can you put a car in storage unit

[Cavalcanti]

Yes, you can typically store a car in a storage unit, but it is not as simple as just driving it in and locking the door. The key factor is the type of storage facility. Standard indoor storage units are generally unsuitable. You need a specific kind of unit designed for vehicle storage, which comes with its own set of rules and preparation requirements for your car.

The most common and suitable option is a drive-up storage unit, often referred to as a "car storage" or "RV storage" unit. These are larger, ground-level units that allow you to drive your vehicle directly inside. Some facilities also offer covered or uncovered outdoor parking spaces, which are more basic but cheaper. Climate-controlled units are a premium option that can protect your car from extreme temperature swings and humidity, which is beneficial for preserving interior materials and preventing rubber seals from drying out.

Properly preparing your car is non-negotiable for long-term storage. This involves more than just a quick wash. You should change the oil, top off all fluids, add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas, and ideally, disconnect the battery or use a battery tender to prevent it from draining completely. Placing moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs inside the cabin can help prevent mold and mildew.

Before you commit, you must check the facility's rental agreement. Many prohibit storing vehicles that are leaking fluids, and most will not allow you to work on the car inside the unit due to liability issues. It's also wise to verify your insurance coverage for a vehicle in storage.

Storage Type	Average Monthly Cost (US)	Ideal For	Key Considerations
Outdoor Uncovered Parking	$50 - $100	Short-term, budget option	Vehicle exposed to weather, sun, and dust.
Outdoor Covered Parking	$75 - $150	Basic weather protection	Protects from sun/rain, but not temperature.
Standard Drive-Up Storage Unit	$100 - $300	Most common choice for cars	Protects from elements, secure, but not climate-controlled.
Climate-Controlled Unit	$200 - $500+	Classic, luxury, or sensitive vehicles	Controls temperature/humidity; best preservation.

Ultimately, storing a car is feasible and common, but requires selecting the right unit and investing time in proper preparation to avoid returning to a car with a dead battery, stale gas, or potential damage.

[SadieRose]

Yeah, you can, but don't just rent any old unit. You need one specifically for vehicles—they're bigger and have a roll-up door you can actually drive through. Call around to a few places and ask if they offer "car storage." The main thing is to get your car ready. Put in some fuel stabilizer, top off the fluids, and maybe even put it on jack stands to save the tires. It’s a bit of work, but it beats leaving it on the street.

[ColinFitz]

From a facility manager's perspective, we allow cars, but with strict conditions. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and cannot be leaking any oils or fluids. We do not permit maintenance or repairs on-site; the unit is for storage only. Customers must use a designated vehicle storage unit, not a standard indoor one. Proper preparation is the owner's responsibility to prevent issues like dead batteries or pest infestations, which can cause problems for everyone.

[DanielaAnn]

I stored my classic Mustang for a winter, and the prep is everything. I spent a weekend on it: fresh oil change, a full tank of high-quality gas with stabilizer run through the system, and a serious wash and wax. I also invested in a good car cover for inside the unit and a battery tender. It felt like a hassle at the time, but when I started it up in the spring, it purred like a kitten. Totally worth the peace of mind.