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.

Are you considering renting a self-storage unit in Wichita, KS? If so, it's essential to be organized and plan to make the most of the space. Check out these six tips for getting started. How to Organize Your Items in Self-Storage Units 1. Use shelves for boxes and other items. Using shelves is a great way to organize your boxes, books, and other items you plan to use frequently. They're also helpful for keeping the floor clear of clutter and making it easier to move throughout your storage unit. Although any shelving will technically work, we recommend sturdy shelving with a high weight limit to easily handle anything you place on it. When setting up your shelving unit, place heavy items near the bottom, fragile (or light) items at the top, and items that you frequently use on the middle shelves. Next, make sure all your boxes are labeled. Being well organized helps you remember where everything is or even helps a friend if they're getting something from your unit on your behalf! After this step, try to organize the items by category (clothing vs. tools vs. sports gear), so related items are grouped and easier to find. 2. Label everything with a list of the contents. Labeling every box you put in your unit is essential, whether it's full or empty. People often misplace items in their storage units because they cannot remember which unit they put them in. Labeling your boxes will always know where your belongings are, and you won't have to waste time searching through multiple units. Labeling is also an effective way to keep track of items after they have been moved into your home when you unpack them again after moving out of storage into your new place! It may seem overkill at first because there will only be a few things left in each box, but it just becomes second nature after a while. 3. Fold clothing and linens neatly to save on space. Folding is the easiest way to save space in a self-storage unit. To fold clothes and linens, first lay them flat on a surface so that the long edges are parallel (this will create an "L" shape). Fold the bottom third of your piece of clothing up toward where it meets at the top, then fold it in half along its length. Finally, fold both sides inward toward one another until they meet at their respective middle points (like folding in half) and place them into your storage unit together with their seams facing outwards so that any dirt or dust won't get trapped inside when you open them later on! 4. Create a list of what is in each box so that you can easily find each item. If you feel overwhelmed by the size of your storage unit, creating a list of what's in can be helpful. After all, one of the main reasons people use self-storage units is because they need extra space for their stuff! But if you don't know what's in the unit already, how will you know what else needs to go in? Here are a few tips when creating a list: Be as specific as possible. For example, if you have a box labeled "summer clothes," include a list of every item inside the box. This way, you will know precisely what is in the box and where to find it when you need it. Include the box number, what is in the box, and where it is located. Store the list with your other essential documents in a fireproof lockbox. This way, it will be protected from water damage and other disasters. Keep adding new things to your list as you move more boxes into your storage unit. If something gets lost or forgotten, you will have a comprehensive list of contents for each box to find whatever needs finding quickly! 5. Store large items like bikes and furniture against the walls. If you have larger items like bicycles or furniture, it's best to store them against the walls of your self-storage unit. This will free up space in the middle of the unit so that you can store other things, and it will also help to protect your belongings from getting damaged if someone accidentally bumps into them while walking around. To maximize space, you can also disassemble furniture before storing it in the unit. For example, take the legs off a table or the mattress and box spring off a bed frame. Just make sure to label all the pieces, so you know how to put them back together later! Another tip is to keep the legs and machinery (screws) together by tape or in a clear plastic bag so that everything is there when you go to reassemble. 6. Use a floor plan. Just like moving into an apartment or home, having a floor plan will help keep everything organized and tidy. You might want to consider making sure that everything has its place, especially if it's something large like furniture pieces or appliances (think washing machines). Consider putting the items you want to use the closest to the front and the longer-term storage items in the back. This will save time when looking for where something goes when needed again. Creating a floor plan is easy! Take a measuring tape and measure out the dimensions of your storage unit. Then, use graph paper to draw out a scale model of the space. Finally, start placing your belongings in the unit according to the floor plan. Final Thoughts If you take time to organize before you move in, then it will be easy to find what you need when you need it later. Self-storage units can be a great way to keep your belongings safe and sound while you're in between homes or even need extra space. That way, it will be accessible when you need to find something later! But before you start packing everything into boxes, it's essential to take some time to think about how you're going to organize everything. Contact South Rock Storage today to learn more about our self-storage units in Wichita, Kansas! We have a variety of sizes and amenities to choose from so that you can find the perfect unit for your needs. Give us a call or stop by our facility today!