Car Storage Solutions

Automobiles are so much more than just transportation. They can be a statement of personality or a status symbol. Cars can be a hobby for racing or restoring. Other times, they are just a tool—a way to get to work. Other times, they are the means to get to your next adventure. In other words, cars represent freedom.

But even the smallest cars aren’t that small. They take up precious garage, driveway or curb space. They need to be kept safe, especially if they are treasured beyond their monetary value, or if they are part and parcel of a business, such as a contractor’s truck or ridesharing vehicle.

That’s where Store Space can come in handy. If you own more cars than your available space or need to keep a vehicle safe for any length of time, we have a wide range of affordable storage options to accommodate most cars and trucks.

If this is you, find the nearest Store Space storage facility by searching our locations page.

Reasons for Storing a Car

People look for car storage for a variety of reasons: seasonality, security and lack of space at home are among the most prevalent. With a wide range of storage options available at affordable rates, your local Store Space is an ideal choice for storing your vehicle.

1) Seasonality

Some cars are best driven during certain seasons of the year. Depending on where you live, classic cars and convertibles get the most use during the summer months. With the added protection of a storage facility, you’ll have more room in your garage and less to worry about during the off-season. Learn more on how to store your classic car.

2) Security

Storage facilities are also a good idea for anyone wanting to keep their extra car safe and out of the way. For example, if your summer/winter home doesn’t have a garage, you shouldn’t risk leaving it unattended for any length of time. Also, parking a vehicle on the street for a long time can get you in trouble with HOAs or your municipality, or invite vandalism and theft. Security at Store Space facilities includes a fenced perimeter, access-controlled gates, 24-hour surveillance camera coverage, plus other features depending upon the type of storage you select.

3) Opportunity

If you’re a car collector or restorer, sometimes the right car becomes available at the right price, but maybe at the wrong time as it relates to your garage space. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your dream car just because your current project car is taking up room in your garage at home. Keep in mind that if you’re trailering a car into a storage facility the length of the trailer needs to be taken into account when figuring the depth of the storage unit, as well as the height for indoor storage.

4) Length of Contract

There are also temporary life situations that call for a vehicle storage unit. If you’re in the middle of a move or remodeling project, storage units can be used to protect cars and household items that might otherwise be at risk. Since we offer month-to-month leases, you can store exactly as long as you need without worrying about overpaying for a long-term contract.

5) Long-term Storage

Other temporary needs might include storing an automobile while a service member is deployed overseas, or if a family member is passing down a car to a teenager who’s potentially a few years away from getting his/her license. Self-storage is an ideal option for long-term vehicle storage.

6) Easy Access

Our facilities offer extended access to customers. If the “perfect day” comes along in the middle of winter and you want to take your convertible out for a spin, just stop by and pick it up! Gate hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Whatever your reasons or your needs, Store Space storage facilities have options to help you with your vehicle storage needs, from motorcycles and side by sides, to cars and trucks, to boats, RVs, trailers and more.

Types of Car Storage

Most storage facilities offer one or more of the three main kinds of storage for cars: outdoor, covered and indoor. There are several factors to consider when selecting a vehicle storage option, including budget, expected length of storage, environment and more.

Outdoor

Everything from cars to work trucks and recreational vehicles can take advantage of outdoor storage options. Outdoor spaces usually start at 20 ft., which is good for most cars, SUVs and all but the longest trucks. Smaller car-only spaces are often available, as are longer 25 ft. and 30 ft. spaces.

Even longer spaces up to 35 ft. or 40 ft. are sometimes available, which can hold most RVs, fifth wheels and even work and food trucks. For more info about storing all types of recreational vehicles, see our post on Vehicle Storage.

Where available, outdoor parking is fenced-in and behind an access-controlled gate. Of the options available, outdoor storage is often the least expensive.

If you are choosing outdoor storage as a long-term solution, we recommend an all-season car-cover to protect your vehicle from the elements. Read further down for tips on preparing your car for storage.

Covered

Covered storage often consists of a roof with no walls, also known as a ramada. These outdoor spaces offer an added layer of protection from hail, rain and snow, and limit UV ray exposure. While less expensive than indoor storage, covered storage often costs more than standard outdoor parking.

Indoor

There are two types of indoor vehicle storage options. Some storage facilities offer indoor parking in a warehouse-like setting. However, the most common is the drive-up storage unit, which is typically available in a wide range of sizes.

