Classic car storage and traditional car storage are not the same thing. For starters, the cost of storing a classic car can be up to 25% higher, especially when renting through a facility that goes the extra mile with amenities (e.g., climate control, extra security, and better insurance plans suitable for luxury vehicles like these ).
If you decide to go the classic car storage route, note that the cost will vary by location. If you are in the market for a classic car and want to evaluate all costs before you jump in, this is the information you need to determine the cost of classic car storage.
Understanding Classic Car Storage Costs
Before you get too far into this guide, it’s important to remember that your city’s cost of living will impact the cost of classic car storage.
Prices will, undoubtedly, vary depending on location and the type of unit. As a general rule of thumb, urban storage facilities typically charge higher prices simply because of a lack of space and increased demand–whereas rural areas tend to offer more affordable options
Here are a few examples:
- $130 in Las Vegas for a 10’ by 20’ unit
- $300 in Los Angeles for a 10’ by 20’ unit
- $750 in New York for a 10’ by 15’ unit
- $90 in Houston for a 10’ by 20’ unit
- $200 in Miami for a 10’ by 20’ unit
- $600 in San Francisco for a 10’ by 15’ unit
But what size of unit do I need for a classic car? And once I find the right size, will I be able to store a vehicle in a traditional drive-up storage unit, typically intended for decorations, furniture, and old high-school yearbooks? These are both valid questions.
The short answer is that a 10’ x 20’-foot unit can generally accommodate most vehicles, including sedans and light-duty trucks, while a 25-foot storage space might be necessary for larger trucks, full-size vans, or other fleet vehicles.
For most classic cars, a 10 x 20’-foot unit is large enough.
For more information on whether you can park a car in a storage unit, read this guide. (Summed up briefly, yes, many storage facilities allow renters to store their vehicles in drive-up units, but it’s best to review every facility’s policy as a precaution).
Self-Storage Units for Classic Cars
For many classic car owners, the first point of concern is self-storage unit prices. How much will it cost to store my classic or collectible vehicle? The answer is the cost depends on the type of car storage. If you opt for a traditional self-storage unit–which is typically the easiest type to find, especially if you’re looking for climate-controlled storage—the national average price for a 10’x20’ storage unit is about $150 per month (non-climate-controlled).
Most self-storage facilities are well-secured (Check out our guide on “Are storage units safe?”) Security features to look for include gated access, ample lighting, video surveillance, and more. You’ll want to ensure you are the only one with access to your classic car.
The majority of units in a typical storage facility are either 10’x15’ or 10’x20’ in size. Some offer 10’x25’ sizes, which will give you plenty of room for a larger vehicle or even some of your additional car accessories.
When storing in a traditional self-storage unit, the most important logistical consideration is the door height. Storage units are usually around 7 feet 8 inches high, so be aware of the clearance your classic car needs.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units: Are They Worth It for Classic Car Owners?
When choosing a storage unit, one of the major decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not you need a climate-controlled space. Climate control is more expensive, but it does provide more protection for a classic car.
Regulating temperatures inside your storage unit can help stabilize battery and fluid levels, prevent damage to the exterior, mitigate rust, and keep your car’s paint and plastic components in stellar condition.
Note that the average cost of a 10’x20’ storage unit with climate control is closer to $200 per month, which is more than the $150 average for non-climate-controlled units of the same size dimensions.
Cost of Car Condos and Specialized Facilities
Self-storage options may not work for everyone, and some car collectors prefer specialized collector car storage facilities, often referred to as car condos. These condo spaces will fall into one of two categories: club spaces and commercial spaces.
Club Spaces
Club spaces (that qualify as types of car condos) typically require a membership fee and function as a social club in addition to providing car storage. They offer a community atmosphere where car collectors and owners can gather and share knowledge–or just shoot the breeze.
Commercial Spaces
Commercial car condos are designed with classic car owners’ needs in mind. They offer secure and climate-controlled environments, on-site maintenance, detailing services, and car wash bays.
Prices for car condos vary based on location, services, and amenities offered.
While these facilities can be more expensive than traditional storage units, they provide a level of convenience and community that many car owners find is worth the money.
Comparing the Cost of Indoor vs. Outdoor Car Storage
If you decide that a traditional self-storage unit is right for you (out of the three options), you’ll need to choose between an indoor and outdoor space. Besides their different pricing structures, with different pricing, indoor vs. outdoor storage spaces lend much different experiences.
- Non-Climate-Controlled Indoor Units: Typically range from $50 to $200 per month.
- Outdoor Car Storage: Generally costs less, ranging from $30 to $100 per month.
Prices vary by location. Take Charlotte, North Carolina, for example. This is what you can expect for both indoor and outdoor vehicle storage:
- Indoor Vehicle Storage: Averages between $150 and $250 per month.
- Outdoor Storage: Ranges from $75 to $150 per month.
Indoor storage offers better protection for classic cars. You won’t have to worry about weather, vandalism, and UV exposure. If you want to retain the value of your investment and keep your vehicle in pristine condition, indoor storage is recommended.
Covered car storage, a type of outdoor storage, serves as a cost-effective middle ground. You can find spaces for as cheap as $50 a month for covered parking, helping you keep costs down.
Uncovered vehicle parking spaces, on the other hand, can be as cheap as $30 per month. Just make sure to consider the damage that can happen when taking this route. Note: Many car owners who take advantage of outdoor units also invest in car covers to compensate for the lack of overhead/side coverage.
In the end, the indoor or covered storage solution can help you avoid having to invest more money into your classic car (in the form of repairs).
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage Costs
If you are shopping for classic car storage and want to find the best deal, make sure you consider the short-term vs. long-term storage costs. You almost always get a better deal on long-term storage.
Most storage facilities offer daily, monthly, and annual rates. Sometimes, paying the annual rate upfront can help you save up to a month’s rent (at least half a month).
If you plan to store your classic car for a long time, make sure that you check off these important maintenance tasks to extend its lifespan.
- Draining the gas tank
- Maintaining the battery
- Checking and adjusting tire pressure
- Changing the oil and oil filter
- Cleaning and waxing the exterior
- Placing a cover over the vehicle
- Regular inspections to avoid issues like rust and mechanical deterioration
Most classic car owners find that storing their car for a few weeks or months is still considered short-term. When you plan to leave your car idle for several months or more, you’ll need to take the necessary to prevent damage.
Summary
Now that you are a classic car owner, you’ll find that proper storage is the best way to protect your investment. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a long-term collector, balancing storage for your daily driver and your classic car can be a logistics issue. Consider Neighbor, a peer-to-peer car storage marketplace with storage options in all 50 states. Most of the pricing for Neighbor storage is 50% lower than traditional storage options – you may even have room in your budget to buy another classic car!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Best Place to Store a Classic Car?
The best place to store a classic car is in a climate-controlled indoor storage facility. Although this can be the most expensive option, it protects the car from extreme temperatures, humidity, and potential damage.
Should You Cover a Classic Car in a Garage?
Yes, you should cover a classic car in a garage to protect it from dust, moisture, and potential scratches. Using a breathable car cover will help maintain the car’s finish and prevent mold and mildew.
