Whether it’s Brooklyn storage or Timbuktu storage, follow these tips

~An AmeriCollector.com Exclusive~

[singlepic id=489 w=380 h=300 float=left]Shows like “Storage Wars” and “American Pickers” have sparked people’s interest in finding great bargains on antiques and collectibles. The idea of digging up old objects appeals to different people for different reasons. Of course, the history associated with these items is charming. And in some cases, the items can bring in huge paydays. For one woman, the antique jade china she found in her father’s attic turned out to be worth more than $1 million. So whether you’re looking at Brooklyn storage or across the country at Seattle storage, antiques can be found for incredibly cheap at storage auctions. Here are a few tips that each prospective collector should know before plunging into the world of storage auctions:

Wear casual clothes to the auction. If you roll up in a limousine and in a suit and tie, you’ll be projecting one thing: You have money. That is exactly the opposite of what you want everyone at the auction to think. I’m not saying you need to show up in sweats that have food stains on them, but try not to look like a hotshot. If you decide to overdress, you may come across people who bid on an item just to raise the price – and get a rise out of you.

Bring cash. A lot of storage auctions take only cash and there would be nothing worse than closing the deal on a unit only to discover that they don’t take credit or debit cards. You may wish to call in advance to figure out exactly what that vendor’s policies are regarding cash versus credit.

Bring locks. Once you win the auction on a certain unit, you’ll be expected to remove the contents within a specified period of time. If you can’t get everything in one trip, you’ll want to be able to lock up everything until you can come back. You’ll really want to have locks if you happen to buy something as valuable as what Jinx Taylor found in 2009.

Storage auctions can be hit-or-miss but if you decide to throw your hat in the ring, be sure you come prepared. Know that company’s policies and make sure you’re projecting the right image at the auction. Finally, make sure you have fun!

Lisa Moore blogs about collectibles and storage.

Image courtesy of Lisa Moore, Blog Content Guild