Every day, we receive calls and emails from prospective storage renters asking the same question: Just how big are your storage units? Given that our company is called Big Box Storage, it’s natural to assume they’re spacious, but how big is big?
We always provide exact exterior dimensions: each Big Box storage unit measures 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 7 feet tall. While these numbers are helpful, many customers still struggle to picture what that actually looks like in real-world terms. To clarify, we often explain that a single Big Box can typically hold the contents of a room and a half of furniture. However, this description can still leave some customers uncertain, since the size of a “room and a half” can vary widely from one person to another.
A Creative Solution: Visualizing Space While Giving Back
To make it easier for San Diego storage renters to grasp just how big is big, we’ve come up with a fun and meaningful solution, one that not only answers the question but also benefits local charities.
Starting next month, Big Box Storage will launch a quarterly “How Big is Big?” charity event. Each quarter, we’ll choose a specific item such as a household good or a non-perishable food item that can be donated to a San Diego charity. Then, we’ll load as many of that item as possible into a Big Box to demonstrate its full capacity.
One of the top contenders for our first event in March? Paper towel rolls. How many can fit inside a single Big Box? Hundreds? Thousands? Whatever the final count, this initiative will give renters a much clearer understanding of our storage units’ size.
A Win-Win for the Community
The best part? Once the Big Box is filled to the brim, we’ll deliver its entire contents to a San Diego charity in need. By combining a real-world size demonstration with a meaningful donation, we’re giving back to the community while helping customers make informed decisions about their storage needs.
So, whether you’re looking for a reliable storage solution or just curious about how big is big, stay tuned for updates on our upcoming “How Big is Big?” charity events. We can’t wait to see just how much we can fit and how much good we can do, one Big Box at a time!
As one of San Diego’s most trusted storage providers, we bring the same commitment to security and customer service to our vehicle parking services. From single work vans to full fleets of moving trucks, we understand your vehicles are the backbone of your business. Learn more about storage space costs in San Diego and discover how we provide value and reliability for every customer. When you park with us, you get more than peace of mind — you get a reliable partner invested in your success.
However, while the city has plenty to offer, there’s one significant drawback—its high cost of living. Everything from housing to dining out is more expensive compared to many other parts of the country. This extends to the cost of renting storage space in San Diego, which can be surprisingly steep.
How to Save on Storage Space in San Diego
If you need storage, you might be wondering how to keep costs down. The good news? There are smart ways to save, especially by choosing portable storage solutions like those offered by Big Box Storage.
Traditional self-storage companies often charge high rates because of the expensive land and prime locations they occupy. However, portable storage providers, like Big Box Storage, operate differently. Instead of maintaining costly, high-visibility locations, they store units in more affordable areas, which translates into significant savings for customers.
As of this writing, Big Box Storage offers a monthly rental rate starting at just $89 (with a 12-month minimum commitment) for a 40 sq. ft. storage space, that’s an 8′ x 5′ unit. Compared to traditional self-storage companies, the savings are considerable.
Price Comparison: Big Box Storage vs. Traditional Storage Units
To put things into perspective, let’s look at the storage rates from various self-storage providers in San Diego as of January 21, 2012. The prices for a comparable storage unit (around 40 sq. ft.) are as follows:
Company A – Zip code 92108 – $109/month
Company B – Zip code 92120 – $99/month
Company C – Zip code 92131 – $89/month
Company D – Zip code 91977 – $99/month
Company E – Zip code 92128 – $120/month
Company F – Zip code 92026 – $99/month
Company G – Zip code 92121 – $89/month
On average, Big Box Storage is 27% cheaper than other San Diego storage companies. And while we’ve omitted competitor names, a quick Google search for “storage in San Diego” will allow you to verify pricing from these providers.
More Ways to Save with Portable Storage
Choosing portable storage doesn’t just save money on monthly rental fees—it also eliminates other costs that come with traditional self-storage.
No Need for a Rental Truck
One of the hidden expenses of self-storage is the cost of renting a truck to transport your belongings to the facility. Truck rentals can easily exceed $100 once you factor in rental fees, fuel, mileage, and insurance. With portable storage, however, the storage unit is delivered right to your address. Once you’ve packed it up, the company picks it up and stores it in their facility, no truck rental necessary.
