Most drivers asking what size storage unit they need for a car end up with a 10×20, but the right choice depends on your vehicle’s type and dimensions, and how long it’ll be off the road.
Measure Your Car First
Skip the spec sheet and measure your car carefully, including the:
Length: Measure bumper to bumper, and add anything that sticks out past the body. A tow hitch, bike rack, or front plate bracket all count.
Width: Measure at the widest point, which is almost always the mirrors. If yours don’t fold, measure them out.
Height: This is important if you’re booking an indoor unit with low clearance, or if you’ve got a roof rack.
Take those numbers and add a buffer zone of 3–5 feet, so you can open the doors and move around. Anything you store alongside the car, like a set of spare tires, a cover, or any other gear, will make that fit even tighter.
Add up your dimensions, buffer zone, and room for any extra storage. That total is the figure to remember during your car storage or parking search.
At a Glance: What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Car?
With cars, you only need to choose from four standard sizes.
| Unit size | Best for | Example vehicles |
| 10×15 | Compact cars, motorcycles, ATVs | Honda Fit, Mini Cooper |
| 10×20 | Sedans, crossovers, minivans, small trucks | Honda Accord, Ford Explorer, Nissan Rogue |
| 10×25 | Large trucks, full-size vans, oversized SUVs | Ford F-350, GMC Sierra 3500, Chevy Express |
| 10×30 | Car + home storage, or RVs, boats on trailers, large trailer combos | Winnebago Sunstar, Chaparral 21 H2O Sport, Ford F-250 with enclosed cargo trailer |
For reference, a 10×20 is roughly the size of a one-car garage, so picture parking in there with a few boxes against the wall, and you’ll know if you need more or less room.
10×15 for compact cars, motorcycles, and ATVs
A 10×15 is the smallest unit for a passenger car. It’s only right for compact cars, meaning anything under about 14 feet, with nothing extra going in beside it.
You can get the car in, but opening a door all the way is a stretch. If you need to get into the car often or store anything else, a 10×20 is worth the small price bump. But if you’ve just got an ATV going away for the season, a 10×15 is fine.
10×20 for sedans, crossovers, minivans, and small trucks
This size fits everything a 10×15 does, plus bigger family vehicles. There’s enough room to open a door fully and store a spare tire set or a few boxes alongside.
10×25 for large trucks, full-size vans, and oversized SUVs
A 10×25 adds enough depth for a long-bed truck with space behind it or a full-size van you don’t have to park perfectly every time.
If you’re between jobs, working seasonally, or parking the work truck before a long trip, this size gives you room to store tools and gear beside the vehicle without cramping.
10×30 for home storage alongside your car
The 10×30 is the biggest standard unit, and it’s usually used for motorhomes, boats on trailers, and big commercial vehicles.
It makes sense for a car owner who’s also storing belongings during a move or renovation. A 10×30 saves you from renting separate spaces.
What Car Storage Costs in 2026
What you pay for car storage depends on where you live and what kind of space you need.
What type of space?
For most cars parked short-term, an outdoor or covered spot is fine. Step up to covered or indoor storage only when you need it, like for long-term storage, or when you’re storing a classic car or anything else that suffers from sun exposure, humidity, or seasonal temperature shifts.
Here’s what each option averages:
| Storage type | Average monthly cost | Best for |
| Outdoor uncovered | $17 to $100 | Budget-minded renters and short-term parking |
| Covered parking | $50 to $200 | Decent weather protection without overpaying |
| Indoor standard | $150 to $270 | Weather protection and security |
| Indoor with HVAC cooling | $25 to $50+ added to your base cost | Classic cars, luxury vehicles, harsh climates |
These are national figures, and in larger markets, even outdoor rates start at the higher end. If your car can handle a few months in the open, you’ll save the most money with an uncovered spot.
Where do you live?
