{"id":17948,"date":"2023-04-19T09:48:35","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T13:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/?p=17948"},"modified":"2023-04-12T13:00:51","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T17:00:51","slug":"storing-a-car-motorcycle-in-self-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.morningstarstorage.com\/storage-insights\/storing-a-car-motorcycle-in-self-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Storing a Car or Motorcycle in Self-Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have a vehicle \u2014 whether that\u2019s a car, a motorcycle, or even something larger \u2014 that is in desperate need of a better storage solution? There are a variety of reasons why you\u2019d need to consider better storage options for your car, truck, or motorcycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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For one, if it\u2019s not being used frequently, and is taking up precious space in your garage or is sitting outside for long periods of time in the elements. This can happen quite a bit with antique or collectible cars that need to be carefully stored but are not driven on a regular basis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another situation could be that you or a loved one will be going away for an extended period of time, and not able to use or access the car for months on end. This is a common situation for active duty military personnel, travel nurses, and those who are heading off for college across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few things to consider and note in order to properly store your car, truck, or motorcycle in self-storage for a significant period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Selecting the Right Storage Solution<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like all big decisions, the first thing you will need to do is research about the type of storage solution that is going to work best for your individual situation. Here are a few questions to ask yourself first.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What\u2019s your timeline for storage?<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

Will you be needing to store your vehicle for just a few months, a year, or a few years of storage? Also, will you need flexibility with this timeline \u2014 for example, you return home from <\/span>deployment<\/span><\/a> earlier than expected or need to push things back if you\u2019re delayed?<\/span><\/p>\n

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What season(s) will you be storing it in?<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

Depending on where you\u2019re located, different seasons could mean a different range of elements for your vehicle to encounter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How big is your vehicle?<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll be considering different size storage options, depending on the size or type of vehicle you\u2019re storing. A motorcycle is going to need a smaller, more secure storage option, while a larger vehicle like a truck will need more space but could still be stored outdoors without major issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What type of storage do you want?<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

There are a couple of vehicle storage options to think about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. The first is uncovered outdoor storage, which means it will be in a safe and secure place but still out in the elements.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The second is covered outdoor storage, where it will be safe from direct sunlight, rain, snow, etc. but still outdoors and susceptible to whatever the wind blows its way.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. The third is the best option, but also the most expensive to consider: indoor storage, where your vehicle will be safe from the elements and secure in its very own area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Morningstar Storage<\/span><\/a> offers each of these storage solutions in a variety of sizes \u2014 we can even store your <\/span>recreational vehicles (RVs), jet skis, and trailers<\/span><\/a> in our facilities. Plus, check out <\/span>Morningstar Marinas<\/span><\/a> to find the perfect <\/span>boat storage solution<\/span><\/a> for your watercraft during the off-season!<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Preparing Your Car for Storage<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Just like putting anything precious in a self-storage unit, there are a few important things we recommend you do to your vehicle before storing it for a significant period of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Clean & Prepare Your Car or Motorcycle\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Clean away any dirt, dust, or debris on your vehicle \u2014 both inside and out. Be sure to remove all trash and leftover belongings so no funky smells stick around even after you leave. Use a protective cleaning product on any vinyl surfaces so they don\u2019t dry out and crack over time. Also, carefully clean the outside of the car, too. Failing to do so could mean damage to your paint job over a long period of time. You may even want to put on a wax coating for extra protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Perform Routine Maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Set yourself up for success upon your return by performing preventative and routine maintenance tasks on your car or motorcycle before it goes into storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    This may include:<\/span><\/p>\n