More than 90 percent of American households reported having access to at least one vehicle. Some of these households have multiple vehicles. Like the households owning the estimated 12 million boats registered in the U.S., for example.
Sometimes there isn’t enough room for all your vehicles on your property. Or, maybe you don’t have the proper storage for a boat or other non-car vehicle type. When this happens, using off-site vehicle storage is a common choice.
But how can you choose the best vehicle storage facility? Continue reading to learn four great tips on finding the right facility for your storage needs.
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1. Understand the Different Types of Vehicle Storage
There are three basic types of vehicle storage you could choose from – outdoor, covered, and indoor. Each has its own unique set of pros and cons you’ll want to be aware of.
Outdoor storage is generally the most affordable, but it may leave your vehicle at risk of damage from the elements. Covered storage offers more protection from the elements but may be less secure against theft. Indoor storage is the most secure, but it also costs significantly more than other options.
2. Ensure They Accept the Vehicle You Plan To Store
There are several different vehicles you could store. Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, canoes, and kayaks are a few of the most common. Be sure to ask the facility if they accept the vehicle you plan to store ahead of time.
Not all facilities will accept all vehicle types. For example, some facilities may have storage for cars and smaller vehicles (like canoes or kayaks). But they may not have room for larger boats or RVs.
3. Check How Accessible the Vehicle Will Be
Accessibility can be broken down into two considerations. First, how close is the vehicle storage facility to either your home, place of work, or annual vacation rental? Second, what hours is the storage company open for you to access your vehicle?
Most people prefer a storage facility to be within half an hour of the place they’ll primarily use it. Others don’t mind driving an hour or more for better security or a different storage type.
For vehicle storage, having eight to twelve hours of accessibility a day is usually fine. Others may want access to their vehicles around the clock. The choice is an individual one.
4. Ask How Secure the Facility Is
Ask yourself, “how secure is this storage company?” Consider whether they make use of cameras, gated access, or 24/7 security staff. You want to know your vehicle is safe at all times.
If you aren’t sure what security measures a company takes, call them to ask. However, many facilities will list this information on their website so you can easily compare options.
More Questions on Vehicle Storage?
When storing vehicles that aren’t in use, you want to ensure they’re safe, and the chance of damage is slim to none. Finding the best storage facility in your area can help ensure these goals are met. The four tips above can help you find the best possible vehicle storage in your area.
Do you have more questions about vehicle storage?
Check out our other blogs. You’ll find posts on vehicles, storage, and similar topics to help you dive deeper into the subject.