Check out the fine print of an online auction ....
Buyer is responsible for removing the entire contents of the unit within 72 hours of auction end. Buyer must present valid state or government issued photo ID at time of pick up. Buyers agrees to leave any personal items (birth certificates, passports, driver's license, photo album, financial documents, social security cards, etc. with site manager at time of removal. No dumpster on site. A lock is required to secure unit if you are unable to remove contents in one visit. Buyer must sign and agree to Pier 40 Self Storage On-line Public Auction sale rules before making payment and removing storage unit contents. Removal of items is only during our business hours Tuesday through Friday 7:30am to 6:00pm. Sale is not final until contents of unit are fully removed : Tenant in default can pay and claim their storage unit at anytime after unit is listed in auction to when the contents of the unit are present. Cash only!!
Apparently even if you pay them and start to load the units, if the owner pays they will get the rest of their stuff back? What kind of craziness is this?