Overcrowded driveway or garage? It may be time to find car storage.
Choosing the right place is more than simply picking the closest storage facility to your house. You’ll need to consider all your options to find a secure, affordable spot that you can feel confident about leaving your vehicle.
This guide breaks down exactly how to choose the best car storage here in Alief, Houston, Texas to ensure that your car is protected for as long as you need to store it.
Why Store My Car?
If you own a car that you’re not currently using on a regular basis, car storage is a convenient and affordable way to get it off your property.
There are many reasons why you might want to store your car:
- You’re running out of space. An extra car takes up a lot of space in your garage or in your driveway. If you live in a small house or apartment, you might not have enough space for that extra car at home.
- You’re going out of town. Traveling for business or military, headed to college out of state or going on an extended vacation? Keep your car safe while you’re gone.
- You want to keep your car safe. Cars are vulnerable to damage when sitting in your driveway or parked out on your street. Keep it in top condition in a place that’s designed to keep your belongings secure.
- You have a large recreational vehicle. Car storage isn’t just limited to sedans and SUVs. It’s also the perfect place for your RV, boat, motorcycle and ATV.
Things to Consider When Choosing Car Storage
Unit Size
The size of the unit you’ll need for your car will depend on its length and type. Every facility offers slightly different dimensions, so always confirm the size you need before booking a unit.
At Curio Storage Alief Houston, we currently offer three different sizes of outdoor parking:
10×15
Around the size of an average parking spot. This storage space is ideal for smaller vehicles, including:
- Compact, two-door and hatchback cars
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
Even if you have a small vehicle, be sure to confirm its measurements before booking. While most compact cars are less than 15 feet long, some are slightly longer. Your car should be able to fully fit in its parking space.
10×20
Slightly smaller than a single car garage, this storage space is the size of a large parking space. It’s big enough for most cars and smaller recreational vehicles, including:
- Sedans
- Minivans
- SUVs
- Small pickup trucks
- Utility trailers
- Small campers
- Teardrop trailers
- Small Class B RVs
10×30
With 10 feet of extra space, this storage option is big enough for most vehicles, including:
- All cars and SUVs
- Heavy-duty trucks
- Cargo vans
- Small Class A RVs
- Class B and C RVs
- Medium travel trailers
- Small to medium boats and trailers
To ensure that your vehicle will fit in a spot, we recommend measuring its full length, including accessories like tow hitches, then adding a little extra to accommodate for clearance.
For instance, if your RV measures exactly 20 feet, you may want to consider renting a 10×30 spot for easier unloading and maneuvering.
Unit Type
There are three main types of car storage available.
- Outdoor uncovered parking: The most affordable option, this provides you with an uncovered parking spot. Your car will be protected by the facility’s fences and security system. If you’re storing long term, you may want to consider using a car cover.
- Outdoor covered parking: Partially covered by an overhead roof, these parking spots provide some degree of weather protection for your car. This option is not available at all facilities.
- Indoor units: Fully enclosed units offer maximum protection from weather and damage, but they may be more expensive than outdoor parking. Indoor units are most often used for smaller vehicles like motorcycles and classic cars.
At Curio Storage Alief Houston, we offer affordable outdoor uncovered parking, as well as indoor units for smaller vehicles.
Security
Don’t skimp on security. You’ve likely put a lot of time and money into your car, and the storage facility should offer plenty of features to keep it safe.
Opt for a facility that offers:
- Digital security cameras throughout the facility
- A fully-fenced property
- Secure front gate access with electronic keypad access
- Good lighting throughout the facility at all hours
- On-site management
- Tenant protection plans
A good facility will prioritize security, allowing you to rest easy while you’re away, knowing your car is safe.
Easy Access
If you’re looking to store a large vehicle, trailer or RV, you’ll know how frustrating it is to try and navigate tight corners and small spaces.
Always opt for a storage facility that has wide aisles to accommodate your vehicle with ease. There should be convenient entry and exit into the facility, as well as clearly marked parking spaces.
While these may seem like small or obvious details, they can make a huge difference if you’re trying to park a larger vehicle.
Location
If you need to access your vehicle regularly while it’s in storage, location is key. If you live in southwest Houston, it just makes sense to store your car close by in Alief rather than at another facility all the way across the city.
If you’re storing a recreational vehicle like a RV, boat or motorcycle, local storage also means quick and easy access every time you set off on a new adventure.
Flexible Terms
How long are you planning on storing your car? Life changes quickly, and your storage needs may change right along with it.
Facilities that offer month-to-month leases give you the freedom to store your car for as long as you need, without having to make a commitment to a long-term contract.
Rent Car Storage in Alief, Houston
The right car storage option is the one that keeps your vehicle safe and accessible. Before booking a unit, always make sure that the facility offers you the unit size, security, accessibility and lease flexibility that you need to keep your car protected.
Ready to rent car storage in Alief, Houston? Curio Storage has got you covered. We offer convenient storage options for every type of vehicle. Rent online today, or contact us to learn more about our storage solutions.