Vehicle Storage

Tips for Storing a Car, Truck or Van:

Consider the size of the vehicle or vehicles you wish to store, as well as any equipment or supplies. Be sure to measure the dimensions of the door on inside storage units -- some lawn care truck trailers, for example, may be too wide or tall.

• Many of our locations offer a monthly car-starting option, in which for a small fee, our Property Manager will start your vehicle for you once a month. This is a valuable feature for vehicle owners who will be away for an extended period of time, such as vacationers or those away on military leave. Ask your Property Manager if this option is offered
• If you plan to frequently use stored vehicles, such as moving trucks, construction trucks or delivery vans, you may wish to choose a unit close to the facility entrance for easy access.
• Since all of our storage facilities rent month-to-month, choosing self storage to store vehicles during the off-season or during extended periods of travel is an excellent solution.
• If storing a car, truck or van outside, consider purchasing a cover. If the vehicle is unsightly, the Property Manager may request that you keep it covered.
• It is common practice and acceptable for classic and sports car owners to put carpet down in an indoor unit.

• Wheeled vehicles must be in drivable condition (they can’t be towed in and put on blocks)
• Tires must be inflated and in good shape
• Use of a storage unit as a workshop is prohibited, as the facility is not equipped for proper disposal of chemicals
• Most vehicles must be registered and insured, and you must provide proof of each before a unit will be offered to you
• If your vehicle is leaking any type of fluids, it is preferred that a piece of cardboard is left under the car at all times to protect the integrity of the storage unit

Storing Boats, RVs, Campers & Trailers:

Owning large recreational vehicles is fun, but finding a way to store them conveniently and safely may not be. The security and convenience that self storage offers can be a great solution to many of the common problems that boat and RV owners face, which include:

• Limited space in a driveway or yard to park the vehicle
• Homeowner association, apartment leasing and municipal parking restrictions
• Vehicle damage, theft or vandalism

Benefits of Storing Boats, RVs, Campers & Trailers:

Convenience – Renting space close to a favorite waterway or major highway means less time and fuel spent getting to and from your destination. Security – Our storage facilities use a combination of keypad entry systems, security cameras, fencing and on-duty management personnel to secure the property. Extra room – Self storage allows you to store not just your boat or RV, but all the equipment that goes along with them. Having this additional space makes it easier to stay organized and keeps your home, garage and shed clutter-free.
Protection from the elements – Large vehicles can be stored in open air spaces, covered outdoor spaces or drive-up garages with high ceilings (depending on what the facility has available), giving you the option of choosing how much exposure your vehicle will have to the elements.

• Be sure to check the dimensions of the storage unit BEFORE you move in - most RVs require 30-40 feet. Some equipment, such as boat trailers, may be too wide for the door of a drive-up unit, so covered parking would be the better option.
• To make sure getting in and out is easy, consider the room available for a large turning radius.
• When considering the amount of space you’ll need to store your large vehicle, be sure to include extra room for all the equipment that comes with it.
• Some facilities offer electrical plug-ins and sanitary stations.
• Most facilities expect that repairing or extensive maintenance of large vehicles will be done elsewhere.
• RVs and boats must have current license plates. If your tags expire while in storage, the storage Property Manager may ask you to renew them.
• Our storage facilities require proof of vehicle registration. They may also require proof of insurance, since individual property is not covered by the facility’s insurance.
• When vehicles will be stored indoors over long periods of time, check fuel lines and gaskets, and lay down cardboard or mats to prevent damage to the unit’s floor.
• Vehicles or trailers must have properly inflated tires at all times. Keep an eye on tires that can dry rot or deflate. Restrictions vary by facility, so check with your facility manager about your role in maintaining stored vehicles.

Storing Motorcycles, ATV’s, Snowmobiles, Jet Ski’s, & Lawn Mowers:

Small-engine vehicles can take up a lot of room at your home and finding a place to store them can be difficult, especially in communities with assigned parking or tough HOA rules. Self storage is a great option for motorcycles, ATV’s and other big toys because it provides a convenient and safe location to store items in between uses.

• When considering the amount of space you’ll need to store your vehicle be sure to include extra room for all the equipment that comes with them. If you do have protective gear, trailers or car racks, etc. that you wish to store with your vehicle, a closed unit would provide necessary containment not offered by a covered outdoor space.
• Be sure to check the width of the door to a storage unit before moving into it. Some equipment, such as double trailers, may be too wide for a drive-up or inside unit, so covered parking would be the better option.

• Protection from the elements is a clear benefit of self storage, whether you choose a covered parking spot, a drive-up unit or an inside unit to store your small-engine vehicle. Use accessories like vinyl covers, tire locks and tie downs for additional protection.
• Our facilities security features such as entry keypads and security cameras can offer greater peace of mind than parking your vehicles in your driveway or yard.
• If you are considering covered parking, keep in mind that some of our facilities may offer a simple metal roof while others offer cinder block structures – compare facilities for the solution that suits you best.
• In geographic regions where temperatures reach extremes, consider opting for a climate controlled storage unit. Climate controlled units maintain a temperature around 55-80 degrees. The controlled climate prevents damage due to humidity, heat or cold, and provides a comfortable environment in which you can work on organizing or maintaining your vehicles and equipment.

• Any vehicle with wheels (or the trailer on which it arrives or is stored) must be road-worthy. Keep an eye on tires that can dry rot or deflate. Restrictions vary by facility, so check with your Property Manager about your expected role in maintaining stored vehicles.
• To prevent leaks and fire hazards always remove as much gasoline as possible from the fuel tank before storing any vehicle. Especially when vehicles will be stored over long periods of time, check fuel lines and gaskets, and lay down cardboard or mats to prevent damage to the unit’s floor.
• Repairing or extensive maintenance of small vehicles should not be done at the self storage facility.
• Vehicles that are required to be licensed must have current license plates before and during their time in storage. If your tags expire while in storage the Property Manager may ask you to renew them.