Owning a classic car is a statement to that world that you have a thing of beauty that is valuable and deserves to be protected. Many classic car owners take pride in showing off their cars in competitions and classic car strolls where many classic car owners get together and parade down the avenue in style. No matter what kind of classic car you own, it’s an investment that you want to protect and keep in tip top shape.

Keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your classic car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your classic car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your classic car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your classic car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

Another way to keep your classic car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your classic car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your classic car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

No matter what, keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the only way to make sure that your classic car stays in the great shape you have it in. Of course, the free way to store your classic car is in your own garage. This vehicle storage is free and gives you the opportunity to view and drive your classic car at any time. If you decide to use your garage, be sure to get a protective covering for your classic car so that it does not get any accidental damage there also.

Many classic car enthusiasts belong to clubs and groups that are a good source for vehicle storage ideas. Sometimes these clubs can get group discounts for different venues and vehicle storage. Class car clubs are great ways to show off your classic car at local and regional events where classic cars are being showcased. Likewise, these groups can often get a discount on thing such as vehicle storage because they purchase in bulk and pass the savings along to their members.

Storage sheds are another way to store your classic vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your classic vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your classic car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your classic car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your classic car safe maintains an even longer life.

Self storage rental comes in many different shapes and sizes. Mini storage can be a small storage unit the size of a tiny closet, or large enough to store everything in your house. It can even be large enough for RV storage, boat storage and vehicle storage. You can choose short term or long term storage, and you even have a choice between three basic types of self storage like outdoor storage, indoor units and the kind of storage you can drive right up to.

Each type of storage is ideal for a certain item, but usually able to hold other items as well – with the exception of outdoor storage, which is most suitable for vehicles, boats, RVs, motorcycles and other large equipment like lawn or farm equipment, and not suitable for most general items. But with indoor storage, you can store some large equipment, as well as things like valuables and paperwork, and drive-up storage is suitable for just about anything you need to store, including boats, RVs and other vehicles.

Drive-up storage units are probably the most common self storage available. These units are about the size of a small garage, with the standard size typically coming in at about 10 x 10. They can be smaller or larger, with varying ceiling heights. These units are usually not climate control storage, so anything stored in them will need to be able to stand up to possible extreme temperatures, based on the climate in your area. A drive-up storage unit is convenient because you can back a truck right up to the unit and unload it there. You don’t have to carry items through a building to get to an indoor storage unit. And because the door is like a garage door that rolls up and out of the way, the opening is large enough to easily accommodate things like appliances and furniture, and even allows some vehicles to drive right in, if the facility allows vehicles in their drive-up storage units (and most do).

You may even be able to find climate control drive-up self storage, but don’t assume that the facility offers them. Ask so you can be sure to get the right storage for you needs. There are some possible drawbacks to this type of self storage, whether you’re using it for boat storage, vehicle storage, or general storage.

Because the door is accessible from the outside, there’s a higher risk of theft or a break-in than you’ll find with indoor self storage. It’s important with drive-up storage facilities for you be aware of their security measures before you commit to storage rental. You’ll want to make sure someone can’t just walk up to the building, cut off your lock and gain access to your belongings. Check their security carefully. Also, be sure not to put anything in the unit for long term storage that could suffer under hot and cold conditions, if the unit isn’t climate control storage. Anything that could be ruined by the slightest moisture, warp, or mildew isn’t a great candidate for long term storage in this type of unit. You should never store food or anything perishable in any storage unit, but be sure you’re aware of everything you put inside and that nothing that could possibly draw insects or vermin might be in any of your boxes. Since the door is easily accessible from the outside, items like this could present a real problem.

Indoor self storage offers you a storage unit inside a building that might contain several floors of storage. These are the most likely to be climate control storage, but be sure to ask because not all indoor storage is heated and cooled. Most mini storage units are found in indoor storage facilities, too. The doors can be roll-up doors like a garage or ordinary doors. These have better security than drive-up and outdoor storage, and are good for people who need climate control storage or just prefer to house their items in an indoor setting, rather than a warehouse or garage-type storage unit.

Outdoor storage usually costs less than both indoor storage (which is the most expensive in almost all cases) and drive-up storage. You can rent storage units big enough for huge RV storage or small enough for a one-person recreational vehicle, like a motorcycle or four-wheeler. The might be covered with a carport, featuring cement or gravel floors. Security of the entire storage area is of utmost importance when you choose outdoor self storage.

Leaving a vehicle unattended for a long period of time can create problems when you try to drive it again. Rust and corrosion can form on the body or inside critical components, goo can clog the fuel system, sludge can form in the engine oil, mildew can grow in the interior, and constant sunlight can slowly fade the paint and deteriorate vinyl, leather, and rubber parts. That’s why if you need to store your vehicle, whether for the winter or because it can’t be driven for an indefinite period of time, certain precautions and storage locations should be taken before you put it into storage.

