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Long-Term Car Storage: Your Preparation Checklist

Author: Storage Society

Date:

Jan 17, 2025

Read time: 6 min

Self-storage is a convenient solution for anyone needing extra space, whether you're moving, decluttering, or just need a safe place to store personal items. However, to ensure that your belongings remain safe, organised, and easily accessible, it's important to plan ahead. In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive self-storage checklist to help you maximise your storage space and keep your items in top condition.

1. Determine What You’re Storing

Before renting a storage unit, it’s essential to assess exactly what you need to store. Taking inventory will help you select the appropriate unit size and understand how to pack your items.

Personal Items: Clothes, books, or sentimental items like family photos.
Furniture: Sofas, chairs, tables, and other large items.
Electronics: TVs, computers, audio systems, and other gadgets.
Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or even RVs.

Make a list of items to ensure you don’t forget anything. This inventory can also be useful later if you need to claim insurance or locate something in storage.

2. Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

Self-storage units come in various sizes, so selecting the right one is crucial to avoid overpaying for unused space or squeezing everything into a too-small unit.

Small Units (5x5 ft or 5x10 ft): Ideal for boxes, small furniture, or seasonal items.
Medium Units (10x10 ft): Great for one-bedroom apartment items, or if you’re storing more furniture.
Large Units (10x20 ft or more): Suitable for larger items like a two-bedroom home or even a car or motorcycle.

Most storage facilities have a sizing guide, and some offer online tools or on-site consultations to help you pick the correct unit.

3. Select the Right Type of Storage

There are different types of self-storage, each offering specific benefits depending on what you’re storing. Consider the following:

Climate-Controlled Storage: Ideal for sensitive items such as electronics, antiques, artwork, or important documents. These units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, protecting your items from damage due to extreme weather conditions.
Standard Storage: A more affordable option for general storage needs, such as furniture, seasonal items, or household goods that aren’t sensitive to temperature or humidity.
Vehicle Storage: If you're storing a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, or boat, choose a storage unit designed specifically for vehicles. Some facilities offer indoor storage with climate control, while others provide outdoor spaces with secure access.

4. Organise and Pack Your Items Properly

Packing and organising your belongings properly will help you maximise space and protect your items while in storage. Here are some key tips:

Use Quality Boxes: Invest in strong, durable boxes that are the right size for your items. Don’t overstuff boxes, as this can cause them to break or collapse.
Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it came from. This will make it easier to find things later on.
Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts for fragile items such as glassware, electronics, or dishes. For larger fragile items like mirrors or artwork, consider investing in professional moving blankets.
Disassemble Large Furniture: If possible, disassemble large items like tables, bookshelves, and bed frames. This will save space and reduce the risk of damage.
Use Plastic Bins for Long-Term Storage: Plastic bins are better than cardboard for long-term storage, especially if you’re storing things like clothing, bedding, or important documents. They’re moisture-resistant and stackable.

5. Ensure Proper Security

Security is one of the most important factors when selecting a self-storage facility. To ensure your belongings stay safe, consider the following:

24/7 Surveillance: Ensure the facility is equipped with cameras monitoring the premises at all times.
Gated Access: The facility should have a secure entry gate with individual access codes to ensure only authorized users can enter.
On-Site Staff: Some storage facilities have staff available during business hours, offering an added layer of security.
Locks: While most facilities provide locks, it's often recommended that you bring your own high-quality lock for added security. A disc lock is a great choice because it’s harder to tamper with.

1. Determine What You’re Storing

Before renting a storage unit, it’s essential to assess exactly what you need to store. Taking inventory will help you select the appropriate unit size and understand how to pack your items.

Personal Items: Clothes, books, or sentimental items like family photos.
Furniture: Sofas, chairs, tables, and other large items.
Electronics: TVs, computers, audio systems, and other gadgets.
Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or even RVs.

Make a list of items to ensure you don’t forget anything. This inventory can also be useful later if you need to claim insurance or locate something in storage.

2. Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

Self-storage units come in various sizes, so selecting the right one is crucial to avoid overpaying for unused space or squeezing everything into a too-small unit.

