Vehicle Storage in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz, CA is a great place to rent vehicle storage units.

If you live in or around Santa Cruz, CA, including in the nearby cities of San Jose, San Mateo, or Palo Alto, you already know it's a great place to live, work, and play. The area is beautiful, and there's always plenty to do. One of the things you can do is shop, since there are so many wonderful stores to look through and spend time in. If you buy a lot, though, you could find that you really don't have room to store the things you purchased, or that you need to move some things out of your house to make room for new things. Fortunately, you can store almost anything in a self storage unit or other type of storage facility. 

Do You Need to Store a Vehicle?

You can store vehicles, including everything from a motorcycle all the way up to a motor home or RV, if you don't have room for them at home or aren't allowed to keep them there. For example, some communities have HOAs that won't let you park your boat beside your garage or that extra car in your driveway. If you have an apartment, you may not have another parking space, either. With that in mind, you can get your vehicle safely tucked away in a Santa Cruz self storage facility, so it's protected from harm and ready to go when you need it.

What Does a Drive Up Unit Offer?

In the most populated zip codes of 95060, 95062, 95065, 95064, and 95061, there are a lot of facilities that offer drive up units. You can also find some storage facilities in less populated zip codes, as well. With drive up units you get great convenience. You can access these types of units on a 24/7 basis at most facilities, meaning you won't have to worry about getting access to something you need in your unit at a late hour or on the weekend. You can even stop by at three in the morning if you want or need to. These units can be a great option for standard storage, and for people who work or otherwise keep odd hours.

Should You Choose Climate Controlled Storage?

If you have antiques, old photographs or important papers, scientific instruments, or musical instruments, you may want to choose a climate controlled unit instead of one that doesn't offer you that option. With a climate controlled self-storage unit you don't have to worry about changing weather conditions in Santa Cruz affecting anything you're storing for use later. Keepsakes and all sorts of other things can be damaged by heat and cold, along with changes to humidity. Instead of risking that, tucking your items into a climate controlled self-storage unit can make all the difference. While climate controlled units do cost a little bit more than standard, drive up units, the cost difference isn't that much and it's well worth it to protect all the things that matter to you.

Why Use Vehicle Storage?

There are a lot of great reasons to use vehicle storage when protecting your car, truck, or other vehicle is important to you. One of the main reasons to use this kind of storage solution is living in a neighborhood where there are parking limitations.

There might not be room for you to park on the street, or you may get a letter from the HOA saying you can't leave your vehicle in the driveway. Parking limitations are common in larger cities and more urban areas, but can really happen anywhere.

Another reason to choose vehicle storage is not having enough garage space. If you have a two-car garage and three vehicles, for example, or if you have a boat, RV, or other vehicle that won't fit in the garage due to its size, using vehicle storage can solve any problems you have with space.

Other reasons for storing your vehicle at a facility include space for vehicle projects such as rebuilding an old car, frequent traveling, security, and protection from the weather.

Types of Vehicle Storage

Storing your vehicle doesn't have to be difficult. Here's what to consider about several different kinds of vehicles, when it comes to storing them the right way.

Car Storage

If you have a summertime car you store away in the winter, or an older vehicle that you want to restore, that's a great reason for a car storage space.

Motorcycle Storage

A motorcycle doesn't take up a lot of room, but you still might not have space at your home to store it. Putting your bike into a vehicle storage unit can help keep it safe and reduce the chances that someone will steal or damage it.

ATV Storage

Like a motorcycle, an ATV is a fair-weather vehicle option. You need to keep it safe when you're not using it, and have room to store it and work on it. The right vehicle storage unit is the best choice.

Jet Ski Storage

Storing a jet ski is easier when you have a dedicated vehicle storage space. That's because jet skis are often stored on their trailers, and they take up a lot of room that you might not have in your garage.

Snowmobile Storage

During the summer, your snowmobile needs a secure space. Vehicle storage can give you that, so your snow machine will be protected and ready to go when winter comes around again.