Convenience Without the Hassle
Not only does portable storage save you money, but it also saves time and effort. Instead of making multiple trips back and forth to a storage facility, you can pack your items right at your doorstep. This added convenience makes portable storage an ideal choice for those moving, downsizing, or simply looking to free up space at home.
Start Saving on Storage Space Today
If you’re looking for affordable, hassle-free storage space in San Diego, Big Box Storage is the smart choice. To reserve your Big Box today, call 619-353-9614 and start saving!
Looking for storage containers in San Diego? At Big Box Storage, we like to call them Big Boxes, hence the name! Our company specializes in portable storage solutions, delivering one or more storage containers directly to your home or business anywhere in San Diego County.
How It Works
We deliver – A Big Box storage container is brought right to your address.
You load at your own pace – No rush! Take your time filling your container.
You choose the storage location – Keep the container at your address or have it picked up and stored at one of our secure Big Box Storage facilities in San Diego.
Why Choose Portable Storage Over Traditional Self-Storage?
Renting a Big Box storage container eliminates the hassles of traditional self-storage. Forget about renting a truck, loading it up, driving to a facility, and unloading everything again. With portable storage, you load once and never have to leave your home or office!
Storage Container Details
Each Big Box holds up to 1.5 rooms of belongings
Exterior Dimensions: 8′ (L) x 5′ (W) x 7′ (H)
Need more space? No problem—additional containers can be delivered upon request.
Schedule Your Storage Container Today!
For fast, easy, and affordable storage in San Diego, contact Big Box Storage at 619-353-9614. Our representatives are available daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Pacific Time). Get started today and experience the convenience of portable storage!
Big Box Storage Inc., a San Diego-based portable storage company, is pleased to announce its donation of storage services for the upcoming AJ’s Kids Crane toy drive. The company will provide all necessary storage units to house more than 100,000 toys collected for the patients of Rady Children’s Hospital.
A Commitment to Community and Compassion
As part of the event, Machado will be lifted 40 feet into the air via scissor lift and will remain on an 8′ x 10′ platform until the toy collection goal is reached. His temporary residence above ground symbolizes the collective effort to uplift children undergoing medical treatment by delivering joy through simple, yet meaningful, gestures, such as new, unwrapped toys.
“San Diego has consistently demonstrated generosity and community spirit,” said Machado. “Every toy makes a difference. It’s not just a gift—it’s a reminder to these kids that they are seen and supported.”
Logistical Support by Big Box Storage
During the course of the event, all toy donations will be securely stored in Big Box Storage containers placed on-site. Once the toy drive concludes, the storage units will be transported to Big Box’s climate-controlled storage facility, where they will be housed and distributed to Rady Children’s Hospital as needed throughout the year.
This donation of storage services ensures the long-term management, security, and availability of the donated items, maximizing their impact on patients and hospital staff alike.
Event Details
Location: IKEA Parking Lot, 2149 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108
Start Date: Friday, November 4
End Date: Upon reaching the collection goal of 105,000 toys
Big Box Storage has served San Diego County since 2002, offering convenient, on-demand storage solutions for residential and business customers. Its portable model allows individuals to fulfill their storage needs without leaving their homes or offices. For more information about Big Box Storage, call 1-800-391-4890 or visit bigbox.com.
Quick Answer: Big Box Storage is partnering with San Diego’s Star 94.1 radio station and Rady Children’s Hospital for the “AJ’s Kids Crane” event, providing portable storage containers to hold over 105,000 donated toys for hospitalized children. Radio host AJ Machado will remain on a scissor lift crane 40 feet in the air until the donation goal is met, with all toys stored safely in Big Box Storage units before being distributed to pediatric patients throughout the year.
Some storage solutions hold furniture during a move. Others keep business inventory dry between seasons. And then there are the ones that hold 105,000 toys for sick kids in San Diego. That last category hits differently.
Big Box Storageis proud to once again be part of something that goes well beyond portable containers and logistics. For the 10th consecutive year, we’re serving as the official storage partner for “AJ’s Kids Crane,” the beloved annual toy drive hosted by Star 94.1 radio and benefiting the young patients at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Here’s what that looks like on the ground, and why this partnership matters beyond the feel-good headline.
