site Storage Auctions

Traditional storage auctions are held at the storage facility itself, where bidders gather and bid on units in person. You can inspect the unit from the outside but cannot touch or enter it before bidding. These are great for those who prefer hands-on bidding and want to see the condition of the unit before purchasing.

2 – Online Storage Auctions

Websites like BigTexStorage.com, Bid13.com, and Lockerfox allow you to bid on storage units online. These online platforms list abandoned units from across the country, making it easy to buy without leaving home. While this is a convenient option, it does come with risks, as you rely solely on photos and descriptions.

3 – Government and Police Auctions

Some storage units end up in government-controlled auctions, especially if the items inside were confiscated due to legal issues or business foreclosures. Sites like GovDeals and Public Surplus often list storage units from law enforcement or bankruptcy cases.

Pros of Buying Storage Units at Auctions

• Low-cost entry – Some units sell for as little as $50.
• Potential for profit – Valuable items inside can be resold for a higher price.
• Variety of options – Online and in-person auctions provide different choices.

Cons of Buying at Auctions

• Unpredictable inventory – You don’t always know what’s inside.
• Competition – Some auctions have aggressive bidders.
• Cleaning responsibility – Buyers must clear out the unit after purchase.

Where to Buy Storage Units for Personal Use?

Not everyone buying a storage unit is looking for auctioned items. Some people purchase storage units for personal or business use when they need extra space.

Options for Buying Storage Units for Personal Use

1. Self-Storage Facilities
   The most direct way to buy a storage unit is through a self-storage company like Big Tex Storage. Many facilities offer long-term rental agreements, but some allow outright purchases for dedicated storage needs.
2. Custom-Built Storage Units
   If you need a storage unit on private property, you can buy portable storage units from manufacturers like Container King or U-Haul’s U-Box. These are ideal for homeowners, businesses, or vehicle storage.
3. Warehouse Storage for Businesses
   For businesses needing bulk storage, some warehouses offer sections of storage for sale rather than rent. This option is ideal for eCommerce businesses that need inventory storage.

Pros of Buying a Storage Unit for Personal Use

• Secure space – Avoid paying long-term rental fees.
• Customization – Some units allow for modifications and upgrades.
• Convenience – Permanent storage on private property eliminates the need for travel.

Cons

• Higher upfront cost – Buying outright is more expensive than renting.
• Limited resale options – Storage units don’t always appreciate in value.

If you need a personal storage unit, check with local storage facilities like Big Tex Self Storage to see if they offer units for purchase rather than just rental.

Where to Buy Storage Facilities for Investment?

For those looking to invest in the storage industry, buying an entire storage facility can be a lucrative opportunity. The self-storage industry has seen consistent growth, with demand increasing due to population growth, downsizing trends, and remote work.

How to Buy a Storage Facility

1. Commercial Real Estate Listings
   Websites like LoopNet, Crexi, and Realtor.com Commercial list storage businesses for sale, including self-storage buildings and container storage parks.
2. Direct Seller Listings
   Some storage facility owners privately sell their business rather than listing it on major platforms. You can find these opportunities through business brokerage firms or networking with storage facility owners.
3. Storage Franchises
   Some companies, like Public Storage, allow investors to buy into a franchise, operating under their brand. This option offers turnkey storage investments with existing marketing and operational support.

Pros of Buying a Storage Facility

• Consistent cash flow – Monthly rent provides steady revenue.
• Growing industry – High demand for storage continues to rise.
• Scalability – Facilities can be expanded with more units over time.

Cons

• High initial investment – Buying a facility requires substantial capital.
• Property management responsibilities – Maintenance, security, and staffing are required.

If you’re considering investing in a storage facility, research the local market, compare occupancy rates, and evaluate operating costs before purchasing.

Choosing the Best Way to Buy a Storage Unit

When it comes to buying a storage unit, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The best method depends on your goals, budget, and risk tolerance. Whether you’re purchasing a unit for personal storage, flipping abandoned units for resale profit, or investing in an entire self-storage facility, each option has its own advantages and challenges.

The key to making a smart decision is understanding the different buying methods and aligning them with your financial and personal objectives. Below, we explore the main factors to consider when choosing how and where to buy a storage unit.