Car storage tends to cost more in urban areas and other high-density places, like college towns or areas near military bases. These averages show how the cost can swing:
| City | Average monthly cost |
| New York, NY | $250 to $750 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $200 to $420 |
| Chicago, IL | $175 to $350 |
| Washington, DC | $180 to $300 |
| Miami, FL | $150 to $325 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $115 to $250 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $150 to $250 |
| Atlanta, GA | $120 to $160 |
| Dallas, TX | $100 to $150 |
| Houston, TX | $90 to $150 |
These prices are for units at traditional storage facilities. In a search on Neighbor, you’ll also see garages, driveways and spare land rented out by people in your area. These local options average $50 to $75 a month, compared with the national average of $200 a month.
How much space?
You don’t want to be too stingy about space, since the prices don’t change much. Pick one where you can open your doors and move around.
| Unit size | Fits | Average cost |
| 10×15 | Motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, compact cars | $100 to $200 |
| 10×20 | Sedans, small SUVs, minivans, crossovers | $150 to $300 |
| 10×25 | Crew-cab pickups, full-size vans, extended-length SUVs | $210 to $300 |
| 10×30 or bigger | Home + car storage, or oversized trucks, RVs, boats, commercial vans | $250 to $500+ |
Indoor, Covered, or Outdoor: What Does Your Car Need?
If you’re parking a standard car for a few months, covered or outdoor storage is enough. An indoor unit, especially one with HVAC cooling, pays off for long-term storage or vehicles sensitive to UV light and moisture.
Wherever you’re parking, prep is crucial: top off the tank, disconnect the battery, and use a breathable car cover.
Outdoor storage
Outdoor parking is cheapest and easiest to find. You pull into a designated spot, and the car sits in the open. It works for a car that isn’t fussy about sitting in the elements for a few months.
Covered storage
Your car sits outside but under a roof or canopy. It’s a sensible compromise that blocks direct sun and rain without the full cost of an indoor unit.
If you’re tempted to build your own covered parking spot, check whether you need a permit, because the rules vary from place to place.
Indoor storage
You drive into your unit, and your car has more protection from the elements and security risks. Some indoor units use continuous HVAC cooling, a feature sometimes called climate control, to maintain a steady temperature year-round. This matters more for older cars or painted finishes.
Finding the Right Car Storage Near You
You’ve figured out what size and type of storage unit you need. The next step is finding the right spot and the best deal.
One search on Neighbor shows you available units from facilities like Public Storage and Extra Space right next to garages, driveways, and spare land rented out by people in your area.
Neighborhood spaces are often closer than traditional facilities, and they cost up to 50% less. These are two reasons why we have a 4.9-star rating across 689,000+ reviews.
Each Neighbor listing has photos, a detailed description, and reviews, and eligible spaces can include up to $50K in renter property protection.
Compare what’s near you in a few minutes, or call us if you’d rather talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size storage unit do I need for a car?
Most cars need a 10×20 storage unit. Compact cars like a Honda Fit or Mini Cooper will work in a 10×15, but you won’t have much room to open the doors or move around. Measure your car, including mirrors and any hitch or rack, and add at least 3 feet of clearance on each end before you book.
What is the minimum storage unit size for a car?
The minimum for a compact car is a 10×15 unit, which works for vehicles under roughly 14 feet long and 6 feet wide. For anything bigger, like a standard sedan or SUV, a 10×20 is the smallest size that’s practical.
How much does it cost to store a car in a storage unit?
Car storage runs $100 to $500+ per month depending on the size of the unit, the local market, and whether you need an indoor or outdoor space. The national average for traditional storage is about $200 a month, but on Neighbor, you can compare these units with garages, driveways, and spare land rented out by people near you. These spots rent for about $50 to $75 a month.
Is indoor or outdoor storage better for a car?
It depends on how long you’re storing and what you’re storing. Outdoor spaces are cheaper, and they’re fine for a standard car parked for a few months, especially in mild weather. Indoor units are better for long-term storage, classic cars, or anything else that needs protection from UV rays, moisture, and temperature swings. Some even come with continual HVAC cooling.
Can I store other things in the unit along with my car?
Yes, as long as the unit is big enough. A 10×20 with a full-size sedan in it won’t have enough room for seasonal tires, boxes, or equipment. Make sure to check the rules about what you can and can’t keep in there before you start loading up.
