The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Vehicle: How to Pick the Perfect Storage Unit Size
Kristen
October 28th, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Vehicle: How to Pick the Perfect Storage Unit Size
If you’re planning to store your vehicle—whether just for a few months or something longer—you probably have a bunch of questions. What size storage unit do you actually need? How do you keep your car safe and in good shape while it’s parked away? Whether you’re new to Carson City or you’ve lived here for years, this guide breaks down everything in a straightforward way, with no extra fluff.
1. Why Store Your Car?
People store cars for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re moving and need a spot for your car while you settle in. Maybe you have a classic or seasonal vehicle that doesn’t get driven everyday. Or maybe you want to protect your ride from tough weather or just keep it safe while you’re away until you return for the next Burning Man event!
Good storage helps by:
- Shielding your car from sun, rain, snow, and dust
- Preventing unnecessary wear and tear
- Keeping it secure from theft or damage
- Freeing up your driveway or garage space
At Carson City Storage, we have clean, secure fully enclosed storage units that make it easy to keep your vehicle protected year-round. We also have covered parking storage to accommodate larger vehicles, trailers and equipment.
2. Car Storage Options: Home, Outdoor, Indoor, and Self-Storage
You’ve got a few choices when it comes to storing your vehicle:
- At home: Super convenient but usually offers less security and protection from the elements.
- Outdoor lots: Often cheaper but leave your car exposed to weather and other risks.
- Indoor storage units: Offer better protection and security.
- Self-storage units like ours at Carson City Storage: These are insulated, gated, and monitored, which is great if you want long-term storage or have a valuable car.
3. Understanding Storage Unit Sizes for Cars
Storage units come in different sizes to fit all kinds of vehicles:
- 5x10 or 10x10 ft: Works for motorcycles and scooters.
- 10x15 ft: Perfect for compact cars and small SUVs.
- 10x20 ft: Fits most sedans, midsize SUVs, and small trucks.
- 10x25 to 10x30 ft: Great for big trucks, vans, or if you want some extra room for gear.
Pro tip: Measure your car’s length, width (mirrors included!), and height. Then add some extra space so you can open the doors comfortably and move around. At Carson City Storage, we offer a variety of sizes to match your vehicle perfectly.
4. How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit for Your Car
Size isn’t the only thing to think about. Ask yourself:
- Will you be storing tools, tires, or other accessories?
- Do you have more than one vehicle to store?
- Would you like some extra space to move around?
Sometimes going up one size bigger makes life easier when accessing and working around your car.
5. Preparing Your Car for Storage
Getting your car ready before storage helps keep it in good shape:
- Give it a thorough cleaning inside and out to keep pests away.
- Change the oil and top off all fluids.
- Keep the battery charged—or use a trickle charger.
- Inflate tires to the right pressure and release the parking brake.
- Use pest deterrents around the storage unit if you can. We have that covered for you at Carson City Storage!
If you have an electric vehicle, check the manufacturer’s storage guidelines for the best care.
6. Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: Which One is Right?
- Indoor storage at Carson City Storage protects your car from weather, dust, and sun damage—great if you have a classic or luxury vehicle.
- Outdoor uncovered storage is usually cheaper but leaves your car exposed to the elements.
- Outdoor covered storage like indoor storage, the covered outdoor storage can protect your vehicle from weather and sun exposure.
Here in Carson City, indoor storage and covered outdoor storage can really help prevent rust and fading caused by our weather.
7. What to Look for in a Storage Facility
Make sure your storage spot has:
- Gated access with security cameras
- Climate control to manage temperature and humidity
- Convenient access hours
At Carson City Storage, you’ll find all these features to keep your mind at ease.
8. What to Expect When You Store Your Car
- Insurance: Double-check if your regular auto insurance covers storage or if you’ll need extra coverage.
- Repairs: Most facilities, including ours, don’t allow work or repairs inside storage units.
- Rental length: Whether you want short-term or long-term, we can help find a plan that fits.
- After storage: When you get your car back, check fluids, battery, and tires before hitting the road.
9. Car Storage Costs and Finding a Good Deal
Prices depend on the unit size and features. At Carson City Storage, we offer competitive rates and seasonal discounts to keep it affordable. Always compare your options and ask about deals to get the best price.
10. Common Questions About Car Storage
- Can I store a non-working car? Usually yes, but it’s best to check with the facility.
- What if my registration expires while I am storing my car? Be sure to check out the following document published by the state of Nevada department of motor vehicles for storage and/or check your local state of registration for details.
- Do I need insurance? Often, yes—your normal policy might not cover cars in storage.
- How do I prevent flat spots on tires? Keep tires inflated or consider using tire cradles.
- Got a collector or luxury car? We have premium options tailored just for high-value vehicles.
11. Final Tips for Great Car Storage
Before storing, clean and check your car thoroughly. After storage, inspect everything again. Keeping a simple checklist helps make this process smooth and worry-free. If you need reliable, secure vehicle storage in Carson City, stop by Carson City Storage. We have the right sizes and options to keep your car safe and sound.Got questions or want to tour our facility? Reach out to Carson City Storage anytime—we’re here to help!
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