
How to Choose the Right Storage Option for Your Vehicle
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Keeping your vehicle in peak driving condition is about more than convenience — it’s a matter of protecting your investment. From daily drivers and treasured classics to getaway campers and family RVs, proper maintenance and preparation is key.
This is no truer than when your vehicle is not in use.
Proper storage is crucial. But not all options are equal. Outdoor storage, covered parking, indoor garages, and even climate-controlled facilities each come with their own set of advantages and trade-offs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through your choices and the important variables worth considering. By the end, you should have the information needed to make a decision that suits your budget and vehicle’s needs.
Why Proper Vehicle Storage Matters
“Out of sight, out of mind” is a poor strategy when it comes to storing your vehicle. There are plenty of risks involved, and each should be considered when choosing your ideal storage option:
Protection from the Elements
If left exposed to the weather for long stretches, your vehicle will face a number of problems:
- UV damage: Constant sunlight can fade paint, dry out leather and plastic interiors, and degrade rubber components like tires and seals.
- Rain and snow: Uncovered vehicles may develop leaks, mold, and rust from moisture buildup.
- Temperature variances: Extreme heat and cold will cause materials like rubber, metal, and plastic to expand or contract, accelerating wear and tear.
Covered and indoor storage options should protect your vehicle from many of these damaging effects.

Pest Prevention
A parked vehicle is a prime target for rodents, pests, and birds, all of which can cause complicated and expensive damages.
- Rodent damage: Mice, rats, and squirrels are notorious for chewing through wiring, insulation, and upholstery. Repairs can be costly, quickly rising into the thousands.
- Insect infestations: From ants to wasps, carpet beetles, and more, any number of pests might make a home out of your vehicle if attracted by food scraps.
- Bird droppings: Not just unattractive, bird droppings are also highly corrosive if left untreated, possibly forcing full paint jobs.
Preventative measures — from cleaning your vehicle before storage to installing a Box-Kat mouse barrier — can secure your vehicle against the threat of pests.
Security Against Theft & Vandalism
A stationary vehicle can become a target for theft and vandalism, especially if left out in the open. Driveway and street parking leaves your car vulnerable to break-ins, putting your valuables, parts, and whole vehicle at risk.
If storing for more than a few weeks, it’s important to find an indoor option to protect your investment. Specialty facilities with 24-hour surveillance can relieve further anxieties, particularly for RVs, collector cars, and other more expensive investments.
Prevent Mechanical Maintenance
The last thing you want when you take your vehicle out of storage is to be forced to drive it directly into the repair shop. Proper care will ensure the health of your mechanical systems, avoiding:
- Dead batteries: Even when not in use, your vehicle’s battery will continue to drain. Disconnect it from your vehicle or use a “tickle charger.”
- Flat tires: When forced to hold the full of weight of your vehicle for months at a time, your tires may develop damaging flat spots. Over inflate the tires or support with jacks stands.
- Fluid Issues: Moisture can build up in your fuel systems causing rust, contamination, and degradation. Filling your oil, gas, and break fluid before storage can help.
Check out our full Checklist for Long-Term Storage for more important preventative measures.
Preserve Long-Term Value
Your vehicle didn’t come cheap, so it’s important that you get the most out of it.
- Collector cars: Any sort of aesthetic damage — rusted exterior, worn interior, faded paint — can greatly reduce the value of a classic car.
- Campers and RVs: Motorhomes are extremely complex machines. Damage to their plumbing or electrical systems can force extensive repairs that can keep you off the road and make resale difficult.
- Personal vehicles: Losing your daily driver for even a short amount of time can disrupt your routine and finances. Keep it road-ready through proper storage.

Types of Storage Options
There isn’t always a perfect storage solution. Budget, resources, and timing are factors that must be taken into consideration. But to make the decision a little easier, we’ve broken down some of the most common storage options, along with their pros, cons, and which vehicles they are best suited for.
Outdoor Storage
Available to most everyone, outdoor storage is as simple as parking your car in the driveway, along the street, or in an uncovered parking lot. It’s cheap — often free — but provides the least amount of protection.
Pros:
- Cost-effective, making it an easy option for drivers on a budget.
- Readily available, with most storage facilities having outdoor spaces for rent.
- An easy option for short-term storage needs.
Cons:
- Constant exposure to the elements, including wind, rain, UV, and hail.
- Far greater risk of rodent and pest damage.
- Not nearly as secure as other options.
Best For:
- Personal vehicles used regularly.
- Short-term storage of campers and RVs in fair weather.
Covered Storage
Carports, overhangs, or partially covered parking areas provide an added layer of protection from the elements without fully enclosing the vehicle.
Pros:
- Protects against direct UV exposure, reducing paint and interior damage.
- Moderate protection from rain, snow, and other environmental threats.
- More affordable than some indoor storage options.
Cons:
- Won’t fully protect against wind-driven debris and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Still vulnerable to rodents and pests.
- Security measures may be lacking.
Best For:
- Seasonal camper and RV storage.
- Personal vehicles in need of moderate protection from weather.

Indoor Storage
Personal garages, storage units, and warehouses come with far more comprehensive protection.
Pros:
- Fully encloses your vehicle from weather- and pest-related threats.
- Reduces the risk of theft and vandalism.
- May provide more stable temperature conditions.
Cons:
- Potentially higher cost compared to outdoor storage.
- Availability may be more limited, particularly for larger vehicles like RVs and campers.
- May be less convenient for frequent access.
Best For:
- Long-term storage of personal vehicles, campers, and RVs.
Climate-Controlled Storage
For sensitive and high-value vehicles, climate-controlled storage facilities maintain temperature and humidity levels to ensure perfect storage conditions.
Pros:
- Prevents the rust, corrosion, and mold caused by humidity.
- Protects delicate interiors, paint, and other materials from temperature fluctuations.
- Ideal for high-value vehicles requiring specialized care.
Cons:
- Far more expensive than a standard storage unit.
- Limited availability.
Best For:
- Luxury or vintage collector cars.
- Motorhomes with sensitive materials or high-end finishes.
Specialty Vehicle Storage Facilities
For the driver who wants every element of the storage process taken care of for them, a specialty vehicle storage facility will often provide everything from regular inspections to tire checks, cleanings, and battery maintenance.
Pros:
- Quality care will keep your vehicle in pristine condition.
- Tailored services to your particular vehicle.
- Heightened security features.
Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- May not be available in all areas.
Best For:
- Vintage collector cars or luxury vehicles with significant value.
- High-end motorhomes in need of regular maintenance.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage
Once you’ve chosen your storage location, the next step is to prepare your vehicle. Check out our full Long-Term Storage Checklist to make sure your vehicle is always road-ready when you need it. Here are three tips to get you started:
- Clean everything: Water and dirt on the exterior of your vehicle can cause rust and damage your vehicle’s paint. Likewise, food scraps, spills, and trash inside can lure rodents and pests.
- Install a Box-Kat: Don’t overlook the risk of rodent damage, even when storing indoors. A single mouse can cause thousands of dollars in expensive repairs. Give yourself peace of mind by installing our patented mouse barrier.
- Maintain your insurance: Check your policy before putting your vehicle in storage. Some providers will raise prices for a lapse in coverage. Others may have specific guidelines for stored vehicles, particularly for RV and camper coverage.
Choosing the right storage option for your vehicle will ease your peace of mind today and extend the life of your vehicle tomorrow.