The best place to store a car is out of the weather, preferably inside a building that’s cool, dark, and dry. Many might initially believe that their garage is the best place to store the vehicle but take a few factors into consideration such as is the vehicle to be stored going to prohibit other cards from being stored in the garage? Is there any activity in your garage such as the kids bringing their bikes in and out or do you have any animals that go in the garage. What else do you store in the garage and is it an entryway into your home where people will be bumping into your vehicle?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes then it may be in your best interest to rent a storage unit to place your vehicle in where it will be nice and safe. Most individuals over the age of 17 years old own a car here in America, and if they do not, they strive to make that a reality. Cars have changed with the times, and so have all of the bells and whistles that come with modern automobiles. Families typically have 2-3 cars or more, depending on the number of teenagers living in the household at the time. Of course there are other reasons why people might own more than one vehicle besides the necessity of each parent having their own car to get them to work or to school. Car enthusiasts are buying up the muscle cars that they remember from their youth and restoring them to their previous luster. Collectors go in search of that perfect fixer upper and then spend a great deal of time and money restoring it.

It seems that there is often a need for a car storage unit that serves as an extra garage for all of these spare vehicles. This is a growing trend in the industry and is beginning to catch on. There are many reasons why people choose to rent or use a car storage unit. For instance, if a household has more cars than will fit in their garage, or if they do not have a garage at all, a nearby car storage unit can be used to hold one or more of their vehicles. A car storage unit can also serve as an excellent holding area for tractors and trailers when they are not in use.

In large metropolitan areas, parking on the street or in public parking garages can be very expensive. In large cities, parking is a huge expense. Renting a car storage unit is a much more economical way of storing your vehicle, especially when you only use your car to drive outside of the city. Another reason that people might rent a car storage unit is that it serves as a place to store their snow plows, riding lawn mowers, dune buggies and RVs during off season or cold months.

In addition, a car storage unit is perfect for business men and women who will be traveling for extended periods of time and want to maintain the safety and security of their vehicles while they are away. It is best to keep the vehicle out of harms way. There is less worry for you in the long run, and the cost of a car storage unit is worth the peace of mind that you will feel. Military personnel are another sector of the population who can benefit from the use of a car storage unit to keep their cars and trucks safe and secure until they are home again.

The benefits of using a car storage unit fully outweigh the price that one would pay for the rental of the space, and it is easy to see why classic and antique car collectors will go the extra mile to keep their investments safe. A car storage unit is secure and affordable, especially when you consider the cost of the vehicle itself.

There are many long-term storage options in Alabama to choose from. It is now possible to store your boat, car, RV or personal items with ease. With options like climate control we can store difficult items (like pianos) without worry.

Let’s face it, at one time or another many of us will experience a storage crunch. Certainly we have all seen storage centers dotting our highways and landscapes. The rows of rectangular buildings offer to store whatever we can’t cram into our garages or attics. Fortunately for us, there are self-storage options for every need. Options include stand-alone storage unit facilities or units that are delivered to us.

When using a facility you should expect them to take reasonable precautions to secure your property. This may include security cameras, a gate and adequate lighting.

Before you decide on which type of storage meets your needs the best it is helpful to be familiar with at least a few terms.

Self storage is any type of storage that you do yourself. It is a catch-all term that includes just about all types of storage. Other common phrases are mini-storage, storage, public storage etc. Mini storage these storage units are about the size of a household room. They may be as small as a 5 x 5 closet, the size of a small room or even up to the size of a two car garage. Storage rental refers to the storage unit you are renting. Vehicle storage is storage for your car or vehicle. If you have an antique car, classic car or an extra vehicle this is the place to store it. Boat storage is the perfect spot for off-season boats. Boats storage facilities can handle everything from canoes to speedboats. RV storage facilities can store any size or make of RV. Instead of taking up driveway or yard space RV storage can offer the perfect solution. Long-term storage is just what the name implies. Whether you need to store for a few seasons or a year or more this is the place. Storage unit or facility refers to the individual room or cubical space that is available for rent. Storage units come in everything from mini-units to tractor-trailer size spaces. They can be climate controlled, delivered and set up on your property to be rented from a storage facility. No matter what space you rent the term storage unit can apply. Climate control storage offers heat in the winter and air-conditioning in the summer. This makes it easier for you sort through your belongings that are being stored. It can also provide better protection for previously hard-to-store items such as documents or pianos.

