Warning and Addressing the Issue of Homelessness and Loss of Storage Unit Contents. Who gets the surplus money from the sale of your contents?

Addressing the Issue of Homelessness and Loss of Storage Unit Contents

Understanding the Problem

Homelessness is a serious issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. One of the many challenges faced by homeless individuals is the secure storage of their personal belongings. Many homeless people rely on storage units to keep their possessions safe. However, due to various circumstances, they may end up losing the contents of these storage units. This loss can be devastating, stripping them of essential items and personal mementos that hold significant sentimental value. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this issue and potential solutions to mitigate the problem.

Reasons for Loss of Storage Unit Contents. 

1. Financial Instability: Homeless individuals often face financial instability, making it difficult to keep up with storage unit rental payments. Failure to pay these fees can result in the auctioning off of their stored belongings.

2. Lack of Access: Sometimes, homeless individuals may have difficulty accessing their storage units due to transportation issues, health problems, or other personal barriers.

3. Miscommunication: Misunderstandings or lack of clear communication between the storage facility and the renter can lead to unintended loss of possessions. A side from not having funds this is the second biggest reason why a storage unit is lost. The reasons being no access to emails, no address, or not checking the mail often enough. Or simply put drugs and or alcohol.

 Potential Solutions

1. Financial Assistance Programs: Implementing programs that provide financial assistance specifically for storage unit fees can help mitigate the risk of loss. Non-profit organizations and government agencies could offer grants or subsidies to cover these costs.

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2. Your storage unit should only be a temporary solution until you find a place, a few months maximum. If you feel you will need the storage unit longer then a few months, you should reconsider what your storing in the unit is it worth spending $1,000 to $3,000 a year.

WARNING

We see a lot of people store old furniture. Old TVs, old bedding. We have helped them save the belongings from going to auction. This is a band aid and only delays the inevitable. They pay $100-$300 dollars a month, only to lose it. When reality hits. They get very upset and complain of the family pictures that were in there. 

The problem is always the same they spend thousands of dollars to save a couple hundred dollars worth of old stuff. Do the math and stop putting good money on top of bad money. 

If you store your family pictures. Take the negatives out. Ask a care coordinator or friend to hold them. Any real personal items that you are storing in the unit get out if you have unstable income.

Here is the a few example of items you should never keep in a storage unit.

• Pictures (if you do, keep the negatives safe someplace else).

• Important papers for you your family and your pets.

• Heirloom jewelry.

• If it is priceless and your income is unstable. Figure out someplace else to store these items.

• A loved ones ashes

3. Community Support Networks: Developing community support networks that assist homeless individuals with transportation and access to storage units can make a significant difference. Volunteers or local organizations could offer rides or accompany individuals to their units.

4. Clear Communication Channels: Ensuring clear and compassionate communication between storage facilities and their homeless clients is crucial. Providing information on policies, deadlines, and available resources can prevent misunderstandings.

5. Alternative Storage Solutions: Exploring alternative storage solutions, such as community lockers or subsidized storage spaces, can provide a more secure and affordable option for homeless individuals.

6. There are certain situations where DSS will pay the monthly storage fees. Look into their policies. 

7. Down size. Audit what you have in storage. Sell or get rid of what you can. Down size to a smaller unit. 

Surplus!

If a storage unit auction brings in more than the owed balance, the surplus belongs to the unit's original owner. The storage facility can only legally keep the amount due for rent, late fees, and auction-related expenses. Any remaining funds are returned to the original owner. If the owner cannot be located, the surplus may be turned over to the state's unclaimed property division. 

 Conclusion

The loss of storage unit contents is a pressing issue for homeless individuals, compounding the difficulties they already face. By understanding the root causes and implementing targeted solutions, we can help ensure that their personal belongings remain safe and accessible. Through financial assistance, flexible payment plans, community support, clear communication, and alternative storage solutions, we can make a positive impact on the lives of homeless individuals.

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