What size storage unit for a car is best? Today we're going to dig deep into the nitty-gritty of storing a vehicle in a storage unit. People put cars in storage all the time, from vehicles they only use seasonally or recreationally to cars they want to sell (but may not have space for right now.) One of the easiest ways to damage a car is to store it in the driveway, where it's susceptible to everything from inclement weather to vandals and thieves.
First up, if you're asking what size storage unit for a car is best, here's the concise answer: You'll need a minimum storage unit size of 10'x15' or 10'x20' to fit an automobile. Some cars—but not all—will work in a 10'x15' unit, but we'd recommend a 10'x20' whenever possible. Even for smaller cars, this will allow a little more breathing room, making it much easier to park your vehicle in the unit. If you're near a BuxBear Storage location, just call us, and we can help you find the perfect unit for your car.
We recommend you look up the dimensions of the car you plan to store before renting a unit or measure the car's length yourself. We'll get into the details below and give some tips for preparing to put your car into storage.
Common Car Lengths by Car Type
The car's height or width isn't likely to be the issue—length is usually the deciding factor in whether or not a vehicle will fit in a given storage unit. Here are some examples by type, according to Mechanic Base, to provide you with an idea of standard car lengths. This way, you can figure out what size storage unit for a car of each size is appropriate.
| Car Type | Example Model | Length (Feet) |
| Mini Car | Suzuki Alto | 10.5 |
| Small Car | Kia Rio | 13.8 |
| Mid-Sized | Audi A4 | 14.8 |
| Full-Sized | Audi A6 | 15.7 |
| Small SUV | Ford Escape | 14.4 |
| Large SUV | Cadillac Escalade | 16.7 |
| Small Pickup | Nissan Nevada | 16.3 |
| Large Pickup | Chevrolet Silverado | 18.4 |
You'll notice that even most subcompact cars can't fit into a 10' x 10' unit. You'll also see that even very small vehicles don't leave much room to spare in a 10' x 15' unit. On average, they're a very tight squeeze for mid-sized cars, and they won't fit most SUVs or trucks at all. When you look at the numbers, it becomes clear that for most vehicles on the road, a 10' x 20' storage unit will be the right call.
Why Should You Use a Storage Unit for a Car?
If your job requires long periods of travel
Military personnel, travel nurses, overseas contractors, ESL teachers, and even students doing study abroad programs find themselves away from home for months at a time. However, that doesn't mean they want to sell their cars and have to buy new ones when they come home again. Even if you vacate where you live for a while, you can still store your vehicle, so it's safely awaiting your return. In these cases, it's probably best to get an even bigger storage unit than a 10' x 20', so you can also store a substantial number of items from your home.
If you've recently bought a new car but haven't sold the previous one yet
It's common for people to end up with an extra car on their hands when they're making a vehicle purchase. What are your options if you've got a one-car garage and two cars? Well, the worst thing you can do for a vehicle is leave it outside in the driveway or curb. If you're hanging on to your previous car so you can take your time selling it, you might want to keep it in storage for a month or two. Another bonus of this strategy is that it won't get rained on, so it should stay nice and clean for when you take it out of storage for potential buyers to test drive.
If you're a car collector or own a classic car
The worst thing you can do for a classic car is leave it outside in the driveway or parked on the curb. You should protect your investment if you've invested money and time in a valuable antique car.
If you want to declutter your garage
If you've got a car you don't drive much, putting it into a storage unit can free up garage storage space, which can change your entire home. Access to extra storage can allow you to re-organize and streamline your entire living space, which is excellent for productivity and peace of mind.
If you have a vehicle that's just used for recreation or seasonally
From work trucks to customized road-tripping vans, some of us have spare vehicles that we only use occasionally. If you want to keep garage or driveway space free and protect your car, put your automobile into secure storage.
What to Do Before Putting Your Car Into Storage
If you're going to be storing a car in a storage unit, there are a few best practices you should be aware of that will help keep your vehicle in good condition.
Take it out and drive it sometimes
If you're storing your automobile for an extended period of time, take it out for a brief spin every few weeks. The most basic function this provides is recharging your battery, which might drain during long hibernation. But conventional wisdom also says that getting some juice flowing to your transmission, brakes, power steering, and other systems helps these mechanisms last longer.
Use a vehicle cover
Using a car cover is easy and inexpensive, offering excellent protection from the elements. This is particularly important if you're storing your car in an outdoor, uncovered lot.
Wash your vehicle before you store it
You want to avoid putting your car into storage when it's coated in muck and grime. If left to sit over time, dirt, dust, and pollutants from the road can degrade your car's finish and cause rust.
What size storage unit for a car is best? Some parting thoughts
When considering the size of a car's storage unit, most people will want to go with a 10'x20' storage unit. People with very small cars may be able to squeeze them into a 10'x15' unit, but you should measure your vehicle to be sure! If you have a van, truck, or large SUV, go as high as 10'x25' or 10'x30', especially if you want to use your storage unit for other items in addition to your vehicle.
When in doubt, just ask us! Not every storage company is going to be able to help you, but at BuxBear Storage we've combined modern facilities and thoughtful amenities with world-class customer service. Give us a call or come by, and we'll help you find the unit that's perfect for your situation.