What Is AJ’s Kids Crane and Why Does San Diego Show Up Every Year?
AJ’s Kids Crane is not a typical drop-a-box-at-the-mall toy drive. It’s an endurance event built around a simple, powerful idea: AJ Machado, morning radio host and San Diego favorite, climbs onto a scissor lift crane and stays there, 40 feet in the air on an 8-foot by 10-foot platform, until the community donates more than 105,000 new, unwrapped toys.
That’s it. He doesn’t come down until the goal is met.
The first time this event ran, it raised more than the target in eight days. That tells you everything about how San Diego responds when someone puts themselves on the line for children facing serious health challenges.
The toys collected don’t pile up in a gym somewhere and get forgotten. They go directly to pediatric patients at Rady Children’s Hospital, one of the top children’s hospitals in the United States, and are distributed to kids throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. That sustained impact is part of what makes this drive different from a one-week push that disappears by January.
How Big Box Storage Makes the Logistics Work
Here’s the thing most people miss when they see events like this: the storage question.
When you’re collecting more than 100,000 toys over the course of a multi-day public event, you need somewhere to put them that isn’t a tarp in a parking lot. The toys need to stay organized, protected from weather, secure, and ready for transport. That’s where Big Box Storage comes in.
Our portable storage containers are placed on-site at the donation location throughout the event. As toys come in from donors, they’re loaded directly into the containers, keeping everything accounted for and in pristine condition from the moment they’re dropped off. Once AJ reaches his goal and the event wraps up, we transport the storage units back to our secure indoor facility in San Diego, where the toys are held safely until Rady Children’s Hospital needs them.
It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes role that doesn’t make the news but makes everything else possible.
Rita Hurley, representative for Big Box Storage, put it plainly: “While we always love supporting community events, AJ’s Kids Crane holds a special place in our hearts. Knowing that our storage services help bring smiles to children at Rady Children’s Hospital makes it all the more meaningful.”
That’s not marketing language. That’s what it actually feels like when a logistics company gets to be part of a moment that matters.
Why Portable Storage Is the Right Tool for Large-Scale Donation Drives
Most people think of portable storage containersas a moving solution or a construction site staple. And they’re right that those are the core use cases. But the flexibility of containerized storage makes it genuinely useful for high-volume community events in ways that traditional warehouse rentals or box trucks simply aren’t.
With portable storage, the container comes to the event. Donors don’t hand toys to a volunteer who carries them to a van across a parking lot. They walk up, drop off, and move on. The container handles security, weather protection, and organization in one step. When the event is over, the same container moves to a permanent facility without any repackaging or reloading.
For an event the scale of AJ’s Kids Crane, where the toy count climbs by the thousands each day, that operational simplicity isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential.
How to Be Part of It
The event kicks off on Friday, November 4th, 2011, in the parking lot of IKEA San Diego at 2149 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108. It runs until AJ reaches his goal of more than 105,000 toys, which means the timeline depends entirely on how fast San Diego responds.
Toys must be new and unwrapped. There’s no minimum spend requirement and no specific list. If you’re unsure what to bring, think about what a child between the ages of 3 and 15 would actually want to open on a hard day. That’s the standard.
To get updates, see donation numbers in real time, or learn more about the event, visit Star 94.1’s website. You can also learn more about the storage side of this effort at bigbox.com.
The Bigger Picture for Big Box Storage
Big Box Storage’s involvement in AJ’s Kids Crane reflects something that guides how we operate across San Diego: storage infrastructure is community infrastructure. The same containers that help a family between homes or a business manage seasonal overflow can also be the reason 105,000 toys arrive at a children’s hospital in perfect condition.
We don’t think of those two things as separate. Community partnerships like this one with Rady Children’s Hospital and Star 94.1 are a natural extension of what we already do, scaled toward something bigger than any one move or renovation project.
If you have the chance to donate this year, take it. AJ Machado will be up on that crane, and San Diego has never let him stay up there longer than it had to.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: AJ’s Kids Crane is an annual toy drive hosted by Star 94.1 in San Diego, where radio host AJ Machado remains elevated on a scissor lift crane until the community donates over 105,000 new, unwrapped toys for patients at Rady Children’s Hospital. The event has run for 10 consecutive years.