Small Units (5x5 ft or 5x10 ft): Ideal for boxes, small furniture, or seasonal items.
Medium Units (10x10 ft): Great for one-bedroom apartment items, or if you’re storing more furniture.
Large Units (10x20 ft or more): Suitable for larger items like a two-bedroom home or even a car or motorcycle.

Most storage facilities have a sizing guide, and some offer online tools or on-site consultations to help you pick the correct unit.

3. Select the Right Type of Storage

There are different types of self-storage, each offering specific benefits depending on what you’re storing. Consider the following:

Climate-Controlled Storage: Ideal for sensitive items such as electronics, antiques, artwork, or important documents. These units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, protecting your items from damage due to extreme weather conditions.
Standard Storage: A more affordable option for general storage needs, such as furniture, seasonal items, or household goods that aren’t sensitive to temperature or humidity.
Vehicle Storage: If you're storing a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, or boat, choose a storage unit designed specifically for vehicles. Some facilities offer indoor storage with climate control, while others provide outdoor spaces with secure access.

4. Organise and Pack Your Items Properly

Packing and organising your belongings properly will help you maximise space and protect your items while in storage. Here are some key tips:

Use Quality Boxes: Invest in strong, durable boxes that are the right size for your items. Don’t overstuff boxes, as this can cause them to break or collapse.
Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it came from. This will make it easier to find things later on.
Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts for fragile items such as glassware, electronics, or dishes. For larger fragile items like mirrors or artwork, consider investing in professional moving blankets.
Disassemble Large Furniture: If possible, disassemble large items like tables, bookshelves, and bed frames. This will save space and reduce the risk of damage.
Use Plastic Bins for Long-Term Storage: Plastic bins are better than cardboard for long-term storage, especially if you’re storing things like clothing, bedding, or important documents. They’re moisture-resistant and stackable.

5. Ensure Proper Security

Security is one of the most important factors when selecting a self-storage facility. To ensure your belongings stay safe, consider the following:

24/7 Surveillance: Ensure the facility is equipped with cameras monitoring the premises at all times.
Gated Access: The facility should have a secure entry gate with individual access codes to ensure only authorized users can enter.
On-Site Staff: Some storage facilities have staff available during business hours, offering an added layer of security.
Locks: While most facilities provide locks, it's often recommended that you bring your own high-quality lock for added security. A disc lock is a great choice because it’s harder to tamper with.

6. Know the Insurance Options

While storage facilities typically offer basic protection for your items, you should consider additional insurance to protect your belongings in case of fire, flood, or theft.

Storage Facility Insurance: Many facilities provide insurance policies for renters, often covering basic damage or loss.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: Check if your existing policy covers your stored items. Many policies extend coverage to items in storage, though limits and conditions may apply.
Third-Party Insurance: If you want more comprehensive protection, you can purchase third-party insurance specifically for your stored items.

7. Plan for Easy Access

Think about how often you’ll need to access your items while they’re in storage. This can influence where you place things within the unit and how you organize the space:

Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: Store items you may need to access often (such as seasonal clothing or tools) near the front of the unit.
Leave Pathways: Ensure there’s enough room between boxes and furniture to create pathways, making it easier to navigate through the unit when retrieving items.
Use Shelving: Shelving units or stackable bins can help keep your items organized and off the floor, reducing the risk of moisture damage.

8. Check for Hidden Fees

While self-storage facilities advertise low prices, make sure you’re aware of all potential fees:

Administration Fees: Some facilities charge a one-time administrative fee when renting a unit.
Late Fees: Know the facility’s payment schedule and any late fees that could apply.
Climate-Control Fees: Climate-controlled units often come with higher rental costs, so factor this into your budget.

Be sure to carefully review the rental agreement and clarify any hidden costs before signing.

9. Visit the Facility

Before finalizing your rental, it’s a good idea to visit the facility in person (if possible). Check the cleanliness, security, and overall condition of the units. Ask questions about access hours, payment options, and any other concerns you might have.

10. Stay Organized and Maintain Your Storage Unit

Once your items are stored, it’s important to keep your unit organized and perform periodic checks to ensure everything is in good condition. If you plan to store items long-term, revisit your storage space every few months to check for any issues such as leaks, pests, or mold.