So I just got done going through everything out of the unit we bought. Its a given that I am going to return all the pictures (ended up being a large suitcase, and 5 boxes full), college degrees, baby books, etc.
Here is my dilemma: How much do you really need to give back? I went through about 30 boxes of personal crap. These boxes looked as though they were damaged in a basement and then taken to storage. All the boxes were junk (and the smell was horrendous). This lady had this storage locker since 2002. She relinquished the locker to the storage facility. conditions were pictures, personal items and some ceramic tree be returned. Found the tree (of course broken because it was just thrown into the locker, found it in the back under a bunch of crap) but it will be returned.
Personal items included all of her kids homework, artwork, etc. Mostly ruined. Receipts dating back to 1990. I am going to burn all papers that have any SS#, and real personal info. If I return ALL of the personal item, I pretty much paid for her back rent, cleaned out the locker and put all her crap in new boxes. To me, that is too much. I would need the truck to take it all back. The storage manager is pissed that the owner agreed to give back anything at all as the woman hasn't been in there in at least 2-3 years.
I think after all is said and done we will at least break even. Of course all those water damaged, disgusting boxes were first in the locker, so no way to see them on bidding. That's the chance you take.
There are taxes and stuff in there, ruined and stinking...but none later than 2001. So its beyond the 7 years you need to keep something. I think if the stuff meant that much, she wouldve come up with the money to get it out.
Am I wrong about not returning EVERYTHING personal? Most of the photo albums are junk because of water damage, but I am still returning them and the broken tree