A: Big Box Storage provides portable storage containers on-site during the event to collect and protect donated toys. After the drive concludes, the company transports the containers to its secure indoor San Diego facility, where toys are stored until Rady Children’s Hospital distributes them to pediatric patients throughout the year.
A: All donated toys must be new and unwrapped. There’s no required list or minimum price point. Think about what a child aged 3 to 15 would genuinely enjoy, and bring that.
A: All collected toys are stored in Big Box Storage containers at a secure indoor San Diego facility. From there, Rady Children’s Hospital distributes them to hospitalized children throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.
A: Real-time updates on toy counts and event progress are available on Star 94.1’s website at star941fm.com. You can also follow the station’s broadcast for live updates during the event.
Quick Answer: Big Box Storage offers affordable storage solutions in San Diego by delivering an 8x5x7 ft portable unit directly to your address. You load it, they pick it up and store it at a secure local facility. Rent for four or more months and get free delivery and pickup. They also back every rental with a low-price guarantee, beating any competitor rate by 10% or more.
Most people assume that finding budget-friendly storage in San Diego means settling for a cramped locker in a facility far from home, with no flexibility and a long list of hidden fees. That assumption costs renters both time and money.
Here’s the thing most people miss: affordable storage does not have to mean inconvenient storage. When a company delivers the unit to your door and handles all the heavy lifting, you’re not just saving on price. You’re saving on truck rentals, fuel, and hours of your day.
Big Box Storage has been serving the San Diego community for nearly ten years, building a reputation on two things: fair pricing and genuine convenience.
What Makes Storage in San Diego Truly Affordable?
Affordable storage is not just about the monthly rate on a price list. It is about the total cost of getting your belongings from your home to a secure space and back again, with as little friction as possible.
Traditional self-storage in San Diego typically requires you to rent a moving truck, drive to the facility, unload everything yourself, and repeat the process in reverse when you need your items back. Each of those steps carries a cost, whether in dollars or in hours. The advertised rate rarely tells the full story.
Big Box Storage takes a different approach entirely. The portable storage model is built around bringing the storage to you, which changes the cost equation in a meaningful way.
How Big Box Storage Works for San Diego Residents
The process is straightforward, and that simplicity is part of the value.
Big Box Storage delivers an 8 ft x 5 ft storage unit, standing 7 ft tall, directly to your San Diego County address. You take as much time as you need to load your belongings. There are no time pressure, no loading dock queues, and no need to rush. Once you are done, the team picks up the unit and transports it to a nearby, secure storage facility.
If you need access to your items at any point, you can visit the storage center any day of the week. That level of access is something many traditional storage facilities in San Diego restrict to specific hours or charge extra for.
For renters who plan ahead, the savings become even more significant. Rent for at least four months and Big Box Storage provides free delivery and pickup. For a storage unit in San Diego, that is a cost that adds up fast if you are paying for it separately elsewhere.
The Low-Price Guarantee: What It Actually Means
Here is where Big Box Storage separates itself from most storage providers in San Diego County.
A low-price guarantee in storage is only meaningful if the company actually backs it up. Big Box Storage commits to beating any lower storage rate you find elsewhere by 10% or more. That is not a matching policy. It is an improvement on a better price you have already found.
For renters comparing storage options across San Diego, from National City to Chula Vista to Escondido, this guarantee removes the risk from the decision. You do not have to wonder whether you found the best deal. If you find a lower rate, it becomes their problem to fix, not yours.
Portable Storage vs. Traditional Self-Storage in San Diego
The self-storage industry in San Diego is large. Facilities from brands like Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, and CubeSmart operate across the county, offering everything from climate-controlled units to drive-up access.
For certain situations, a traditional facility makes sense. If you need daily access to your items, or if you are storing a very large volume of belongings, a conventional storage unit may fit your needs.
And this is where it gets interesting. For the majority of renters who need storage during a move, a renovation, or a seasonal clear-out, the portable storage model is often the better value. The combination of door-to-door delivery, flexible loading time, and a low-price guarantee makes Big Box Storage a practical first call for San Diego residents who want storage that works around their schedule.
Why San Diego Renters Keep Coming Back to Big Box Storage
Nearly a decade in business is not accidental. In a city where storage demand is high and options are plentiful, customer retention depends on delivering on the promise you make upfront.
