Self-Storage Talk - View Single Post

Mel Holsinger · #20 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 12:23 PM

If they are in the Military( particularly if they are in a combat zone) you need to take extra care before you proceed with selling their stuff. Some simple suggestions include getting next of kin address & phone number, get the unit that they are assigned to and make contact with their superior officer. Keep in mind that some of these troops get deployed on a moments notice so they may not be intentionally not paying their rent, they may be in a place where they have no contact with home and believe me, when they are over seas the last thing on their mind is the payment of their storage rent. I speak from experience, my son is in Iraq.

Make every effor to work with these people. Perhaps you can talk to your accountant and find out if you can "donate" the space and receive a tax deduction for your good will.

You can also go to groups like "The Marine Moms", "Operation Home Front" and more to let them know the situation, they may be able to help you.

Or, how about having a "fund raiser" to collect money to pay the rent so you do not have to sell the stuff. Good deeds done come back to pay you 100 times over.

Last but not least, be sure you are 100% in compliance with the Soldiers and Sailors Act, or the latest version of this. Military personel have certain protections under the law that others do not.

Good luck