Boat Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

Our 10 ft. by 20 ft. and 10 ft. by 30 ft. units with 9 ft. wide doors are perfect for temporary or long-term storage of your vehicle. As you prepare to bring your vehicle in for storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to extend the life of your vehicle, keeping it looking new and running in top condition.Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.Check with your insurance carrierWhether you're storing your car for the winter or long-term, it's essential to check with your insurance carrier first. Many insurance companies offer specific coverage for vehicles in storage, which is often less expensive than on-road coverage.Some carriers even offer comprehensive only coverages that can save you even more money. In addition, be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.Some insurers offer discounts for storing your car in a secure location, such as a garage or storage unit. Others may give you a break on your premium if you agree to limit the time your car is in storage.By doing your research, you can be sure you're getting the best coverage for your needs.Clean your carWe always recommend that you clean your car, inside and out, thoroughly before storage. Wash the exterior and use your favorite wax over the entire exterior of the car to get rid of all imperfections and offer a protective layer on your paint. This will protect the paint from the possibility of corrosion.After that, remove all trash and debris inside the car. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all pet hair, food crumbs, and dirt. If you have leather seats, condition them with a quality leather conditioner to prevent cracking and fading.Once you've done all that, give your car one final wipe down with a microfiber cloth to pick up any residual dirt or dust. Now you're one step closer to storing your car!Remove all personal belongings from the carMake sure to remove all personal belongings from your car before storage. This includes clothes, garbage, food, and any loose items. If you have a trunk, be sure to clean it out as well. The less there is in your car, the less chance there is for mold or mildew to grow.Not only will this prevent items from getting damaged during storage, but it will also help to keep the car clean and organized.Change the oil and filter‍‍Before storing your car for an extended time, it is crucial to change the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other byproducts of combustion, which can cause corrosion in the engine if left unchanged.We recommend changing your oil and filter a few days before auto storage to prevent this. Once the oil has been changed, drive the car for several miles to allow the new oil to circulate through the entire engine. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car remains in good condition while in storage.Rotate the tiresIf you are planning on storing your car for more than a month, we recommend that you rotate the tires. This will help to prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.To rotate the tires, jack up the car and remove the wheels. Then, switch the position of the front and rear tires. For example, if the front tires are on the left side of the car, move them to the right side.Once the tires have been rotated, lower the car back down and tighten the lug nuts. Check the pressure in all four tires before driving the car again.Fill the gas tank‍As any car owner knows, regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle in good condition. This is especially true if you plan to store your car for an extended time.One crucial step in vehicle storage is filling your gas tank. This will help to prevent moisture and air from entering your tank and damaging your engine. In addition, it will help to keep your car's fuel system in good working order.Moreover, use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down and forming varnish when it evaporates. This can clog your fuel injectors and carburetor and harm your engine.By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car will be ready to hit the road when you are.Cover your car with a tarpMany aftermarket car tarps available will help prevent the build-up of dust on your vehicle. A waterproof tarp is also a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.We recommend using a tarp designed explicitly for car storage for the best protection. These tarps are made from durable materials and help keep your car clean and dry while in storage.Be sure to roll up your windows before applying the tarp to prevent any bugs or dust from getting inside. These tarps typically hug the vehicle tightly, so there is no risk of them blowing off in high winds.Depending on your climate, you may need to re-apply the tarp every few months to prevent any permanent damage to your car's paint job.These simple steps will help keep your car clean and dust-free.Care for your batteryWhat to do with your car battery when you store your car for the winter is a matter of some controversy among car specialists. However, consulting your owner's manual is always the best action.You may find that the manufacturer has a specific suggestion about what to do with the battery. If not, there are three leading schools of thought on the matter.Some specialists suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block so the battery won't be drained. Others will recommend leaving the battery in the car (but disconnecting the negative (-) terminal of the battery).Finally, other car specialists insist that the battery should be left intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes (which can damage various components).Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and decide what is best for your situation.Use a battery maintainerOne of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for storage is to use a battery maintainer. This device plugs into your car's cigarette lighter and provides a steady stream of electricity to the battery, keeping it charged and preventing it from draining. This is especially important if you plan to store your car for an extended time.Using a battery maintainer can help ensure that your car's battery will be in good working order when you are ready to hit the road again.Put up your convertible topConvertibles are a fun and stylish way to enjoy warmer weather, but they require a bit more care than traditional cars. One crucial tip for convertible owners is to store the vehicle with the top-up. Doing this helps to prevent the formation of large creases in the fabric.If you need to store the car with the top down, treat the fabric with silicone or other lubricants. This will help to keep the material supple and prevent creasing. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy your convertible for many years to come.Choose the right storage facilityNot all storage facilities are created equal. When you're looking for a place to store your car, choosing a facility that offers features like 24-hour security and easy access is crucial.The last thing you want is to worry about your car while it's in storage. By choosing the right storage facility, you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands.At South Rock Storage, we offer a variety of features to help keep your car safe and secure. Our facility has security cameras and gated access, so you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands. We have been in the business since 2006, and we offer a variety of storage options to choose from.Please note that the above tips are just recommendations. Different models have different requirements, and what works for one car may not be appropriate for another. Before undertaking any car maintenance, it's essential to consult your owner's manual.

Self-storage can be a lifesaver when you're short on space. But did you know you can save even more money by following a few simple tips? Here are 12 self-storage ideas to help you make the most of your unit and keep costs low. How to Maximize Your Small Space 1. Declutter frequently. Decluttering is one of the best ways to help you keep control of your stuff. Try to eliminate things that haven't been used for six months, broken items, and things that don't make you happy anymore or take up space in your storage unit. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent resource for connecting with others who may be interested in your unwanted items. And since you can list items for sale at any time, it's a convenient way to declutter your home and make some extra cash. 2. Store seasonal items in a separate location. Seasonal items are a great candidate for a storage unit. Clothing, shoes, and accessories can easily be stored in your self-storage unit when you're not wearing them. Holiday decorations can also be stored in a separate space—just make sure it's somewhere that won't get too hot or humid! You don't want to ruin all your fun decorations by storing them in an area with poor ventilation. We highly recommend storing these items in a climate-controlled storage unit. Patio Furniture is another seasonal item that can be kept out of the way in a self-storage unit until you need it again. 3. Install furniture with built-in storage. There are several ways to maximize your space when it comes to furniture. For example, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. They have compartments that you can use for storing items or even a full-on drawer system. Plenty of online stores sell these types of pieces, so you can find something that suits your taste and requirements and the rest of your home decorating scheme. Another great idea is to buy furniture with multiple functions (i.e., it serves many purposes). For example, an ottoman could serve as an extra seat when needed but slide open to reveal an additional compartment where items can be stored securely inside. Another option would be buying a bench with drawers underneath for extra storage space; this will add some additional seating into the mix and give you somewhere safe to hide away all those random items floating around your house! 4. Invest in stackable furniture and closet organizers. Invest in stackable furniture. If you have a lot of stuff you'd like to store, but don't have the space for it, consider investing in some stackable furniture. These pieces are designed to be stacked on top of one another and can help save room by eliminating the need for additional shelves or drawers. Use closet organizers to keep things tidy. Another great way to maximize space is by getting creative with clothes hangers with closet organizers hanging from hooks on walls or rods within closets. Some even feature pockets where you can tuck your shoes away after using them, so they don't get in the way when hanging items from their hangers! 5. Add shelves or cabinets around the perimeter of your rooms. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this: Measure the walls at their highest and lowest points, and then draw a triangle on the wall where your shelves will go. Cut along the lines, leaving enough room for all of your items (not too much space!). Install shelving according to instructions on its packaging, or consult with a professional if you're unsure how to do so safely before installation. Place items on shelves until they reach eye level from across most rooms—you want them hidden but still accessible! 