Big Box Storage has built its reputation in San Diego on three things: showing up on time, storing belongings safely, and standing behind their pricing. The ability to visit your stored items any day of the week adds a layer of reassurance that many competitors do not offer at the same price point.
For San Diego residents dealing with a move, a home renovation, a military deployment, or simply running out of space, having a storage partner that removes the logistical burden matters more than most people realise until they are in that situation.
Start With a Call, Not a Comparison Spreadsheet
The search for affordable storage in San Diego does not need to be complicated. Big Box Storage delivers a unit, you fill it, they store it securely, and they back the whole thing with a price guarantee that removes any doubt about whether you got the best deal.
For a straightforward quote and to check delivery availability in your area, call Big Box Storage at 800-391-4890 or visit bigbox.com to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The standard unit is 8 ft x 5 ft with a 7 ft ceiling height. It is delivered directly to your San Diego County address, giving you the chance to load at your own pace before pickup and storage at a local facility.
A: Yes, Big Box Storage delivers to addresses across San Diego County. Call 800-391-4890 to confirm delivery availability for your specific location and to get a quote.
A: If you rent your storage unit for a minimum of four months, Big Box Storage waives the cost of delivery and pickup. This is a direct saving that makes longer-term storage significantly more cost-effective compared to paying those fees separately.
: Yes. You can visit your items at the nearby San Diego storage center any day of the week. Access is built into the service, not locked behind an additional fee.
A: Big Box Storage offers a low-price guarantee. If you find a lower rate elsewhere for comparable storage in San Diego, they will beat it by 10% or more. Contact them directly at 800-391-4890 with the competing offer.
A: Big Box Storage has been providing storage solutions to the San Diego community for close to ten years, making them one of the more established portable storage providers in the region.
Big Box Storage is about to make its small-screen debut! The company was recently selected to be featured in an upcoming episode of Storage Hunters, the hit reality TV show on TruTV. Known for its high-stakes drama, wild bidding wars, and unpredictable finds, Storage Hunters shines a spotlight on storage auctions across the western U.S., and this time, the action is unfolding right here in San Diego.
Filming for the episode has officially wrapped, and the excitement is building. Fans of the show can expect plenty of fast-paced auction action and surprise discoveries, all set against the backdrop of Big Box Storage’s San Diego facility. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the series, this episode is expected to deliver the same high-energy entertainment that’s made Storage Hunters a fan favorite.
What is Storage Hunters?
If you’re not already familiar with it, Storage Hunters is a reality TV show that documents the world of storage unit auctions. When renters stop paying for their units, the contents go up for auction to the highest bidder—sight unseen. The result? A chaotic mix of bidding, bluffing, and bold personalities competing for what could be hidden treasure… or total junk.
The show has earned a loyal following thanks to its unpredictable reveals and larger-than-life auction hunters. From antiques and collectibles to strange and valuable oddities, each unit brings a new surprise and often a new rivalry. With filming locations ranging from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to Phoenix, Storage Hunters now adds San Diego to its list, bringing national attention to one of the region’s top storage companies.
Big Box Storage: Local Leader, National Spotlight
Big Box Storage isn’t just any storage provider. As San Diego County’s largest and most trusted portable storage company, Big Box has built a reputation for convenience, security, and stellar customer service. Customers simply schedule a Big Box to be delivered to their door, load it at their own pace, and either keep it onsite or have it picked up and stored at Big Box’s secure facility. It’s self-storage without the hassle.
Being featured on a nationally televised show is more than just a fun moment for the company. It’s a nod to the growing popularity of portable storage and the trusted name Big Box Storage has built in the San Diego community.
Watch the Episode
The episode featuring Big Box Storage is expected to air later this season on TruTV. For show times and updates, visit trutv.com/shows/storage-hunters
Need Storage in San Diego?
Whether you’re moving, renovating, or just need extra space, Big Box Storage makes storage simple.
Storage unit auctions have become surprisingly famous. Reality TV turned them into entertainment, showing treasure hunters bidding on mystery boxes stacked floor-to-ceiling. But if you’re a storage renter in San Diego – or thinking about becoming one – you probably want the real story, not the dramatic version.
