There can be many reasons why you would need to use outside storage for large items such as boats or recreation vehicles. You may not have enough room on your property or even if you do, local ordinances or municipal laws may not allow you to store these large items on your property. You may need to store large items seasonally such as boats which are in the water in the summer however they may need to be in storage in the winter to prevent damage. So what are these large items that may need to be in storage until you need them?
- Boats
- Yachts
- Cars
- Motor Homes
- Motor bikes
- Campers
Storage is the perfect solution to prevent damage to these items and to keep them safely and securely until they are needed. Damage can occur from …
- Harsh high temperatures
- Torrential rain, snow or sleet
- Subzero conditions
- High winds
Different storage facilities offer different storage options and depending on your needs you should only use a facility than meets all of your non negotiable needs.
Inside or outside storage options are common with many storage companies especially boat or yacht storage companies. Some boats or yachts can be so large that
storing these inside is not even an option in the local area. If you are being offered inside storage for your large items always check to ensure the doors are all wide enough and high enough so the item can actually get in to the bay without damage. You then need to check if the storage space intended for your item is high enough so that it can be safely and securely stored with no chance of damage due to tight space. This is especially important if your large item is to be stored on a rack similar to an outside car park where cars are stored on racks on top of another.
The advantage of inside storage is to protect your items from inclement weather conditions. Some facilities are even heated and this is often more for your comfort that for the protection of the actual items being stored. Many facilities that offer inside storage in bay type units may also offer electricity as an option you can choose should you need. Outside storage may be all you need and will cost you less however if there is a chance that outside storage will damage your item do not even consider this option. There are many companies now offering residential storage options. This is where a storage shelter is delivered to your home and your boat, car or RV can be stored inside. Of course these can only be used if local ordinances allow so check with your local municipality. These shelters will protect your goods from inclement weather conditions and some come with front and back panels and doors as options. The shelter can then be returned when you are finished with it.
Many boat or yacht storage companies may offer services such as docking and launching. In fact it is not uncommon for these companies to offer a range of goods and services related to the items they store. Some car storage companies also offer some of these services however this is not as common. Some of the services offered may include:
- General repairs on cars, boats or other RV’s
- Sales and purchase of new and used vehicles
- Repairs of osmotic blisters for boats or yachts
- Gloss finishing
- Welding
- High pressure power washing
- General Repairs such as mast repairs for boat or body work for vehicles.
- Bottom painting and buffing on boats
- General servicing of vehicles such as winterizing**
- Launch and haul out to storage
- Cleaning, waxing and detailing ****
- Accessory sale and installation
- Docking, launch ramps
- Fuel service
- Boat rental
- Jet ski and pontoon rental
** Winterizing for boats should include flush out, fogging drain and refill lower unit grease, pressure testing, grease shaft, fittings and steering system, compression test engine, disconnecting battery(s) and replacing water pumps if the recommended 2 years replacement period is up .
**** Detailing should include compounding, waxing and vinyl cleaning (for boats)
Depending on the options you choose the cost of the storing your property will change. Group storage will cost you less if you can get some friends or colleagues to store items in the same facility and leverage the bulk discount rate. Inside storage will be more expensive than storing your goods outside and heated inside storage will be even more expensive. If you choose an individual bay with electric outlets you will pay of these options also.
Always check out the storage company at work before committing to use the company. You want to be sure vehicles are handled gently and safely. Some boat storage companies will test the water of the docking area on a regular basis to ensure algae and bacteria levels are at levels that will not damage your boat if it is docked there for a period of time. Ask the storage facility you are looking at if they conduct this exercise and if so ask to view the records.
Security and Safety
Your recreation vehicles probable cost you some money and you are storing them to protect and secure them. You may store them seasonally or simply because you do not need to use them right now. Whatever the reason it demonstrates that you care about these items and want them stored in a safe and secure environment. Again different companies offer different security measures to protect your goods while in storage. These can range from key pad access to security fences around the border of the property to 24 hour security guards. You may need access 24 hours a day so ask the facility if this is available. You should feel comfortable with the security arrangements of the storage facility you select.