Here’s How Vehicle Storage Works

When we think of self-storage, we usually think of finding a place to keep boxes, furniture, and other standard household belongings that we don’t currently have a need for. But what if that thing that you don’t need right now is a car? Vehicle storage works in pretty much the same way as regular storage, with various options available to help ensure that your car stays protected when it’s not in use. And to break down the basics, we’ve put together this quick guide to vehicle storage, including what you should do to prep so your car is ready to drive off the lot later on.

What is Vehicle Storage?

Vehicle storage is a self-storage unit specifically designed to house a car or other type of vehicle. Think of it like a garage or parking space that you rent within a self-storage facility, with similar benefits depending on the storage company and unit that you choose, such as on-site security, gated access, and climate control.

There are four primary types of vehicle storage:

• • Uncovered parking spaces
  • Covered parking spaces
  • Shared indoor units
  • Personal enclosed units

  The various types of storage units for vehicles differ in terms of price and utility. It’s important to choose the type that’s best suited for your car itself, particularly if your car is highly valuable or an antique.

  What Type Of Unit Should You Rent?

  Each type of vehicle storage unit offers its own advantages and disadvantages. To figure out what unit will be best for you, you’ll need to consider not only availability (though that’s obviously a key factor) but what your specific vehicle requires.

  Uncovered Parking Spaces

  This type of vehicle storage isn’t so much an individual unit as it is a parking space that you rent for a set duration. These are usually within a large parking lot on site of the storage facility, and the surface may be paved, grass, gravel, or dirt. This is the cheapest way to store a car, and though you lack protection from the elements you still get the security benefits that come with renting at a storage facility. If you want, put a cover on your car, which will provide a barrier from the weather and from pests.

  Covered Parking Spaces

  If you’d prefer to have your vehicle protected from things like sun, rain, snow, then consider a covered parking space. These are generally housed in a large car port shared by many vehicles, with open walls and a roof overhead. This type of storage doesn’t offer quite as much protection as an enclosed unit, but it’s certainly better than nothing if you’re worried about exposure.

  Shared Indoor Units

  These warehouse-sized lots house multiple cars in a shared enclosure, with full protection from outdoor elements. They’re a cheaper option than renting your own enclosed unit since you’re sharing the space with others, but do note that you won’t quite have the ease of convenience when it comes to accessing your vehicle and you may need to schedule a time in advance to retrieve your car.

  Personal Enclosed Units

  The priciest option for vehicle storage is a non-shared enclosed unit, which is basically a garage that you rent just for your vehicle. You can drive your car right in and out of these units so you don’t have to worry about access, and many self-storage facilities offer additional options such as climate control and live-streaming to your unit so you can check on your vehicle as needed.

  Need to store something bigger than a standard car? Most self-storage facilities also offer storage options for RVs, boats, and other large vehicles, including both enclosed and unenclosed units. Call your local storage facility to see what’s available.

  How Much Does Vehicle Storage Cost?

  The average cost to store a car or RV varies from about $45 a month to $450 a month depending on the type of vehicle storage unit you rent and the size of the unit that you require. Tack on an additional $50 a month or so if you are going to be renting a climate controlled unit.

  Getting Your Car Ready For Storage

  Vehicle storage is a safe way to store your car until you need it again. That being said, there are some steps that you’ll want to take prior to putting your car into storage so that you can be assured that when you’re ready to drive it off the lot it will be good to go—especially if you plan to store your vehicle for at least a year.

  Get a maintenance check
  

  Clean your car
  

  Get a battery maintainer
  

  Crack your windows if your car will be in an enclosed unit
  

  To get exactly what you need for your vehicle, call a few different storage facilities to see what they offer in terms of units and features and what their prices are. Use our storage company search to easily find reputable facilities in your area.