Car storage in Phoenix, AZ

If you’re storing a seasonal vehicle (like a convertible), we’d recommend a private residential garage or enclosed parking garage

Here’s why:

While Phoenix, AZ receives fewer than 8 inches of annual rainfall, an enclosed storage option is still a good idea for a vehicle like a convertible. The Arizona sun’s rays can easily penetrate a soft-top convertible, exposing your leather seats to extreme heat, which can lead to cracking and fading.

Cost of Car Storage in Phoenix: Peer-to-Peer vs. Traditional

While some traditional car storage facilities keep pricing vague, peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor are very transparent about their prices. Instead of posting “storage cost will vary according to location, unit size, and amenities,” storage marketplaces list the exact [fixed] price next to the listing photos.

On average, peer-to-peer car storage is 30% cheaper than traditional car storage options of the same size in the exact location (and with the same amenities).

Here we’ve included the average car storage costs in 11 major U.S. cities:

• Atlanta: $157 per month
• Boise: $105 per month
• Boston: $262 per month
• Chicago: $200 per month
• Dallas: $143 per month
• Kansas City: $126 each month
• Las Vegas: $130 per month
• New York: $750 per month for 10′ by 15′ unit
• Orlando: $119 per month
• Seattle: $156 per month
• St. Louis: $138 per month

For more information, check out this Neighbor article.

Types of Phoenix Car Storage Spaces

Traditional car storage facilities offer renters a choice of canopied parking stalls or traditional storage units (in sizes 10’x20’ and larger). Note that a standard-sized vehicle won’t fit comfortably in units 10’x15’ or smaller.

On peer-to-peer storage marketplaces, you’ll find a mix of traditional car storage options as well as residential options (for double the inventory in your city)--including:

• RV pads (Cement or unpaved)
• Private residential garages
• Carports
• Indoor car storage
• Climate-controlled car storage

Stuck choosing between these options? Compare the pros and cons.

Parking Garages

Right for You If:

• Advanced security features are at the top of your wishlist: Because of the installed security cameras and on-site security personnel, a parking garage is a traditionally safer option, even in the higher-crime city of Phoenix, AZ.
• You’re worried about prolonged UV exposure: As a covered car storage option, a parking garage structure will protect your car from not only UV damage but also moisture damage (rust, mold, mildew, etc.) on those rare rainy days in Phoenix, AZ.
• You’re storing a classic or seasonal car (like a convertible): Both car types are more prone to damage from the elements.

Not Right Fit If:

• You have a limited car storage budget: While a parking garage's overhead coverage could save you on repair costs, it may not be in the budget to pay the extra.

Private Garages

Right for You If:

• You want privacy: In some cases, hosts will only assign one renter per garage space, meaning you’ll have the entire place to yourself for vehicle storage and other self-storage needs.
• You want to protect against UV damage: While a car cover can certainly help, a fully enclosed shaded garage is your safest bet.
• You’re willing to spend extra on car storage every month: You’ll have to pay the big bucks to reserve one of these rare Neighbor spaces. Overall, garage spaces are the hardest listings to find, even if most Phoenix homes have garages.

Not the Right Fit If:

• You’re dealing with a budget: The rarer a listing is, the higher the price (generally speaking).
• You need car storage fast: Because these listings are more difficult to find, Phoenix residents should look for more widely available spaces like parking lots, parking garages, etc.

Luxury Car Storage Facilities

Right for You If:

• You’re willing to pay extra for the amenities: When the summer heat settles over Phoenix and temperatures are averaging in the low 100s, you’ll do anything to protect your luxury car (including paying more for luxury storage).
• You’re worried about your car battery dying during long-term storage: Most indoor storage units don’t have outlets, so using a trickle charger is out of the question. Luxury car facilities, however, offer battery tender checks. That way your car is road-ready upon pick-up.

Not Right for You:

• You’re looking for budget-friendly storage: If you’re storing a luxury vehicle–and don’t want the battery to die during storage–keep your eyes peeled for traditional indoor storage units with outlets.
• You don’t own a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle: If your car doesn’t fit into any of the following categories, the membership fees you pay every month won’t be worth it.

Carport

Right for You If:

• You’re looking for UV protection: You understand that your car can still sustain UV damage–even if it’s only exposed to the Arizona sun for a few hours. You also know that Phoenix experiences roughly 300 sunny days per year. If you’re particularly worried about upholstery damage or faded paint, you want the overhead protection of a carport. Note: Some carports have side coverage for reduced sun exposure.

Not Right for You:

• You want maximum privacy: You may have to share the space with the host or other Phoenix car owners renting the space.
• Your vehicle cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures: If your vehicle is prone to overheating, climate-controlled storage is a must. Unfortunately, you won’t find any climatized carports in the Phoenix area.

Before Storing a Car in Phoenix

Here’s what you need to know:

• The distinguisher between “car storage” and “parking” is how often you’ll need to access your vehicle.
  • If you need to access your car on a frequent basis, look for monthly parking options.
  • If you plan to leave your vehicle unused for extended periods of time, look for car storage options.
• It is considered “long-term car storage” if you plan to store your vehicle for 3 months (or longer).
• During long-term car storage, it’s best to store a car with a full tank of gas to prevent the culmination of rust (read more here).
• You’ll want to start your car periodically during long-term auto storage to keep your battery from dying (read more here).
• Protect your car from sun damage. (Tips for car UV protection)
• If you must store your car outside, be sure to do it the right way.