If you’re looking into finding short-or long-term storage for your car, truck, van, or motorcycle, it’s important to be informed so you can select the right vehicle storage unit for your needs.
Vehicle storage can be scary to consider, but it’s necessary in many situations. Whether you’re moving to a new place, dealing with changing weather, saving space in your garage, or just protecting how much you’ve invested in your car, the last thing you’ll want to do is make a snap decision on what kind of unit to use.
Choosing the right size storage unit for your vehicle–as well as deciding between outdoor, covered, and enclosed options–should be at the top of your list of things to consider. In this article, we’ll go over those factors and a few others so you can stay informed while you shop for storage solutions.
How do I choose the right storage size for my vehicle?
The first thing to do when seeking out car storage units for rent is to go in with accurate measurements. Different vehicles have different lengths, widths, and heights, all of which you’ll want to know before deciding on a unit size. However, your vehicle’s length will be the best place to start.
This table gives the average lengths of common types of vehicles, and the recommended storage unit size for each. Remember to allow some extra room for walking around the vehicle and opening the doors.
When you’re ready to find your vehicle’s exact dimensions, you can take measurements on your own or perform a search to find the measurements online. If you’re still not sure, ask your dealership to check your car’s VIN, and they’ll be able to look up the exact measurements.
What is the right storage unit size for a truck?
If you need a storage unit for a truck, you can reasonably expect a much larger space requirement than for most cars, but you should still go in with exact measurements to be sure. Here are the average lengths of some of the most popular truck models to start you off:
- Ford F150: 19.3’
- Chevrolet Silverado: 20.1’
- Dodge Ram 1500: 20.1’
- Toyota Tundra: 19’
Smaller pickup trucks will fit well inside a 10×25 storage unit, while larger pickup trucks and some smaller commercial trucks can fit in a 10×30 storage unit. However, most commercial trucks will require a much larger storage space.
What storage options are available for my vehicle?
When it comes to vehicle storage, unit size isn’t the only choice you’ll have to make–you’ll also have to determine what type of storage best suits your needs. Each available option comes with its own pros and cons.
Outdoor Storage
Outdoor vehicle storage spaces are essentially large parking lots where customers can pay to leave their vehicle for an extended period of time, parked among other customers’ vehicles. Some spaces offer gravel or unpaved surfaces, but the highest quality outdoor storage spaces will be smooth, paved lots.
Pros:
- Most affordable option.
- Better for the environment (no lighting, cooling, or heating).
- Low commitment for short-term needs.
Cons:
- Potential for sun or weather damage.
- The vehicle is exposed to possible rodent or insect infestation.
- If your vehicle is parked in an unsafe neighborhood, damage or theft can occur.
Covered Storage
Covered vehicle storage spaces are simply outdoor storage spaces with a covering or roof to help protect the vehicles parked there from most weather concerns. Vehicles in covered storage will be parked alongside each other.
Pros:
- More affordable than enclosed storage.
- Some protection from rain, dust, hail, and the sun.
- Higher quality facilities than uncovered outdoor storage.
Cons:
- The vehicle is still exposed to rodents and insects.
- Can still be damaged by heavy winds or extreme weather.
- More expensive than uncovered outdoor parking.
Enclosed Storage
Enclosed vehicle storage spaces offer the most protection, keeping customers’ vehicles in individual units within a large indoor space. These spaces are the least cost-effective, but offer you the most control over your vehicle’s environment.
Pros:
- Most secure option.
- The vehicle is completely protected from the elements.
- The unit may be climate controlled.
Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- Availability may be limited.
- Often requires a long-term commitment.
Different types of storage suit different needs, so be sure you take more than just your vehicle’s size and maintenance requirements into consideration.
What else should I consider when choosing vehicle storage?
No matter what size your vehicle is or how long you plan to leave it in storage, here are a few more important factors to think of when deciding on the right space or unit for your needs.
Accessibility
To keep your vehicle in the best shape possible, you’ll want to take it out for a quick drive every once in a while or connect it to a trickle charger–this will extend the life of the battery while in storage. Consider choosing a space that offers easy access to units and vehicles to make visits fast and simple.
Many indoor storage facilities offer round-the-clock access to units, allowing you to access your vehicle easily and regularly. Outdoor storage is a less expensive option, but inclement weather conditions such as snow may make it more difficult to access your vehicle if it’s not covered.
Security
When considering security needs for your vehicle, you’ll want to research the area the storage space is in and consider how valuable your vehicle is. Higher crime rates and more expensive vehicles may warrant paying more for higher security, and you’ll also want to be sure you empty your vehicle of any valuable possessions before storing it. On the other hand, safer areas and less valuable vehicles mean a less secure facility should suffice.
Before choosing a facility, inquire about their security measures such as surveillance cameras, on-site staff, and gated entry. Peace of mind is an important factor!
Climate Control
Leaving your truck or car outside for an extended period can eventually lead to discoloration, rust, engine problems, and possible wind or hail damage. Considering how much control over climate and protection from the weather a storage space has should play a major part in which one you choose.
Outdoor storage offers the least protection from the elements, but can still be a safe and affordable choice for short-term vehicle storage. However, the longer the period of time you intend to store your vehicle, the more control you’ll likely want to have over the environment it’s stored in. Enclosed storage units with temperature and humidity control will be ideal for long-term storage.
How should I prepare to store my vehicle?
Once you’ve made a decision on which storage unit to use for your vehicle, there are a few steps to consider before you put it away. Some are legal requirements, while some are simply best practices worth keeping in mind.
License, Registration, and Insurance
Most vehicle self storage facilities have requirements that you must meet before you can store your car with them. This usually includes proof of a valid license and car registration, so be sure these documents are in order and easy to access when you’re ready. Keeping your auto insurance policy active during self storage is important as well–many facilities require one, and even if it’s optional, it can still be useful in case something happens to your vehicle while it’s being stored.
Cleaning
Give your vehicle a thorough wash and deep clean both inside and out before you put it in storage, including wax and lubricant to protect the paint and keep hinges from rusting. A clean car is also less likely to attract pests, especially in uncovered outdoor storage, and removing trash and clutter from the interior will further prevent pests and odor buildup.
Maintenance
Make sure your car’s fuel tank is full, its battery is charged, its oil has been changed, and its other fluids (such as coolant and brake fluid) have been topped up before you put it into storage. It’s also a good idea to check the tire pressure and put air in any tires that need it.
How can I maintain my car while it’s in storage?
It’s often useful to take your car out of storage for a quick drive every once in a while to keep the battery charged and other parts from rusting or getting stiff. You can further maintain your car’s battery life by using a trickle charger or disconnecting the battery while your car is being stored.
You may also want to consider keeping your parking brake disengaged to prevent it from rusting and taking other measures to keep your vehicle from rolling while it’s in storage. One method to prevent unwanted rolling is wedging pieces of wood in front of, and in the back of, each car tire.
Conclusion
Whether you consider your vehicle a tool to get you from place to place or a valuable investment worth protecting, you should think about factors like size, cost, accessibility, security, and climate control when you’re deciding on the right storage unit or space for your needs. If your primary concern is saving money, outdoor uncovered storage should fit the bill; if you’re willing to spare no expense, you’ll want to look into enclosed, climate-controlled storage units.
No matter where you are in the vehicle storage process–or any self-storage shopping process–selfstorage.com can help you compare prices and find the right units for your needs. Take a look at our search tool to see the top-rated storage units near you.