Most places allow you to rent on a monthly basis. Some storage facilities will let you rent a storage unit and pay by the quarter or annually. Move-in specials or other incentives are often offered. Some storage units will even allow the free use of a large moving truck to better enable you to move your belongings into the unit.

Almost all facilities will require that you purchase a lock for your unit. Some units will have a password setting on a main gate or on your storage unit. This added security feature helps keep whatever you are storing as safe and secure as possible.

In Alabama people often seek storage for household and personal belongings as well as RV storage and boat storage.

There are special considerations for long-term storage of any vehicle or boat. Check with your manufacturer for how to properly store your boat or RV. Don’t forget to check with your storage facility. They may also have certain requirements or a list of helpful tips to help you prepare your RV or boat for long-term self-storage. Basic suggestions include:

Be sure to remove anything that you value from the vehicle or boat being stored. This common sense approach can save you heartache later. Remove any extra belongings that you may need. There is nothing worth than looking for an item only to realize that it is safely stored in a winterized boat or RV! Check any fluids that are in your vehicle or boat and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing them for storage. This may include using fresh antifreeze or other fluids. Remove your battery. Wash and wax your boat or RV. Make it as clean as possible inside and out. If you have leather interior apply a protectant to prevent the leather from cracking. Cover and place in long-term storage knowing that your property is safe and secure.

You’ve saved your money over the years and have finally put yourself in a position where you can now afford to purchase the car you’ve always dreamed about. This is a special purchase. Although you are purchasing the car of your dreams, this $80,000 vehicle will not be your day to day ride. This car will serve as your joyride vehicle, so to speak. Since you will only be driving this expensive car on certain occasions during the summer months (who joyrides in the winter?), you will certainly need to have a reliable and effective vehicle storage strategy. The purpose of this article is to alert you, the reader, to the various types of vehicle storage strategies so you can determine which strategy fits your vehicle best.

Indoor vehicle storage is probably the safest and most effective vehicle storage strategy. The most common form of indoor vehicle storage comes in the form of garage storage. Simply out, you store your prized possession in your garage or the garage of a friend, neighbor, or family member. This strategy probably offers the most security and is also the most common of the vehicle storage methods. However, in the unlikely event that you do not have your own garage nor can you borrow someone else’s garage for a few months, you can find storage facilities in your local area that can and will provide what is usually affordable vehicle storage areas. The best providers of these services will usually offer some sort of indoor vehicle storage services. Most vehicle storage providers will also usually provide engine starting services for free although some may charge a small fee. Regardless of whether it is free or not, you should always ensure that engine starting services are included. This will almost always save you money in the long run since the vehicle will be ready to roll almost immediately once the beautiful summer months and associated cruising weather rolls around.

The most important this to do while preparing your vehicle for storage is to clean it inside and out. Be sure to wash and wax the vehicle on a dry, sunny day prior to putting into vehicle storage for the winter. Cleaning the underbody is usually overlooked by most people but is critical! Dirt and debris left anywhere on the car will retain moisture. Moisture, as you probably already know, causes ugly and always damaging rust. This is obviously not a good thing so be sure your car is thoroughly cleaned prior to putting it into vehicle storage. Otherwise, you could be in for a rude awakening when it comes time to take it out of storage!

Cleaning the car thoroughly inside is just as important as cleaning the outside of it. Be sure there are no crumbs or wrappers left in the car. Leaving such bits of food and such behind can have to pretty ugly consequences. You may notice when you take your car out of vehicle storage that these crumbs and such have grown mold and that is just terrible. The other negative effect this can have is the attraction and introduction of rodents such as mice and rats. You really do not want to take your car out of storage only to find you have a family of rodents living in it! Prevent this from happening by cleaning the inside of your car thoroughly before putting it into vehicle storage.

Ensuring the internal components do no rust while your vehicle is in storage is also critical. Removing the spark plugs and adding a bit of oil to the cylinder will usually prevent the pistons, the cylinder walls, and the valves from rusting. Regular motor oil will work for this task but I strongly recommend fogging oil from a marine supply store or automotive supply store in your area. Once you’ve added the oil, turn the engine by hand a few times to make sure the oil you’ve added coats everything important. You will then want to add so anti-seize to your spark plugs before you reinstall them. You should also always ensure you have a full tank of gas before putting your car into vehicle storage for an extended period of time. This reduces the amount of condensation that develops in your fuel system.

Last but not least, you should always disconnect the battery completely. You should always disconnect the negative cable first, and then the positive cable. Instead of leaving the battery sit all winter, attach it to a trickle charger so the battery retains its charge throughout the vehicle storage period.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. If you follow these tips prior to (and during) vehicle storage, your ride should be in tip top shape when it comes time to take it out of storage.