In Georgia we call a locker full of black plastic yard bags, "Georgia Luggage".  Usually someone who was recently evicted from their home/apartment needs to load things up quickly and cheaply will place their belongings in trash bags.  It also says a lot versus well packed, labeled, taped, quality moving boxes stacked in a unit.

Thanks Alias, that kinda goes into my belief that they "know" what's inside. When the facility manager or auctioneer knows the approximate value they may want to start the initial price off high, thereby maximizing their percentage of profit. Today a unit was opened and a storage facility worker said "I'm positive there are tools in there!" when no bidders could see them.  Just so happens inside a cardboard box were multiple tools. Hmmm.

I'm in the military and we always have a "packing list" prior to a mission.  You should look at your day of unit hunting as a mission as well and be prepared with all supplies necessary. Here is a list of items and mission plans.
Items:
1. Locks. As a noob you will need 1-2 "key" locks. As you get more experience, more locks.
2. Multiple copies of your drivers license. Many, not all facilities require it before registering
3. A 3 million candle watt flashlight, torch. Commonly found at home depot. Don't bring a cheap double AA battery Maglight brand. You may get a 5%+ advantage over the competition because you were able to see the ONE item to make more profit.
4. Food, water and gas.  If you schedule your auction schedule like I do, you will be maximizing your time by going from one auction to the next with no time for breaks. This is part of your pre-planning the day before. If auction "A" starts at 9:30 and had 5 units for sale with an average sales time of 5 mins per unit......and auction "B" starts at 10:30 but it takes 30 mins to get from A-B how much time do you have at "A"? Lol, this is not a math problem, I just want to get you thinking of planning. So, bring plenty of food and water, full tank of gas and full pack of cigarettes.  You may be like me going from auction "A" to "F" just like this from 9:30 to 2:30.
5. Personal protection. Depending on your state laws!  I carry $7000 on me just in case I find a great unit. With that much cash I want to protect myself, "just in case", so I carry a Glock 19C and OC(mace) spray. I have seen plenty of fights break out at auctions over a few dollars or someone being arrogant. PLEASE follow the rules and laws of your state when protecting yourself or others.
6. Printed out "map quest" type directions taking you from point "A" to "B" and even point "A" to "D" incase auctions B and C were cancelled last minute.
7. A smartphone with a "barcode" application.  You never know when a company has stored brand new items in the box and you have no idea what's inside.  You can snap a picture of the barcode and you phone will tell you the approximate value of that item. Obviously there are other uses for a smart phone at an auction.
8. A friend, truck, storage space, etc on standby. You may need help with all these things. Your friend to lend you his truck and give a helping hand, then allow you to use his garage. Otherwise expect to spend another $100+ on a rental box truck, spend 8 hours loading/hauling and putting everything in your living room while your wife/girlfriend/other beats you over the head with an empty beer bottle telling you to "get this crap out"!!!!!!
Anyways, good luck noobies and be prepared for a rude awakening. This is really hard work, time consuming and nothing like T.V.
By, a3rdRanger

I've been out of the loop for 6 months now of buying units due to being called to duty by the Army Reserves. So, that being said, I've noticed some changes in Georgia. 1. I seem to remember they were always cash only. Today I went to 5 auctions totaling 21 units. At each auction the option was given to use cash and/or credit. Is this new? 2. They stated in the rules that the facility or auctioneer can predetermine an opening bid. Is this new too? I remember when the opening was always $1 and went from there. Today the opening "minimum" bid was $100 for a unit I personally thought was only worth $25. Can anyone from Georgia let me know if this is new or maybe I was just on a new circuit today. Thanks. -a3rdRanger

I bought a unit with 75 beanie buddies and 120 babies plus 35 mcdonalds beanies. All have tush tags and are in like new condition. Some are first generation. I have photos. If you want them, I'll sell cheap. They came out of a unit last week. I live in Georgia, but will ship. Respond to this post if you seriously want them and I'll get in contact with you. Thanks.

The problem with holding out for an auction is:
1. Time and labor, you must store your items for possibly a long time before selling in auction
2. The commission an auction house will charge. Some houses will take 30-60% of your sales price just for getting rid of it for you.
You always want to flip your money ASAP in this business. You may make $100 on your "item" at a flea market the next day or $150 for it months later at auction. Better to flip the $100 right off the bat. It's like compound intrest on a speedy scale, if that makes sense to you.

Also, for all you newbi's....stop spending so much on units! You are killing your profit margin. Two years ago a simple unit would go for 100 bucks and you guys are paying 400.  Have a nice and profitable day!