What size storage unit do I need for my car?

10' x 15' Units

Of the most popular cars in America, the shortest car that can fit in this size storage unit is the Honda Civic at 14.825 ft. Smaller cars that would also fit include the Mazda Miata (12.84 ft.), the Honda Fit (13.48 ft.) or a 1980 Porsche 911 (14.1 ft).

10' x 20' Units

Most cars and SUVs from the bestsellers list can fit in this size storage unit, including the Toyota Corolla (15.2 ft.), Toyota Camry (16 ft.), the Toyota RAV4 (15.13 ft.), the Honda CR-V (15.17 ft.), and the Chevrolet Equinox (15.25 ft.). Classics like the 1976 Pontiac Trans Am (16.4 ft.) will fit as well.

10' x 25' and Larger Units

All three of America’s best-selling trucks, the Ford F-Series, the Chevy Silverados and Dodge Rams, should all fit in a 25 ft. or larger storage unit. Depending on the bed and cab configuration, the shortest variants of these trucks can sometimes fit into smaller units.

Of note: if you have a lifted vehicle, remember that the roll-up doors on drive-up storage units are usually only 7 ft. tall.

What type of storage do I need for my car?

It’s important to weigh several factors when choosing the type of storage you need for your vehicle. If budget is the main concern, outdoor parking is the least expensive.

The length of time you plan to store can also be a factor. If you only plan to store a vehicle for a couple of months, outdoor is perfectly acceptable. However, if you’re planning to store for a full season or longer, consider a covered or indoor storage unit to protect your investment for the future.

How much does it cost to keep a car in storage?

Cost is dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of storage and the location of the facility. Outdoor parking will be the least expensive, while an individual unit will cost the most, but offer the highest level of protection.

Fortunately, Store Space always posts its rates and move-in promotions in real-time, so you know you’re getting a great deal. Find a location near you today.

How To Prepare Your Car for Storage

When storing a car, it’s important to remember that your registration and insurance need to be current. It’s illegal to store a car in a storage facility that doesn’t have current plates. If you’re planning long-term storage, talk to your insurance agent about changing your coverage.

• Clean it first, inside and out – keep corrosion from destroying the exterior, and ensure crumbs and dirt are gone from the interior
• Keep it covered – An all-weather cover will help protect your vehicle from rain, snow and UV rays. Cars in indoor units should at least have a dust cover
• Change the oil – Fresh oil is less likely to have contaminants that can damage your engine over time
• Check your tires – The tread should be in good shape and they need to be inflated at all times
• Disconnect the battery – Keeping a battery connected can cause it to die
• Jack stands – Raise your car using jack stands to keep your tires from getting flat spots
• Fuel Stabilizer – Add commercially available fuel stabilizer to your gas to prevent deposits
• Winterize – Follow proper protocol when winterizing your vehicle

FAQs

Q: How long can a car sit without being driven?

A: Tires, fuel and batteries are the items most affected in stored cars. If possible, a car should be started and run every 30 days. Read our tips above to prepare your vehicle for long-term storage. 

Q: Should you cover a car in storage?

A: Although not required, an all-weather cover is highly recommended for outdoor storage and a dust cover is recommended for indoor storage. 

Q: What is the best way to store a car?

A: Covered, on jack stands, in a climate-controlled storage unit and attached to a trickle charger would offer the greatest protection. Read our storage tips higher up on this page our in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper storage. 

Q: Can a car fit in a 10x10 storage unit?

A: The only modern car that can fit in a 10’ by 10’ storage unit is the smart fortwo, which comes in about 9 ft. in length. Most small classic cars, even the diminutive early Mini Coopers, are too large for 10’ by 10’ storage units. Opt for a 10’ by 15’ for smaller cars, or 10’ by 20’ or larger to fit the majority of classic and collector cars. 

Q: Do I need insurance on my car in storage?

A: Yes, your car must have current registration and valid insurance to be in a storage facility. Check with your insurance agent, as they may offer discounted rates for vehicles in storage. 

Q: Can I work on my car in my storage unit?

A: No, tenants may not work on cars in their storage units. Please review your rental contract for do’s and don’ts in a storage unit. 

Rent Car Storage

Now that you know more about your vehicle storage options, it’s time to take action. Check out the Store Space facilities near you to see our vehicle storage options online, stop by a local facility or call us at 833-786-7366 to talk to one of our storage professionals. Se habla español.