8 Clever Climate Controlled Storage Ideas for a Small Home

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.

The Benefits of Storing Your Belongings in a Military Storage UnitYou may consider a military storage unit if you're looking for a safe and secure place to store your belongings as an armed forces member. This type of storage offers many options, including 24/7 security, climate control, and fire protection. Here are some of the top reasons to choose a military storage solution for your storage needs.Reasons You Need Storage While in the MilitaryIn the military, you know that storage is helpful and sometimes essential. Here are a few reasons why: Military deployment When you are in the military, deploying to a location far away from your home is always possible. Deployments can be complicated because you must leave all your belongings behind. Fortunately, military storage options can help you keep your belongings safe while you are away.Military deployment can be stressful, and worrying about your belongings only adds stress. This storage option can give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and sound.Storage options are also great for storing things you may not need immediately but still want to keep, such as seasonal clothing or holiday decorations. This way, you can declutter your living space and make it more comfortable when you return home.PCS move You may need storage if you are in the military and have to move due to a PCS (Permanent Change of Station).Military families have to move an average of every 2-3 years, making it challenging as you accumulate a lot of belongings. Storage is an excellent solution for military personnel who need a place to keep their belongings while moving.Benefits of Military Storage Unit When you're in the military, you have to be prepared to move at a moment's notice. That's why military self-storage is such a valuable resource. With military self-storage, you can safely and securely store your belongings while away on deployment or training.Here are some of the benefits of using military self-storage: Month-to-month leasing flexibility As anyone in the military knows, things can change at a moment's notice. That's why month-to-month leases for self-storage solutions can be a lifesaver for service members and their families. With no long-term commitment, military self-storage can provide the perfect solution for storing belongings during a PCS move or deployment.There are many other benefits of military self-storage as well. Units are typically available in a wide range of sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. And most facilities offer military discounts to active duty and retired service members.So if you're looking for a flexible, affordable solution for your storage needs, look no further than military self-storage.Range of military storage unit sizes You may have to move around a lot in the military. Frequent moves can make finding a place to store your belongings challenging. However, self-storage solutions come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs.Smaller units are great for storing items you don't regularly need, such as seasonal clothing or holiday decorations. You can choose a larger unit if you have more oversized items, like furniture. And if you need to store sensitive materials, like medical records or financial documents, climate-controlled units are available.The wide range of sizes benefits military self-storage because it allows you to find a unit that fits your needs.Affordable storage units with military discounts When you're in the military, you move around a lot. And that can mean a lot of hassle when it comes to storing your belongings. But self-storage units, like South Rock Storage, with discounts for the military, can help make your life a little easier.Here are just a few of the benefits of having affordable storage solutions offering military storage discounts: You can store your belongings safely and securely while deployed.You don't have to worry about finding a place to store your belongings when you move to a new duty station.You can access your belongings 24/7, so you don't have to worry about them being in someone else's possession.You can request climate-controlled storage units.Vehicle storage for the military Military self-storage has many benefits, including vehicle storage for the military. Storing a vehicle is an excellent benefit for military members who need to keep their cars stored while they are away on deployment or training.This type of storage for the military can be a great benefit because it can help keep your vehicle safe while you are away. It can also be a great way to save money on storage fees because many self-storage facilities offer discounts for military personnel.Another benefit of vehicle storage for the military is that it can help you keep your vehicle in good condition. Many self-storage facilities have climate-controlled units that can help protect your vehicle from the elements.Conveniently located next to McConnell AFBWhen looking to store your belongings, South Rock Storage's location next to McConnell Air Force Base is a benefit of military self-storage. Here are a few reasons why: You won't have to go far to retrieve your belongings when you need them.You can easily store things like holiday decorations and out-of-season clothes without having to drive a long distance to do so.If you're deployed or have to move suddenly, you can rest assured that we are looking after your belongings.Simplify the Moving ProcessAs a military family, you're used to moving around. But, that doesn't make the process any less stressful. It can be even more challenging to keep track of everything when you're constantly on the go. That's why it's vital to simplify the moving process as much as possible.One way to do this is using military storage, which can help you declutter your home and make it easier to pack up and move when the time comes. It's also a great way to keep belongings safe while deployed or stationed overseas.Military storage units are the answer if you're looking for a hassle-free way to move your belongings. It will make your life a lot easier and help you stay organized while constantly on the go.Moving Tips for Military FamiliesAs military families are well aware, moving can be a part of life. While exploring a new place can be exciting, it can also be stressful.Here are a few moving ideas to help make the transition smoother for everyone involved.Start by decluttering your home. Decluttering will not only make packing more straightforward, but it will also help you save on storage costs.Make sure to pack essential items separately from everything else. This way, you'll have what you need right away and won't have to rummage through boxes in search of specific items.Utilize self-storage, if possible, as a great way to keep your belongings safe and out of the way while you're settling into your new home.Give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the move.Military Storage TipsIf you are in the military or have a family member who is, you know that storage can be a challenge. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your space.Have a plan. Decide what you need to store and where it will go. Just as in the field, having a plan will help you make the most of your space and avoid clutter.Use storage containers. Invest in good-quality storage containers to protect your belongings from dust, moisture, and pests.Label everything. Labeling will help you find things quickly and keep track of what is where.Keep it clean. Regular cleaning will help organize your storage area and prevent mold and mildew from growing.Check for pests regularly.Remember Your Rights and Reasonable ExpectationsWhen military families move, there are certain things they should expect from their storage unit facility, and in particular situations, they may be protected by Federal laws.Here are three things you should expect from your facility: Military families have the right to a safe and secure storage facility.Military families have the right to have their belongings stored for a reasonable period of time.Military families have the right to receive compensation if their belongings are damaged or lost while in storage.How does the SCRA affect your storage?When active duty military members enter into storage contracts, they could receive protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This federal law provides certain protections for service members in particular situations, including a limit on how much storage companies can charge for late fees.Under the SCRA conditions, storage companies are only allowed to charge up to 6% annually on any unpaid balances owed by service members. So, if you have a balance of $100 that you haven't paid in 3 months, the most the storage company can charge you is $1.80 in late fees ($0.60 per month).In addition, the SCRA has, in particular circumstances, guidelines regarding the storage company's ability to auction off service members' units who are behind on their payments. This protection applies to self-storage units and those part of a moving company's services.It is wise to familiarize yourself with the details to see if you qualify under SCRA for protection and benefits.Final ThoughtsStoring your belongings in a military storage unit has many benefits. You can rest assured that your belongings will be safe and secure, and you can take advantage of the discounts available to military members.You can simply pick up your belongings and leave when ready to move—no need to worry about finding a new storage solution or packing and moving your belongings.If you are in Wichita, KS, and looking for a storage facility near McConnell Air Force Base, contact South Rock Storage today! The company is a proud provider of storage and moving services to the military community, and we'd love to tell you about our discounts for military members.