The truth is, auctions are the last thing a reputable in San Diego storage companywants to deal with. They’re time-consuming, emotionally difficult, and almost always avoidable. Here at Big Box Storage, we’ve helped thousands of San Diego families and businesses store their belongings safely – and we’ve seen firsthand that a phone call can prevent the entire auction process from ever starting.
So let’s walk through exactly what happens, step by step, when a storage account in California becomes delinquent – and what you can do to make sure it never gets that far.
New to portable storage? Before diving into the lien process, it helps to understand how Big Box Storage works – including flexible payment options designed to keep things simple.
Why Storage Companies Even Have an Auction Process
Self-storage facilities operate on straightforward economics: they rent space, and renters pay monthly to use it. When payments stop – and a renter can’t be reached – the company is left with occupied space it can’t re-rent, and goods that belong to someone else. The auction process exists as the legal mechanism under California’s Self-Service Storage Facility Act to resolve that situation. It’s not punitive; it’s the only lawful option available once all else fails.
That said, “all else failing” takes quite a while to arrive.
The Step-by-Step Delinquency Timeline in San Diego, California
California law and standard industry practice require multiple rounds of outreach before any auction can take place. Here’s how the process typically unfolds for a San Diego self-storage customer who stops paying:
Days 5–15 After Due Date: Late Notice & Courtesy LetterThis is simply a reminder. The tone is friendly – it acknowledges you may have forgotten or experienced a temporary cash-flow issue, notes the small late fee that’s been added, and asks you to bring the account current. Most customers who receive this letter take care of it immediately.
2–4 Weeks After Due Date: Pre-Lien Letter If the account remains unpaid, a pre-lien letter goes out. The language becomes more formal. It notifies the renter that a lien may be placed on their stored goods under California law if payment isn’t received by a specified date. This is the industry’s way of saying: this is serious now, but there’s still time.
Several Weeks Later: Formal Lien Letter The lien letter is the official legal notice. It states that a lien has been placed on the contents of the storage unit, includes the specific auction date, and details what the renter must do to reclaim their goods before the sale. California law requires this letter to be sent via certified mail. Throughout this period, phone calls from the storage company also continue.
Auction Day (If Reached) If payment – or even meaningful communication – still hasn’t happened, the unit contents are sold at public auction to the highest bidder. By law, proceeds first cover the outstanding rent and fees; any remainder is held for the renter to claim.
From the first missed payment to auction day, the entire process spans roughly two to three months when a company moves as quickly as California law allows. Most storage companies, including us, are considerably more flexible than that minimum timeline.
Television Made Storage Auctions Look Like a Gold Rush – The Reality Is Different
Shows like Storage Wars turned the auction bidder into a folk hero hunting for hidden valuables. And yes, occasionally someone scores. But for every dramatic find, there are hundreds of units filled with everyday household goods, worn furniture, and old clothing. For the storage company, there’s nothing glamorous about the process – it represents a failed relationship with a customer whose belongings they were trusted to protect.
For the renter, losing stored goods to auction can be genuinely devastating. Family heirlooms, business equipment, irreplaceable documents – these aren’t things a winning bid can replace. That’s exactly why the legal process is so deliberate, and why good storage companies treat the pre-auction period as an extended opportunity to help.
Life circumstances – a sudden deployment, a medical emergency, a job loss – can cause even the most responsible renter to fall behind. If any of those apply to you, it’s worth knowing that Big Box Storage offers military storage options and works with service members navigating transitions.
Big Box Storage’s Philosophy: Auction Is a Last Resort, Not a Default
We want to be direct about this: we genuinely dislike auction sales. Not because they’re bad for business – they’re actually more trouble than they’re worth – but because they mean we weren’t able to help a customer through a difficult stretch.
If you’re a Big Box Storage customer currently behind on your monthly payment, here’s what we want you to know:
A phone call changes everything. Customers who reach out – even just to explain their situation – almost always find a workable path forward.
Good-faith partial payments matter. They signal intent and often buy meaningful time.
We have flexibility in our timeline. California law sets a minimum duration; we’re not racing to that deadline.
Call us at 619-353-5995 if you’re behind. You may be surprised by how accommodating we can be.
How to Avoid Ever Getting to This Point
Prevention is simple. Here are a few practical habits that keep your storage account in good standing:
Set up autopay. It eliminates the risk of a forgotten payment entirely.