6. Add under-bed storage bins. If your storage area has enough height, consider adding under-bed storage bins so you can store clothes, footwear, and linen. These are especially useful if you need to clear out some space during the off-season or when you're moving items around in preparation for a move. The benefit of these is that they're super easy to access—roll them out from underneath the bed frame. Clear plastic bins are best because they'll let light through and make it easier for you to see what's inside at a glance. Also, consider using them to store non-clothing items like toys or books that may have accumulated over time—you don't have room for all those things in your bedroom closet! 7. Buy or build a shoe rack or organizer. If you have a lot of shoes, consider building or buying a shoe rack or organizer. This can keep your shoes off the floor and in a visible location. Shoe racks are great for keeping shoes out of the way and in a protected environment. You can also store them in rooms that are temperature controlled, such as your basement or bedroom closet. Remember that moisture is not suitable for leather or suede material because it will rot over time. Therefore, avoid storing these types of shoes near any source of moisture (such as windows). 8. Make a space for your sports equipment outside. If you don't have room to store bikes or sports equipment inside, make a space for them outside. Keep your bike out of the rain. You can keep bicycles above ground level by hanging them on hooks (one every few feet) so they don't fall over. If you have a garage or carport, this is easy: hang the bike with its tires off the ground and leave it there until you need it again. Otherwise, place a cover over your bicycle when not in use to protect it from weather damage and dust accumulation. Lock up your bikes securely if possible—a chain, cable, or U-lock should work well. 9. Create a command center to organize mail, keys, and other small items. You may want to designate a specific area in your home for mail, keys, and other small items. A corkboard can be used for reminders and hooks for keys. A basket can be used for small items like pens, markers, or even more mail. Use a file box for bills and papers that need additional attention. Finally, use a small table or decorative box to house all the supplies needed to keep everything organized! 10. Find areas around your home for extra storage. If you have extra storage space above your door, you may want to consider adding shelves there. Stair risers are a great place to store books. You can also use the back of doors for hanging things, such as a shoe organizer or hangers. You can also find storage under the bed and behind cabinets if you're looking for more places to store items in your home. 11. Add dividers in deep drawers or cubby holes. You can also create dividers to help with organization in deep drawers. For example, if you have a drawer that is 10 inches deep but only contains two items, then it might be best to divide them into two sections. This way, one side can hold your scissors and tape dispenser, and the other can store pens, pencils, and other writing utensils. In addition to using shelving for storage solutions around the home (see #5), you may also want to consider getting some drawer organizers. These types of organizing systems come with dividers that keep contents organized while they sit in their designated space inside a cabinet or closet shelf. Some common uses include: Using shallow drawers as "junk drawers" where you place things like batteries that need easy access and aren't used often Use shallow drawers for things like silverware sets, so they don't get lost at the bottom of cabinets when stacked on top of each other. 12. Use self-storage for overflow items. If you have a lot of space at home but not enough money to get rid of it all at once, consider storing some valuables or furniture instead of throwing them out or donating them—you may be able to use them again someday! Self-storage is a great place to store those extra items you don't need around the house. Things like seasonal decorations, extra blankets, and electronic items you rarely use (like a VHS player) but want to keep can all be stored in self-storage while leaving room in your home for things you're using. If you're looking for places where you'll be able to access these things irregularly, consider renting a storage unit for a time that makes sense for your needs. For example: if there's an item that requires fairly frequent access (like camping gear), it probably isn't worth paying each month just so that it's available now and then. If you also have a hobby that requires storage space (like scrapbooking), consider using a self-storage unit to keep your materials organized and tidy. The benefits of renting a self-storage unit in Wichita, Kansas are as follows: You can declutter your home and free up space. You can keep your belongings safe and secure. You can have easy access to your things when you need them. It is a cost-effective way to store your items. Final Thoughts When it comes to organization, there are endless possibilities for tiny homes. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can turn your compact home into an organized oasis. Try out some tips above and see what works best for you! Contact South Rock Storage if you're looking for a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate your needs—and we even have climate-controlled units available. Give us a call today or stop by our facility to learn more!