Buying a Storage Unit for Personal Use

If your main goal is to purchase a storage unit for personal storage, then the best approach is to look for private sales or directly purchase from a storage facility. This is ideal for individuals or businesses that need extra space but don’t want to deal with auctions or high-risk investments.

Best options for personal storage buyers:

• Direct purchase from storage facilities: Some storage facilities allow customers to buy units outright instead of renting. This provides long-term security for those who need storage space without monthly fees.
• Private sales: Buying a pre-owned storage unit from an individual or business can be a cost-effective way to secure storage space. These units are often sold on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or classified ads.
• Mobile storage units: Portable storage containers, such as Pods or shipping containers, can be purchased and placed on private property for long-term use.

This method is low risk and provides control over what you’re buying since you can inspect the unit before purchasing. However, the downside is that availability can be limited, and pricing depends on size, condition, and location.

Buying a Storage Unit at Auction for Resale Profit

For those looking to make money from flipping storage units, participating in storage unit auctions is the most popular method. When storage renters fail to pay for their units, the contents are auctioned off to recover costs. These units often contain furniture, electronics, collectibles, and other valuables that buyers can resell for a profit.

Best options for auction buyers:

• In-person storage unit auctions: Many storage facilities hold live auctions where buyers can bid on units. These are great for those who want to physically inspect the unit before bidding.
• Online storage auctions: Websites like StorageTreasures, Bid13, and Lockerfox allow buyers to bid remotely on storage units across different locations.

Pros:

• Potential for high-profit margins if valuable items are found.
• Fast transactions with no lengthy negotiations.
• Great for experienced resellers who know how to assess unit value.

Cons:

• No guarantee of finding valuable items.
• Blind bidding—buyers cannot always inspect the unit before purchase.
• Highly competitive, with experienced bidders driving up prices.

Buying storage units at auctions can be risky, but for those who understand the business and are willing to put in the effort to sort, clean, and resell items, it can be a profitable venture.

Buying a Storage Facility for Investment

For buyers interested in long-term financial growth, purchasing an entire self-storage facility can be a lucrative investment. With the self-storage industry growing, owning a storage business offers steady rental income and high demand.

Best options for investors:

• Commercial real estate platforms: Websites like LoopNet, Crexi, and BizBuySell list storage facilities for sale across various locations.
• Off-market deals: Some investors find storage facilities for sale through networking, local real estate brokers, or direct outreach to storage owners.

Pros:

• Consistent cash flow from rental payments.
• Long-term appreciation of commercial property.
• Lower maintenance costs compared to residential real estate.

Cons:

• Significant upfront investment is required.
• Ongoing management of rental units, maintenance, and customer service.
• Market risks—location and competition can impact profitability.

Investing in a storage facility is best for those who have capital, industry knowledge, and the ability to manage a business. If done correctly, it can be a highly profitable long-term investment.

Final Considerations Before Buying a Storage Unit

Regardless of which method you choose, conducting due diligence is essential. Here are some final steps to take before making a purchase:

• Research the storage market: Prices, demand, and investment opportunities vary by location.
• Check facility reputation: If buying from an existing facility, read customer reviews and inspect the site’s security and maintenance.
• Understand legal responsibilities: If bidding on an auction, verify the rules and payment terms beforehand.
• Set a budget: Whether buying for storage, resale, or investment, define your spending limits.
• Consider additional costs: If purchasing a facility, factor in operational expenses like property management, marketing, and security.

By carefully evaluating your storage unit goals and choosing the right purchasing method, you can maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Whether you’re looking for personal storage, flipping opportunities, or investment potential, there’s a storage unit option that fits your needs.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Storage Unit to Buy

Now knowing where to buy a storage unit, your choice depends on your purpose and goals. Whether you’re looking for auctioned storage units, self-storage for personal use, or investment opportunities in storage real estate, there are plenty of options to explore.

If you’re in Houston and looking for premium storage solutions, Big Tex Storage offers top-tier facilities with secure, climate-controlled units that are available for rental.

Ready to find the perfect storage solution? Contact Big Tex Storage today and explore our available units for rent and available auction options.