CAR STORAGE
Learn about different car storage options, and find car storage near you.
Need to store a car for a month or longer? Self storage is a great option for both short-term and long-term car storage! With locations nationwide that provide secure vehicle storage, Extra Space Storage is able to provide the insights you need and help you find auto storage near you!
Whether you need short-term vehicle storage or you plan to store a car for six months, a year, or longer, your reason for using self storage will impact the solution you choose. Use the information provided below to help make your decision when renting car storage at Extra Space Storage.
IMPORTANT CAR STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Security
When storing a car in self storage, you want to be confident that the facility is secure. With electronic gate access, video surveillance, and even on-site managers at certain locations, Extra Space Storage takes security seriously.
Access Hours
The convenience of being able to access your car when you need it should be a major factor when renting car storage. At Extra Space Storage, extended access hours are standard.
Local Weather
The weather in your area will play a big role in which type of auto storage you decide to rent. For example, if you’re in an area with harsh storms, storing your car in a storage unit should be a strong consideration.
HELPFUL VIDEOS
How To Store a Car
At Extra Space Storage, we have a variety of solutions for storing vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including cars. The following sizes of drive-up storage units can fit vehicles: 10x20, 10x25, 10x30
Can You Store a Car In a Storage Unit?
Need to store a car for a month or longer? Self storage is a great option for both short-term and long-term car storage! With locations nationwide that provide secure vehicle storage, Extra Space Storage is able to provide the insights you need and help you find auto storage near you!
TYPES OF STORAGE FOR CARS
With indoor storage, outdoor storage, and even covered vehicle storage space for cars, there’s something that will work for you. Below, we’ll walk through the benefits of each option based on level of convenience, protection, and general affordability.
Indoor Car Storage
Can you store a car in a storage unit? Yes, you can! Drive-up storage units provide an indoor, garage-like storage space for cars. With varying unit sizes, anything from a compact car to a large pickup truck or commercial cargo van can be stored in these units.
Because of the protection this storage option provides, drive-up access units are great for long-term car storage, storing classic or sports cars, or storing a vehicle in an area with harsh weather conditions.
Outdoor Car Storage
If you live in an area with amazing weather or prefer a more affordable self storage solution for your vehicle, outdoor car storage is a great option. Many Extra Space Storage locations offer outdoor parking spaces that can easily accommodate cars of all sizes.
Covered Car Storage
With a roof protecting your vehicle from the sun and other elements, covered car storage falls between indoor and outdoor storage. This option is more affordable than indoor storage and but also provides better protection against sun, snow, hail, and other elements that could damage your vehicle. If you don’t live in an area with harsh weather or strong storms, this is a great option for storing your car.
Car Storage Infographic
Rent the car storage solution that’s right for you by phone or online today! Learn more about which storage unit options offered at Extra Space Storage are best for your car size!
The common storage unit sizes for cars include:
10×15: Some compact cars
10×20: Sedans, SUVs, vans, pickups, and more
10×25: Large pickup trucks and vans
WHAT SIZE STORAGE UNIT DO YOU NEED FOR A CAR?
10×15 Storage Units
10×15 self storage units are great for many compact cars. Be sure to measure or look up the dimensions of your vehicle when researching. Though you might think your car needs a 10×20 storage unit, if it does fit in a 10×15, you can save money!
Car Examples:
Mini Cooper: 12.6 feet
Honda Fit: 13.3 feet
Volkswagen Golf: 13.8 feet
Toyota Corolla iM: 14.2 feet
Ford Fiesta: 14.5 feet
10×20 Storage Units
10×20 self storage units are perfect for the majority of automobiles. Sedans, crossovers, SUVs, minivans, and many pickup trucks can be parked in these storage units with room to spare.
Car Examples:
Nissan Rogue (crossover): 15.4 feet
Honda Accord (sedan): 15.8 feet
Ford Explorer (SUV): 16.5 feet
Chrysler Pacifica (minivan): 17.0 feet
Toyota Tundra (pickup truck): 19.0 feet
10×25 & 10×30 Storage Units
For vehicles like pickup trucks with large cabs or commercial cargo vans, a 10×20 unit won’t provide enough room. This makes 10×25 and 10×30 self storage units popular for commercial vehicle use.
Car Examples:
Chevrolet Express (cargo van): 20.3 feet
GMC Sierra 3500 (crew cab & long box): 21.5 feet
Ford F-350 (crew cab & long box): 22.2 feet
IDENTIFYING THE BEST AUTO STORAGE OPTIONS FOR YOU
Storing a Car Over The Winter
Classic car and sports car owners often winterize cars and put them into storage during the winter. A storage unit provides a safe storage environment for these cars during the off-season and means they won’t get in the way of vehicles that will be used during winter months.
Storing a Car While Living in a Large City
If you’ve moved to a large city where public transportation is easily accessible, you might find that you don’t need a car on a regular basis. In this case, renting auto storage can be a great option. If you do plan to use your car on a semi-regular basis, outdoor storage might work as well and could save you money.
Storing a Car for a Teenage Child
If you’ve recently upgraded your car and want to save the old one for a soon-to-be 16-year-old child, using self storage can help so you’re not constantly moving cars around at home just to get in and out of your own driveway. Since this might be a long-term vehicle storage need, indoor storage is recommended.
Storing a Business Car or Truck
If you have a business vehicle like a pickup truck with a trailer or a cargo van that you can’t park at home, storing at Extra Space Storage is a good option. Since these cars are used regularly, outdoor storage will be the most accessible option. If you prefer the vehicle to be more protected, however, a larger drive-up storage unit can also do the trick.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR STORAGE
Give Your Car a Thorough Cleaning
When putting a car away into long-term vehicle storage, a good cleaning is highly recommended. This is a simple step that protects your car from buildup that could damage the paint and lead to rust.
Avoid Flat Spots on Your Tires
Especially if storing long term, you’ll need a plan to avoid flat spots on your tires. If you’re able to, simply starting the car and driving it periodically can help to avoid this. If that’s not an option, there are products like tire saver ramps that will help to keep your tires round.
Disconnect the Battery
This is especially important when storing a car over the winter. If a battery sits in the cold, and the car isn’t used for an extended period of time, it will lose its charge. You can use a trickle charger at home to make sure that it’s ready to go when you take your car out of storage.
Protect Against Rodents
It’s best to take all precautions to keep rodents out of your car if it’s going to be sitting unused for a while. Covering the exhaust pipe and air intake is recommended. You can also set traps inside of your storage unit to stop rodents before they make it to the vehicle.
Invest in a Quality Car Cover
For outdoor car storage, a cover is essential. An auto cover protects your vehicle from both sun and precipitation. Both of these can do extensive damage if a car is stored outside for long periods of time. Some who use indoor storage even opt to use a car cover for added protection from dust.
Change the Oil
For long-term car storage, changing the oil can keep your car in great condition. Old oil can have contaminants that damage the engine over an extended period of time.
RENT SECURE CAR STORAGE NEAR YOU TODAY!
Ready to reserve vehicle storage at Extra Space Storage? Give us a call! If you have any questions at all, let us know. Our team is here to help however we can. Rest assured that your car will be safe with us, too. We take facility security seriously. With security features like electronic gate access, perimeter fencing, video surveillance, and even resident managers at select locations, your vehicle will be in good hands.