Best Vehicle Storage Options for Military

If you’re moving to a new military base or getting deployed overseas, you may be wondering what to do with your personal vehicle. Below, we break down the best vehicle storage options for military service members from at-home storage and on-base storage to renting a storage unit at a self storage facility!

Home Garage

Especially if you’re being deployed and want a safe place for your personal vehicle, garage storage is going to be one of your best storage options. It’s secure, it’s convenient, and you can have a family member or friend check in on your vehicle and get it serviced when necessary.

Pros

• There’s no additional cost since your garage is at home.
• Indoor vehicle storage provides good weather protection.
• Your car can be driven by friends or family and serviced regularly.
• You have immediate access to your vehicle upon homecoming.
• This option works well for both short-term and long-term deployments.

Cons

• If your family is still at home and needs garage space, your car could get in the way.
• Pests and some weather-related damage (such as flooding) could still be a threat.
• Your vehicle may not work well when you return if no one is around to maintain it.

Home Driveway

If you’re stationed on a base across the country or overseas, but your family is staying behind at home, you could consider parking your personal vehicle in your driveway. This convenient vehicle storage option means you wouldn’t have to rent a space for your vehicle. However, some homeowners associations don’t allow cars to remain parked in the same spot for long periods of time, so you would need to check local regulations.

Pros

• This is a great solution for both short-term and long-term needs.
• Because it’s your home, you don’t have to pay for parking.
• Family or friends can keep an eye on your vehicle and ensure it’s well-maintained.
• You can access your car immediately when you get home.

Cons

• There are more possibilities of damage or theft when storing a car in a driveway.
• You could incur fines if your homeowners association doesn’t allow long-term driveway parking.
• There’s no protection from weather and pests.
• Your vehicle could get in the way of family or friends using the driveway or a home garage.

Home Carport or Shed

Instead of keeping your personal vehicle in a garage or driveway, you might be looking at parking your car in a car shed or carport in your yard, at the end of your driveway, or that’s attached to your home. While convenient and cost-effective, it can come with similar drawbacks to parking in a driveway.

Pros

• A carport or car shed is on your property, so there’s no rent payment.
• Your vehicle can be taken care of by family or friends.
• This storage option provides some protection from weather.
• Your car won’t take up space in a garage or driveway.
• You can grab your vehicle and go whenever you return.
• It’s ideal for both short-term and long-term vehicle storage.

Cons

• Your vehicle could get damaged or stolen if not secured properly.
• Pests can still get into these storage spaces and nest in your vehicle.
• If you don’t have an existing car shed or port, you would need to purchase or build one.
• Some local ordinances may not allow car sheds.

Military Base Storage

Some military bases offer vehicle storage options for service members and base personnel. Of course, this means you would need to plan in advance, as open spots aren’t guaranteed. But it’s a great military vehicle storage option for long-term deployment—and it’s right there when you return!

Pros

• You can access your vehicle on base after returning from deployment.
• This option is sometimes free or offered at a low cost.
• Because it’s on base, this can be a more secure storage solution.

Cons

• You can’t have family or friends use or service your vehicle.
• Depending on the parking situation, your car may be exposed to weather and pests.
• Spots in on-base parking are not guaranteed.

Uncovered Vehicle Storage Unit

Renting an uncovered parking space at a self storage facility is an affordable option for military members. While this vehicle storage solution would mean your car is kept outside in a secure lot, these spaces are often larger, making them ideal for SUVs and trucks, as well as recreational vehicles like trailers and boats.

Pros

• Outdoor vehicle storage is one of the most common and most affordable at self storage facilities.
• Parking stall sizes are often 8×20 and larger, so it can accommodate vehicles of all sizes.
• Facilities often use security measures like video surveillance and electronic gate access.
• Some storage locations offer military discounts.

Cons

• You’ll have a monthly rent payment for your storage space.
• There’s no protection from the elements.
• Depending on the location, you may have to store your vehicle far from your home or base.
• This may not be a great option for long-term storage needs.

Covered Vehicle Storage Unit

Covered parking spaces are similar to uncovered parking spaces in that they’re outside of a building. The difference, however, is that covered vehicle storage at a self storage facility includes a protective roof to provide some coverage for your car.

Pros

• Storage facilities often have video surveillance and electronic gate access for secure storage.
• Covered parking provides better coverage from weather compared to uncovered.
• Units can be found in 8×20 and larger sizes that can accommodate a wide range of vehicles.
• Some self storage locations will have military discounts.

Cons

• You’ll pay monthly rent for your vehicle storage space.
• There’s some exposure to weather conditions since the space isn’t enclosed.
• Depending on the facility, your vehicle could be far from home or base.
• Covered outdoor vehicle storage is often more expensive and less common than uncovered.

Indoor Vehicle Storage Unit

Indoor vehicle units at a self storage facility are garage-like spaces that are perfect for storing small vehicles like cars and motorcycles. Because this vehicle storage option provides more protection, it’s ideal for both short-term and long-term storage needs.

Pros

• Units for indoor vehicle storage can be found as small as 10×10 up to 10×30 and larger.
• Indoor spaces often provide better protection from both weather and pests.
• You may be able to take advantage of a military discount at your self storage location.
• The facility may have added security measures like video surveillance and electronic gate access.

Cons

• You’ll have a regular rent payment for indoor vehicle storage.
• Your storage facility could be far from your home or military base.
• Indoor units can be the most expensive storage solution because they’re typically the most secure.

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Need a convenient military storage option? Extra Space Storage offers storage units, storage lockers, and vehicle storage solutions that can make moving to a new base or deploying easier. Find available storage units near you!