Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: How can I make them come get their stuff?

I noticed that one attorney advised you to auction your friend's belongings. That may have a right to do so but it may be an extreme solution.

Since this is your friend, consider giving her 15 days written notice explaining (1) that your storage agreement was for a very limited time, (2) that if the friend does not come and move her things, you will hire someone to move all the stuff into storage, and (3) that you will charge the friend for storage and moving costs. Your friend will most likely come and get his/her things within 15 days.

I am not giving you legal advice -- this is common sense.

You can call or email me and I could briefly research your legal rights.

Re: How can I make them come get their stuff?

Your only legal obligation is to provide her notice that she must pick her stuff up or you will dispose of it or sell it (you have to give her at least 15 days notice). If the stuff is worth more than a few hundred dollars, though, you have to provide a very specific notice of a public sale (i.e. by publication), and when you provide such notice, anything you get from the sale that exceeds the costs of sale and reasonable storage fees you have to turn over to the County to hold. If you think you could use some legal help in this, feel free to call or email.