1. Keep Personal Drama Off-Screen
“Storage Wars” was about storage drama, not personal squabbles. Cast members were encouraged to leave personal conflicts out of the show unless it tied into the bidding.
2. Don’t Touch Until You Buy
No one was allowed to rummage through a unit before the winning bid was finalized. This rule ensured fairness and heightened the suspense of the reveals.
3. Follow Auction Protocol
The bidding process had to follow standard auction rules, just like in real life. This kept the competition fair and consistent for everyone involved.
4. Filming Couldn’t Interfere With Auctions
Real buyers attended these auctions too, not just the cast. Production had to ensure cameras didn’t disrupt the flow of bidding or annoy other participants.
5. Be Camera-Ready at All Times
Cast members had to maintain a presentable look throughout filming. No one wanted a dramatic bidding war overshadowed by a wardrobe malfunction!
6. Stick to Your Persona
Each cast member had a specific role or personality—like the aggressive bidder or the comic relief. They were expected to play up these traits to make the show entertaining.
7. No Fake Props Allowed in Units
To preserve the show’s credibility, cast members couldn’t plant items in the units. The discoveries had to be as genuine as possible to maintain trust with viewers.
8. Follow Set Safety Guidelines
Storage units aren’t always the safest places—broken items and dusty spaces can pose hazards. Cast and crew had to follow safety rules to avoid injuries.
9. No Peeking Into Storage Units
The golden rule of “Storage Wars” was no peeking before the auction. This ensured the drama and surprises stayed authentic. Cast members had to rely on their instincts, not sneak previews, to make their bids.
10. Respect Time Limits
Each auction had a strict schedule. Cast members had to make quick decisions and keep things moving to fit the day’s tight filming timeline.
11. Follow Post-Auction Procedures
After winning a unit, cast members had to inventory and clear it out within a set period, just like regular auction buyers. This kept storage facilities running smoothly.
12. Comply With Local Auction Laws
The show often traveled to different locations, each with its own laws governing auctions. Cast and crew had to stay informed and follow these rules to avoid legal trouble.
13. Don’t Reveal Spoilers
Cast members signed confidentiality agreements to ensure no one leaked details about big finds or episode outcomes before airing.
14. No Bidding Wars Without Limits
To keep things realistic, cast members couldn’t bid outrageously just for drama. Their bids had to align with what they’d actually pay off-camera.
15. Work With the Production Schedule
Filming days were long and tightly planned. Cast members had to show up on time and stay on schedule, even if it meant skipping breaks.
16. Respect Other Cast Members’ Finds
Trash talk was fine, but no sabotaging or stealing. Once someone won a unit, the contents were strictly off-limits to everyone else.
17. Keep the Energy High
Even during long filming days, cast members had to stay upbeat. Their energy was crucial for keeping the show engaging for viewers.
18. Always Be Ready for Reshoots
Sometimes the cameras missed key moments, or dialogue needed to be clarified. Cast members had to be ready to reenact certain scenes for continuity.
The rules on “Storage Wars” weren’t just about keeping things fair—they also ensured the show was as exciting and authentic as it looked on TV. Every detail mattered, from safety protocols to bidding strategies, making it a finely tuned mix of reality and entertainment.