Boat Storage

A boat is great fun during the summer months, but when the weather gets cold, and you need to keep it stored, you want to find the right boat storage space to protect it properly.

RV Storage

An RV needs a large storage space, or a more open location such as carport-style storage. That will help protect it while still giving you access.

Vehicle Storage Options

There are three main ways to store a vehicle at a facility, which are inside in an enclosed space, outside and covered, or outside and uncovered. All three of these options can be good choices, but which one works for you will depend on your budget, needs, and the type of vehicle you have.

Enclosed storage unit / Drive-up

This is what most people think of when they think about self-storage units. There are specific units for vehicles, as they can't typically be stored in a traditional unit due to regulations about gasoline and other flammable liquids. Enclosed units are best for smaller vehicles such as ATVs and snowmobiles.

Outdoor covered storage

Outdoor covered storage is a lot like putting a vehicle under a carport, inside a fenced area. This protects it from the worst of the weather, but it's better for larger vehicles that won't fit into an enclosed space. For example, boats with their own covers, cars and trucks, and small RVs are often stored this way.

Outdoor uncovered storage

This storage is best for large RVs that might not fit into an enclosed or covered space, and that aren't likely to be damaged from sitting out in the weather. You can also store other vehicles this way, but small vehicles could be at risk.

Vehicle Storage Amenities

Choosing vehicle storage means getting amenities you might not have otherwise. The two most valuable amenities for most people are 24-hour security to protect their vehicles, and extended hours to ensure that they can get access when needed.

24-hour security

You want to keep your vehicle as safe as possible, and you can do that more easily through a vehicle storage facility that has security on a 24-hour basis. It's a good deterrent for anyone who might consider damaging your vehicles, and it can reduce your insurance costs and give you peace of mind, as well.

Extended hours

Extended hours matter, too, since you need to be able to get to your vehicle at your convenience. Especially if you work nights, weekends, or on a rotating schedule, the goal is to make sure you don't end up without proper access to your vehicle when you need it most.

Average Price of Vehicle Storage

The average price of vehicle storage is between $45 and $450 per month. It's such a large range because there are several different storage options for you to consider. The type and size of your vehicle can matter, along with your location and other factors. Storing a motorcycle in a more rural area is going to cost less, on average, than storing an RV in a more urban or suburban location.

Shopping around can help you get the right price and terms for any vehicles you want to store. Even if something seems like a good deal, it might not be as good as you think if there are too many factors that don't work for you. Not having security, for example, is an important consideration, since you don't want to put your vehicles at risk. You also need to make sure you can get to them when needed.

What Size Storage is Best for a Vehicle?

The size of the storage unit is a big part of what to consider. A large RV will probably need to be kept in open storage or an outdoor, covered option, simply because there aren't too many facilities that have enclosed storage spaces large enough for it. But some facilities may be able to accommodate it, and that can be a good option if you're looking for the largest amount of protection.

Make sure your vehicle will fit by measuring carefully before you sign a contract to rent a storage space. You want to be able to walk around the vehicle, ideally. That's especially important if it's a project car, or you're doing any kind of service or maintenance on it while it's being stored. Don't get an oversized space, though, or you'll be paying a higher price than you have to for the space your vehicle is taking up.
 

Helpful Resources

Don't Make These Costly Mistakes When Storing Your RV!

It is important to be aware of some common mistakes that could end up costing you more time and money in the long run.

Ultimate Motorcycle Storage Guide: Tips for Success

This Motorcycle Storage Guide is an essential resource for those who are planning to store their beloved bikes during the off-season or while relocating.

How to Prevent Dry Rot in Stored Tires

Tires that are stationary for long periods of time are prone to dry rot. This is because the resins that keep moisture in a tire need regular pressure to be activated.

The Ins and Outs of Vehicle Storage

Lear how vehicle storage works, what to do and what not to do to make your vehicle storage process pain free.