Can You Store A Car In A Self Storage Unit?

You can store jewelry, toys, spices, and even automobiles. It all depends on the size of the storage unit. If you can simply store your jewelry in a box or safe, can you put a car in a self-storage unit? We inquired from the experts, and they provided us with the best answers.

Absolutely, yes! You can store a car in a self-storage unit. But of course, you need to know the measurements of the vehicle to be stored and the size of the suitable storage unit.

You might be wondering how a car could fit in a storage unit. Read on as we elaborate on the sizes of self-storage units and examples of vehicles that could be stored in them.

Self storage garage, Can You Store A Car In A Self Storage Unit?

Vehicles In Self Storage Units

Self-storage units come in several sizes. They are suitable for furniture, clothes, the contents of a condo, or a whole vehicle. The self-storage units are often rented over different lengths of time and can be insured.

The sizes of self-storage units range from 5x5 to 10x30 feet. The perfect size of self-storage units that can store a car is 10x15, 10x20, 10x25, and 10x30 feet. Each of these self-storage units can fit different sizes of vehicles.

Red storage unit buildings site

10x15 Self Storage Unit

A 10 feet wide and 15 feet long storage unit has about 1,200 cubic feet of storage space. It can fit furnishings from a two-bedroom apartment. A 10x15 unit is usually the size of a 150 cubic square meter standard residential garage.

Compact cars will fit in a 10x15 feet unit with no reservations whatsoever. The type of cars you can fit in a 10x15 storage unit are as follows:

  • Mini Cooper 12.6 feet in length
  • Honda Fit 13.3 feet
  • Volkswagen Golf 13.8 feet
  • Toyota Corolla iM 14.2 feet
  • Ford Fiesta 14.5 feet

10x20 Self Storage Units

A 10x20 self-storage unit is suitable for larger vehicles. Sedans, minivans, crossovers, or SUVs are the ideal candidates. Although ceilings vary, a 10x20 unit with an 8-foot ceiling will hold 1,600 cubic feet.

Such self-storage units have ample space, and they can accommodate the following vehicles:

  • 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 (pick-up - 19.0 feet)

10x25 And 10x30 Self Storage Units

These storage units are huge! They easily accommodate large cabs and even commercial cargo vans. Business owners or those who use commercial vans can rent 10x25 to 10x30 storage units.

They have at least 250 square feet of available space. You will have 2,000 cubic feet of storage in a 10x25. On the other hand, a 10x30 unit has 2,400 cubic feet of storage with 300 square feet available. These units can fit 20 to 30 feet trucks, such as these types:

  • Chevrolet Express (cargo van) 20.3 feet
  • GMC Sierra (crew cab and long box) 21.5 feet
  • Ford F-350 (crew cab and long box) 22.5 feet

A larger self-storage unit is ideal for crew cabs and long box vehicles. You can access your vehicle in such large storage units.

Here is a short demonstration video for your reference:

What You Cannot Store In A Self Storage Unit

self storage unit full of cardboard boxes

There are rules and regulations concerning which items can and cannot be stored in a self-storage unit. Self-storage units are insured and if either of the non-acceptable items is found in the unit, you can be sued by the rental company.

Although it might not escalate to a lawsuit, you will be liable to pay for damages (if any) caused to the unit and neighboring ones.

Apart from the standard items, experts advise taking note of the following items. Under no circumstances should these things be kept in a storage unit.

  • Flammable or combustible items
  • Hazardous or toxic materials
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Illegal or stolen goods
  • Food
  • Living or dead animals
  • Money or jewelry
  • Uninsured or unregistered vehicles

There might be more items on the list. Before renting a self-storage unit, inquire from the rental company about what can or cannot be stored in it if you are in doubt.

How To Keep Moisture Out Of A Car In Storage

Storing your vehicle for short or long storage periods might be stressful for the owners. You should ensure that no moisture is trapped in your vehicle during storage.

There are desiccant bags that you can purchase in automobile shops. They absorb any moisture present in the vehicle. Desiccant bags also get rid of musty, damp odors in cars.

Check out these desiccant bags on Amazon.

Alternatively, you can go for a much cheaper option, which is baking soda. You should roll down the car windows slightly for airflow, then leave an open pack of baking soda in the interior.

Tips And Tricks For Car Storage

You might have to put your vehicle in a storage unit for a while. But do not dump it in the unit without prior preparation. Before putting your car away, here are a few tips and tricks you should have up your sleeve for good results:

  • Pick the best unit: Storage units can have dust floors or concrete floors. The ideal unit should have a concrete floor. Concrete floor units have less moisture.
  • Store a serviced car: Ensure that when you put your vehicle into storage, it has all the necessary fluids and liquids. You should have a full tank, engine oil, and coolant in the vehicle. Repair anything that needs repairing before putting your vehicle away.
  • Cover the vehicle: You could use a vehicle cover to keep dust away. The covered vehicle can have slightly opened windows for some airflow.

Have a look at this automobile cover on Amazon.

  • Detach the battery: To avoid corrosion of the battery when not in use for long, detach it while it's still in the car.

Ensure that the overall condition of the car is good. This is a rule of thumb for cars in storage for more than six months.

What To Consider When Choosing A Storage Unit For A Car

row of red storage warehouse facility

When your car is in tip-top condition, you won't want to keep it in a less than good storage unit. Therefore, shop around for the ideal nanny for your car. Consider the following conditions in a storage unit.

  • Local climate: If you stay in a very humid area, you might consider using climate-controlled storage units. It might be costly, but your vehicle will be in good condition throughout and after storage.
  • Unit cost: Compare and contrast the units offered, their sizes, and their cost.
  • Accessibility: You should pick a unit that is easily accessible.
  • Security and surveillance: The security level of the storage unit you choose should not be questionable. Read reviews of the companies that are offering their services. You can contact one or two users of the said company for personal testimonies.
  • Duration: Inquire from the renting company or other users about how much time you can rent the unit for and the possibility of an extension.
  • Size: Look for companies that offer several sizes of storage units before you choose. Find out if they are flexible enough to allow you to switch to a large unit if and when necessary.

Self-Service Storage Vs. Full-Service Units

Self-service storage units are available to the tenants round the clock. The tenants have the locks and keys to their units. A tenant can access his belongings at any time and move them without notice.

Full-service units are accessible to tenants with prior notice. In most cases, tenants don't have keys to full-service storage units. They have additional security and sometimes offer delivery and pick-up services for your belongings.

Though self-storage units are accessible and flexible, full-service units offer more security for your items. Pick the most suitable unit for your storage needs.

Final Thoughts

Self storage garage

Your car can be conveniently tucked away in the right self-storage unit. Ensure that your vehicle is in prim and proper condition before storage. A well-maintained car will not deteriorate throughout storage.

Spend considerable time when searching for a self-storage unit. Do not settle for any self-storage unit for your car that you feel is unsafe. You'd better be safe than sorry!