Keep your contact information current. If we can’t reach you by phone or mail, the process moves faster by necessity.
Choose the right unit size from the start. Overpaying for space you don’t need strains budgets unnecessarily – use our free storage space estimator to find the right fit.
Communicate early. The moment you sense a payment might be a problem, call us. Early conversations have the most solutions.
The Bottom Line
Storage auctions are real, they’re legal, and they do happen in San Diego. But they’re the end of a long process – not a quick reaction to a late payment. California law and responsible storage operators like Big Box Storage make sure of that.
If you’re ever in a position where payments are becoming difficult, the single most effective thing you can do is pick up the phone. Storage companies would far rather work with a communicative customer than conduct an auction. That’s not just good customer service – it’s the honest truth about how this business works.
How long does the storage auction process take in California?
California’s Self-Service Storage Facility Act requires a series of notices before any auction can take place. When a company proceeds as quickly as the law allows, the full process from first missed payment to auction day takes approximately two to three months. In practice, most storage companies – Big Box Storage included – allow considerably more time and work with renters throughout.
Can I stop a storage auction after the lien letter has been sent?
Yes, in most cases. As long as you pay the full outstanding balance (rent, fees, and lien costs) before the auction takes place, you can reclaim your unit. Even after a lien letter, reaching out to the storage company directly is always worth attempting – many companies will work with you on a payment arrangement right up until auction day.
What happens to money left over after a storage auction sale?
Under California law, auction proceeds first cover the outstanding rent, late fees, lien costs, and any other charges owed. If the sale generates more than what’s owed, the surplus funds must be held and made available to the original renter. You would need to contact the storage facility to claim any remaining balance.
Are San Diego storage auctions open to the public?
California requires that storage auctions be publicly advertised, and they are generally open to any interested bidder. Many San Diego facilities now list units on online auction platforms, which has expanded participation well beyond just local bidders.
What notice am I legally entitled to before my storage unit is auctioned in California?
California law requires storage companies to send multiple written notices, including a formal lien letter via certified mail that includes the specific auction date, the total amount owed, and instructions for reclaiming your goods. The law is deliberately structured to give renters ample opportunity to respond before a sale takes place.
As part of its ongoing commitment to provide top-notch security for its customers, Big Box Storage in San Diego has recently completed a major upgrade to its video surveillance system. The enhanced system, featuring high-definition cameras with 24/7 coverage, now monitors both the interior and exterior areas of the company’s main facility at 7077 Consolidated Way, San Diego. This addition reinforces Big Box Storage’s dedication to ensuring the safety of customers’ belongings, no matter the time of day.
The new surveillance setup is just one component of a comprehensive security system that includes gated entry, motion sensors, and perimeter alarms, all designed to offer peace of mind to every customer. The upgraded video coverage allows for continuous monitoring and detailed tracking across the facility, providing enhanced visibility and responsiveness for the Big Box Storage security team.
In addition to protecting individual storage units, Big Box Storage’s security upgrades also support the broader goal of creating a safer environment for all who access the facility. With robust security protocols in place, the company strives to maintain a high standard of protection, ensuring customers feel secure entrusting their belongings to Big Box Storage.
For those interested in learning more about Big Box Storage’s security features or to arrange a convenient delivery of a Big Box storage unit, please feel free to reach out at 1-800-391-4890. The team at Big Box Storage is happy to answer any questions and assist in providing safe, reliable storage solutions.
Let’s be real – storage should solve a problem, not create a new one.
Anyone who’s dealt with traditional self-storage knows the drill: drive to the facility, haul boxes through narrow hallways, figure out the elevator situation, and then do it all again in reverse when you actually need something. It’s exhausting. And honestly? It defeats the purpose.
That’s exactly why more and more San Diego residents are turning to Big Box Storage – a portable storage solution built around your life, not around the logistics of a warehouse. Whether you’re in the middle of a move, clearing your garage, or just need a safe place to stash your stuff for a few months, Big Box makes the whole process surprisingly simple. Here’s how.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
The first step with Big Box is easy: just reach out. You can book your storage unit onlinein minutes, or call 619-353-9614 to talk through your options with a real person. No complicated intake forms, no confusing pricing tiers, no pressure.
