When you think of self-storage, your first thought may naturally be storing household items like furniture or essentials when moving home, but did you know that you can also store your car in self-storage too? Your car is probably the second most valuable possession you own after your home, especially if you have invested a lot of money in an expensive vehicle. Not only is it a treasured asset for a lot of people, but it is also an important piece of property to protect to ensure you still have the means to get around.
Why Might You Need to Put Your Car in Self Storage?
If you have never needed to store your car before, you might be wondering why you would need to make use of storage facilities when a car is something you use every day. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to put your car in self-storage. These can include:
- Suppose you are taking a long trip away. This could be an extended vacation, a long business trip, or any other reason for long-term travel. If there is no possibility of taking your vehicle with you — or if you are choosing not to take it — then you need somewhere safe to store your vehicle while you are away.
- Suppose your car has been taken off the road. There might be a time when you are not permitted to park your car on a public road, such as if your car is not legally taxed. You then need somewhere to store your car, and if you do not have a private garage, self-storage may be the next best thing.
- Suppose you are not using your car for a while. It may be that for personal reasons, you are choosing not to use your car for a long period. Maybe you are planning to travel differently, planning to try and save money by not running your vehicle or any other reason which sees you want to keep your car but not use it temporarily. In this case, self-storage can be a great option.
- You want an alternative option to storing at home. It may be that you have a private garage or driveway, but that you need the space and would like to move your car off-site for now.
Is it Safe to Put a Car in Self Storage?
Self-storage is a secure and dependable choice for any of your items, and that includes your car. Your car will have the same level of protection as anything you choose to store in self-storage facilities. There are many different options for car storage, and it may be that you feel more secure with a particular option. That being said, no matter what self-storage option you choose for your vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that self-storage facilities are built for protection and security.
What are the Storage Options for Cars?
When storing your vehicle securely, there are a few options for you.
Outdoor
This is a handy option for those who simply want somewhere secure to park their car until they need to access it again. Outdoor storage is a parking space for your vehicle, which is secured in the facility of the storage area.
Indoor
This can be similar to a car park indoors, such as within a warehouse facility, with other vehicles. This indoor parking will be fully secured and locked as part of the storage facility, so it is a good option if you do not want your vehicle parked outside.
Drive-Up
This is like having your own private garage away from home. Drive-up storage units allow you to drive and park your car within the chosen storage facility garage, which means safe, secure, and protected against the outside elements.
Covered
This option is the same as outdoor storage parking, but you then have the option to have your vehicle parked underneath a cover of some description, such as a protective canopy. This is a good option if you want your car better protected against the weather.
Extras to Think About
Storing your car safely in self-storage is not just about the overall security but also protecting your vehicle against any other problem, such as damage. To make sure that your car is stored safely and securely, which prevents any compromising of the bodywork or overall vehicle condition, you need to be sure to think about the following extras:
- Size of the unit. While you have a great choice of all secure units for your vehicle, you need to be sure that the size of unit you choose and pay for is big enough for your vehicle. A unit that is too small may run the risk of damage if you are navigating your vehicle into a tight and cramped space. You, therefore, need to make sure your storage unit is big enough to house your vehicle, with enough room for you to open and close doors and avoid any bodywork contact.
- Level of physical cover. You may want to think about whether you would like your car to be undercover (so indoor vs. outdoor storage) to keep it better protected. This is particularly important when considering the elements and changing weather. If your car is going to be stored for a significant period, storing it in an outdoor parking space, for instance, would leave your vehicle exposed to the weather.
- How valuable your vehicle is? While there is no doubt that every vehicle is worth a lot, it may be that the car you are choosing to store is a classic, collectible, or expensive model you are looking to protect in the best possible way. With this in mind, saving a higher budget for an indoor and completely covered storage unit will offer the best protection.
If you are looking to store your vehicle securely, StorageArea.com helps you compare many great car storage options to ensure the integrity and security of your vehicle at all times.