Storing RVs, Automobiles and Boats at a Self Storage Facility

Space for storing a large vehicle is often hard to find, especially in urban areas. And it’s even harder to find a location that’s truly secure. Self-storing large, occasionally-used or seasonal-use vehicles is a smart idea, and one that can save you insurance dollars, too; studies show that far more accidents occur in your driveway than in a storage facility.

There are many advantages to renting self-storage space:

Self storage facilities usually offer the convenience of flexible rental periods. You may only need space for three months out of each year, so you shouldn’t have to pay for an entire year’s contract. This also means that as your needs change, you can add more time if you want.

Security: Storage facilities are often surrounded by high security fencing. Video cameras monitor and record activity at the premises 24/7, and there are usually bright security lights on at night. Access to the area is through a central security gate that is passcode accessible only.

Storing a vehicle in a secure facility like a self-storage yard often saves you money because it lowers your insurance premium on the vehicle.

Unlike your home that usually has trees on the property and traffic passing out front, self-storage yards are removed from both trees and traffic. This makes them a much safer location for vehicle storage.

Most self storage facilities offer both indoor and outdoor vehicle storage options.

Self storing your larger vehicle gives you more space at home for things like swing sets and play equipment for the kids. Plus, a luxury vehicle like a yacht sitting in your driveway is an invitation for criminals.

You can make best use of your storage space by defining the features you need. A large boat or RV, for instance, do not need to be stored indoors, but a vintage automobile would be better protected inside a storage garage. A less expensive vehicle (a pontoon boat, for instance, as opposed to a yacht) is also a good candidate for outdoor storage.

Do you have a plastic cover or tarp to wrap over your vehicle? This will help further protect it from sun, rain, snow and dust. Ask your storage manager for help with protecting your vehicle.

When you speak with the manager to rent your space, make sure to know the exact dimensions of the vehicle to be stored and as it will be stored. This means that if you will be storing a car or boat on a trailer, you need to know the length, width and height of the vehicle and the trailer. This is especially important for indoor storage situations to make sure the vehicle and trailer can get through the storage unit’s opening.

If you’ll be taking and keeping your vehicle out of storage for an entire season, then it’s best to rent a space at the back of the facility. But if you need to bring it in and out numerous times, consider renting space closer to the main gate.

Many facilities will have certain requirements for vehicle storage. They request them for liability purposes, and to protect you as well:

Any vehicle with wheels needs to be in drivable condition, unless it is always kept on a trailer.

Vehicles that are not drivable may not be stored off-trailer.

Tires can not be flat; they must be kept properly inflated.

You will have to provide proof of active registration and insurance for your stored vehicle; and

You may not use any storage unit as a workshop to repair your vehicle. Storage facilities are not set up to dispose of motor oil and other chemicals solvents, nor do they provide electric, gas or water. Self storage can not be used as a workshop or warehouse for running a business.

Call your local self storage facility today and tell the manager about your vehicle storage needs. They will help you determine your best and most cost-effective options for storing your RV, boat, truck, automobile or van.