Most commonly found items

So after my first auction I realized that I know less than I thought after my price research (also with the inflation of newbies who apparently don't do research). I noticed that there were some common items in those three units, though and would like to get some thoughts. Not necessarily values because I can (hopefully) find that out myself since pricing can be local. So far I've seen:

Mattresses (75-150 on CL depending on condition in my area)
Lamps
Boxes/totes marked "clothes"
Assorted furniture
Broken/shoddy furniture
Various home supplies (brooms and shovels)

Since I haven't actually bought a unit yet, I was hoping for some insight as to what's usually inside those unmarked boxes. My guess is junk, but what are some of the non-junk things you've found often or at least with some consistency?

You are right on with your list.  From my limited experience, I have found that in the boxs you should be prepared to deal with lots and lots of cd's and dvd's. Many in scratched condition. Plenty of paperwork and other personal items, and many small tools (basic screwdriver/hammer stuff). 

I will start the list:

Porn
Christmas ornaments
Dirty Laundry
Porn

chipped dishes, dirty cookware, odd sets of forks, spoons, knifes, cups.

I will start the list:

Porn
Christmas ornaments
Dirty Laundry
Porn

You're slipping mb~how could you forget to add in drug paraphernalia?  I find that second only to porn.  Oh and strippers clothes.

Shmoopy~you'd be surprised how much you can make off brooms and shovels and the like.  Avoid vacuums and bread-makers.....can't give those away in my area.
Also mattress' are a tricky item.  I hate them and rarely buy units with them, unless they are in IMMACULATE shape.  Otherwise, I view them as a dump run item.  

Think about it......would you want to buy a mattress that is from a unit with porn, drug paraphernalia, strippers clothing and porn???

Since I haven't actually bought a unit yet, I was hoping for some insight as to what's usually inside those unmarked boxes. My guess is junk, but what are some of the non-junk things you've found often or at least with some consistency?

1) your guess about "junk" is pretty much correct for 90% or more of boxes.
2) all the answers from reply #2 above on down are accurate in my experience.
3) as far as non-junk items (and the items I like to sell,) the following are examples:

a) unbuilt models (plastic or balsa)
b) decorator items in pristine condition
c) name brand tools (Makita, Snap-On, etc)
d) collector coins
e) spendable coins and cash
f) gift cards and the like
g) designer clothing, shoes (and good quality work clothing)
h) firearms
i)  better artwork
j) consumer electronics
k) ham radio/scanners
l)  good quality toys
m) heaters in winter, air-conditioners in summer
n) lapidary equipment
o) small accent furniture (no mattresses, chests, dining tables)
p-z) half an alphabet of above should get you started....

Now all you have to do is buy a locker, move the stuff, sell the stuff !

Now all you have to do is buy a locker, move the stuff, sell the stuff !

The easy part, right? 

Also mattress' are a tricky item.  I hate them and rarely buy units with them, unless they are in IMMACULATE shape.  Otherwise, I view them as a dump run item.

I was talking to a couple of regulars at the auction after we saw the unit with about 7 mattresses in it and they said that they sell all day around here. Good news for me, I suppose since it seems most units have them...

I really forgot about drugs and porn... I imagine there will be laughs and awkward looks when I find some...

  at porn.


I havent come across it yet but last auction i won had a dvd case full of porn.  I Yelled, " Score!!"   my wife looks around and goes what, what!!     hands her the dvd collection. 


she looks at me and     threw it back at me.   


lol 

Lol Todd - I would of gone "have it, have it, seen it, seen it , seen it, Oh here is a new one!!!!".  Would of gotten the same treatment.  Just told my wife I found a book for her "Every woman's stripper excercise and workout book".  She told me to keep dreaming.  I replied - well you took those pole dancing lessons with your siser 

Shmoopy - here is what I normally find and do:

1) Matresses - avoid can't sell in my area
2) Washer/Dryer - 50/50 chance they work.  If I ever find a source to work on them will start to bid on.
3) Particle board furniture - most of it I have gotten is cheap, broken, water damage, etc.  Goes in bon fire pile.
4) Trash bags / boxes (cloths) - I'm still trying to get a handle on this.  Donate most things to Goodwill for write-off.  Keep a few.  Still trying to figure out best way to sale.  Going to try ebay here soon.
5) safe, lockbox, briefcase - 95% of the time they are empty or paperwork.  Still looking for one with something good in it.
6) Totes / boxes - wide range of stuff -- is what I love searching

Things that sell for me:
1) electronics
2) bed frames w/ rails or the rails by themselves
3) CD / DVD / games @ flea (figure $2-$3 per)
4) nick nacks and random stuff
5) New items in box
6) Shoes that came in boxes even if used

I've not really found any porn or drug stuff except for my first unit.  It smelled of weed, found a vial of lidacain (expired), and a "Girls gone wild DVD".  Only other porn I found was a guy that taped playboy tv.  Guess I'm buying the wrong units

My plan is to go to auctions, save money, go to auctions, save money while picking at yard sales all the while until I get my first unit. Once I get my first unit, I imagine I'll be doing tons more research and probably asking some questions on here. I just wanted to ask this question now to help myself think of ways to sell. I have a furniture consignment place nearby as well as one for kids' stuff and for high end women's clothing. The rest is either dump/goodwill/flea. I just need to figure out what to put in each pile.

Thanks to everyone for their help! I love this forum 

Take your time come up with a plan and stick to it.Don't get caught up in the emotion or desperation because you haven't  bought a locker for awhile.

Good Luck!

Dirty Laundry
Dirty laundry
Dirty laundry.

LOL

I really forgot about drugs and porn... I imagine there will be laughs and awkward looks when I find some...

Whole tread on how to sell the porn, and a few discussion on the drugs. LOL

I really like Shmoopy's enthusiasm!! 

I got a kick out of a comment at an auction we went to last weekend. One of the regulars was stating that he has found porn in almost every single lkr. So we get to a lkr of an older lady. A comment was made about the chances of finding porn in an 80 year old's lkr. Someone replied "well, she wasn't always 80". 

What's the most interesting porn name you have found in a locker? So far my favorite name had to be a DVD named a$$ sass!