When possession of any of the articles of wearing apparel, bedding, linens, flatwork and household furnishings, embraced in section 514.77, has continued for 90 days after the charges accrue, and the charges so due have not been paid, it shall be the duty of the persons so holding said articles to notify the owner of these charges, by certified mail at the owner’s last known address. On the owner’s failure to pay these charges within ten days after such notice has been given, the persons so holding said wearing apparel, bedding, linens, flatwork and household furnishings shall then be authorized to sell said wearing apparel, bedding, linens, flatwork and household furnishings. Said sale may be public or private and the proceeds of the same shall be applied toward the payment of the charges and any balance shall be paid over to the person entitled to the same. If the owner’s residence is beyond the state, or is unknown, the person holding said wearing apparel, bedding, linens, flatwork and household furnishings shall not be required to give such notice before proceeding to sell.