This matters more than people realize. A lot of storage companies bury the important details in fine print. Big Box keeps it straightforward – you pick your delivery window, confirm your address, and that’s pretty much it. The whole ordering experience is designed to take less than five minutes of your time.
Delivery Comes to You (Not the Other Way Around)
Here’s where things get genuinely different. With Big Box, a portable storage unit is delivered directly to your home – your driveway, your curbside, wherever a car could reasonably park. No renting a truck. No recruiting friends with strong backs. No coordinating a Saturday around a storage run.
Deliveries happen seven days a week across three flexible time slots: 8 AM-11 AM, 11 AM-2 PM, and 2 PM-5 PM. Your driver will call 30 minutes ahead so you’re not just sitting around waiting. You do need to be home to receive the unit and sign the paperwork, but after that, the Big Box is yours to load on your own schedule – today, tomorrow, or over the next two weeks.
That relaxed pace is something customers consistently appreciate. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no one hovering over you while you decide what goes in and what stays out.
Your Stuff Is Safer Than You Think
Once you’ve finished loading and schedule your pickup, Big Box transports your unit to their secure San Diego storage facility at 7077 Consolidated Way – a 50,000+ square-foot indoor facility purpose-built for keeping your belongings safe.
We’re not talking about a chain-link fence and a padlock. Big Box’s facility includes perimeter alarms, motion sensors, exterior fencing, 24/7 video surveillance, and on-site staff. Your unit is stored indoors, which means no weather exposure and no temperature surprises. For anyone storing furniture, electronics, clothing, or anything else that shouldn’t sit in a humid outdoor container, this is a significant detail worth paying attention to.
Pickup doesn’t require you to be home either. Just schedule the date, and the Big Box team retrieves your unit between 9 AM and 5 PM. It’s one less thing to rearrange your schedule for.
Getting Your Things Back Is Just as Easy
Need to grab something from your unit mid-storage? No problem. Access your Big Box seven days a week between 10 AM and 5 PM with just two hours’ notice. The team will have your unit waiting in the customer access area when you arrive – you drive straight up to it, no hallways, no elevators, no hunting for your unit number in a sea of identical roll-up doors.
And when you’re ready to get everything back, the redelivery process is just as smooth as the original drop-off. Call 619-353-9614 to schedule, pick your time window, and Big Box brings your unit right back to your home. Load it back up, unpack at your own pace, and schedule a final pickup when you’re done.
For people who’ve gone through a traditional move – where you’re essentially doing a full move twice – this model is a revelation.
Moving Out of San Diego? Big Box Has You Covered
Life doesn’t always stay local. If you’re relocating out of San Diego entirely, Big Box can ship your unit long-distance to metro areas across the country. Fees vary by destination, but the option exists – which means you can use the same container from your San Diego home all the way to your new front door, wherever that turns out to be.
For local redelivery in San Diego, the fee is just $99. And if you start with a 4-month minimum rental, your initial delivery is completely free. It’s the kind of pricing that rewards planning ahead, which is a nice change from services that penalize you for not needing something on short notice.
The Bottom Line
What makes Big Box Storage genuinely stress-free isn’t any single feature – it’s the entire model. From scheduling your first delivery to retrieving your belongings months later, every step is designed to eliminate friction. No trucks to rent, no facility trips to coordinate, no security concerns, no elevator bottlenecks.
You get flexible scheduling, door-to-door service, top-tier indoor security, and a team that’s reachable by phone every day of the week. That’s not a marketing pitch – it’s just what portable storage done right actually looks like.
If you’ve been putting off dealing with your storage situation because the whole thing feels like too much of a production, Big Box is worth a second look. It turns out that renting storage doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be done differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Box Storage delivers a portable storage unit directly to your home, driveway, or curbside location, making loading convenient and stress-free. You can load at your own pace before scheduling pickup.
Yes, stored units are kept inside a secure 50,000+ sq. ft. indoor facility with 24/7 video surveillance, perimeter alarms, motion sensors, fencing, and on-site staff for maximum protection.
Absolutely. Customers can access their stored unit seven days a week between 10 AM and 5 PM with just two hours’ notice.
Yes, Big Box can ship portable storage units from San Diego to metro areas across the country, making it a convenient option for long-distance relocations.