Belongings vanish along with Vallejo storage firm

After reading this story, could someone please tell me what the incentive is to EVER use a storage facility?! It seems now the failure of the core function of such a business can be explained away if the business happens to be sold...pathetic.

I hope these people get their stuff back...and I hope that everyone who reads this article thinks twice before ever using a storage facility again.

--CraigG

I find this story kinda funny. The belongings had been stored across country and she couldn't find a storage facility closer to New York? Also if those items hold so much sentimental value, I would had paid much more attention to the activity of the storage facility. Especially when they haven't sent me any bill when I know a monthly payment is required. If there is any truth to this story, yes I too feel very sorry for her. Her mother has been gone now for nine years, and it is easy to play Monday Mornting Quarterback. However I would had brought her belongings closer to home. Especially if they were treasures, and if only in her mind. Either way best of luck to her.

I'm sorry for what these people are going through. BUT, Mom died in '99, the storage facility closed in '06 and this is just now coming to light? She acknowledged not receiving a bill. Somebody dropped the ball and that sucks, but I don't know if I would blame the storage company. Sounds like they did their part--legally.

I feel bad for the family who lost all the sentimental values. After all is said and done..what is more valuable than the memories you have of Mom? The rest is just "stuff".

The storage company appears to be out of biz and keeping track of all the stored items could be a nightmare.

Mom and her stuff is gone..move on-but learn for the next time. My Mom when she knew the end was near-packaged up all her valuables and gave them away. When she passed-it was easier to have closure and she died with knowledge her valuables were in the right hands.

Hi - I'm the one whose story you're referring to. I appreciate all your comments and interest in my story.

The deal is this: The company went out of business and never notified me, which they in fact were legally bound to do. The fact I didn't notice a missed bill is my fault, of course, but also an oversight any one of us easily could have made..we're only human, and in the blur of day-to-day life, these things happen.

An update: Since the story ran, I found out that the company hauled my stuff to the city dump when they went out of business. I also found out that another storage holder who had paid his bills on time every month also got ripped off. In addition, this storage company was 6 months behind in rent and left town "overnight," stiffing the property manager to the tune of $20,000. So I do think this company was not exactly operating on the "up and up."

You're right, lesson learned: Don't put your things in storage!