Best places to store a car in Florida when selling a home

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If you’re like many people in Florida who opt to spend your winters or summers up North, you’ll likely need a place to store your car while you’re away. You may also need car storage when selling your home. The best option for leaving any vehicle for a prolonged period is to keep it in an indoor air-conditioned storage unit. Unfortunately, these types of storage facilities can be expensive and are not an option for everyone. However, there are other things you can do to ensure your car is stored safely.

How do I store a car in Florida?

Leaving your car in your garage for a prolonged period might initially appear to be a good idea. However, the reality is several different issues may arise from your car sitting idle in the garage. Therefore, we’ve provided you with a few suggestions outlined below to ensure your vehicle is as secure as possible when storing it in Florida.

1. Deep Clean your car

Before storing your car, you’ll want to get it thoroughly cleaned. Deep cleaning your vehicle will help protect it from pests or rodents seeking to make a new home out of your car. Another great thing about deep cleaning your automobile is that you could add a layer of wax for protection.

2. For long-term storage, change the oils

If you’re planning on storing your car for an entire season or for longer than 30 days, you should have a basic checkup and oil change before putting your car away in storage. Ensuring everything is appropriately in good working order ahead of time can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly.

3. Have someone drive your car while you’re away

Try to have one of your friends or family members drive your car while you’re away. When cars are left idle for long periods, it’s more likely they will often run out of battery. Having someone drive your car every couple of weeks makes your car battery less likely to die while you’re away.

What are the options for seasonal car storage?

Many Florida visitors come to the state as an escape from the colder winter weather in the areas they live. These “snowbirds” will often keep vehicle in Florida to make visiting and staying for prolonged periods of time much easier. Vehicles left in long-term storage should be carefully prepared and stored in secure locations. Some of the most affordable and best-rated options include:

• Affordable Secure Storage – LaBelle, FL – self-storage facility
• Best Price-Silver Springs Self Storage – Silver Springs, FL – self-storage facility
• CubeSmart Self Storage – multiple locations including, Boynton Beach, Fort Myers, Naples, Orlando, Zephyrhills, Miami Beach, and Lake Worth – Self Storage facility
• Florida Classic Car Storage – Sarasota, FL – Automobile Storage facility
• Affordable Secure Self Storage – Hudson, FL, – Self-storage facility
• Safeguard Self Storage – Hollywood, FL – Self-storage facility

Choosing a great facility is not the only step you will need to take to ensure the security of your car. Following key tips for long-term storage will also be essential if you want to find your car in the best possible condition upon your return.

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How much does it cost to store a car in Florida?

Most car storage facilities in Florida will charge anywhere from $85 to upwards of $200. The size of your car will be one of the most significant determinants of your vehicle storage fees. The best way to find long or short-term vehicle storage in Florida is by shopping around and comparing rates. Rates will often vary based on the city you’re in. Don’t just rely on the rate. You’ll also want to check out the storage conditions of the facility before signing a contract.

How do I store my car in the summer in Florida?

If you’re planning on storing your car for the entire summer in Florida, you’ll want to consider location and storage facility features. The perfect place will generally be indoors, covered, and protected from adverse weather conditions, pests, and rodents. However, before storing your car, there are some checklist items to prepare to ensure your vehicle is ready for long-term storage.

• Deep Clean your Vehicle
• Change your oils
• Inflate your tires
• Use Pest and Rodent Control
• Cover your Car
• If possible, ask a friend or family member to drive your car every couple of weeks

How do you store a car for a month?

A month is a relatively long time for a car to be in storage. As a result, there are many different things you’ll need to account for ahead of time. These will help maintain the conditions of your car and will allow you better to protect it during its long period of idleness.

1. Inflate your Tires

As the weather conditions change, your car tires will often get deflated. Before you put your car into storage, your will want to inflate your tires so that even if they get mildly reduced, they won’t be completely flat or get warped. Before driving your car after prolonged inactivity, you’ll also need to check your tires’ air pressure.

2. Deep Clean

The last thing you’ll want while your car is in storage is for it to become a haven for rodents and pests. If you have leftover food or crumbs all over your car, these creatures will be far more likely to visit your car. So a deep clean before you store your car is a must.

3. Service and Oil Change

If you leave your car in storage for longer than a month, you should consider servicing it. Apart from checking out the overall condition of your vehicle, an oil change could be beneficial during this stage.

4. Arrange for someone to drive your car

If you know, you’ll be gone for a month. You may want to arrange with one of your family members or friends to go and drive your car. Cars left idle for 30 days will most likely get a dead battery. The only sure way of stopping that from happening is by actually having someone drive your car every couple of weeks.

5. Find a cover

If you want an extra layer of protection for your vehicle, you should opt for covered car storage. Covered storage can help you protect your vehicle from adverse weather conditions and offer many other benefits, such as added security. Not just people but pests will also have a much harder time entering your vehicle, and the exterior of the car will be kept cleaner compared to if it was being stored outside.

How do you store a car for six months?

Storing a car for six months will require certain levels of care from your end. Six months is a long period for any car to be sitting idle. If you know you’ll be gone for that amount of time, one of the best things you can do for your car is to have a close family member or friend drive it while you are away. Even moving your car once every couple of weeks could significantly help reduce the chances of your battery dying or your vehicle suffering the consequences of being idle for too long.

If you plan to use car storage in Florida for your car for an extended period of time, you’ll want to check the conditions of their car storage. Indoor garages are often better as the weather conditions are more controlled, and your car is no longer victim to the changes in the weather. You might also want to check what other features and amenities the storage facility offers.

When storing your car on your own for a prolonged period of time, there are a few different things you’ll want to consider and take care of before putting your car away.

• Clean your car to avoid pests and rodents
• Use pest control
• Cover your vehicle to protect it from the weather and intruders
• Have someone drive your vehicle to preserve its battery
• Have your car checked out
• Have the oils changed

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How can I protect my car without a garage?

If you are storing your car outside for a more extended period, you can do a few things for extra protection. While none of these will offer quite the same level of security a garage would suggest, they still would undoubtedly help keep your car in a better condition.

1. Use a cover

There are many different versions of car covers you can purchase and use. These will provide extra protection from the weather and often keep rodents and pests at bay. Passersby will also not be able to tell what type of car you own, which could help add to the level of security.

2. Use Sunshades

Similar to car covers, sunshades help to reflect the sun. This will keep your car from overheating, which can be very important for maintaining your car’s electronics in the long months of the summer.

3. Choose where to park

Even though you don’t have access to a car garage in Florida, that doesn’t mean you should park your car wherever. For example, always avoid parking under trees or other coverings that could dirty up your vehicle. It may also be better to part your car on your property for extra security.

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What should I keep in my car in Florida?

You should always keep several essential items in your car in Florida. These can be very beneficial to have on hand when you’re in a pinch. However, when choosing what to keep in your vehicle, be realistic and don’t overdo it. We’ve curated a list to help you decide what to keep in your car in Florida to be best prepared for any situation.

1. Jumper cables

This one is relatively obvious, yet many people still don’t carry jumper cables in their car. If your car battery is dead with these cables, you’ll be able to get it to start once again.

2. Duct Tape

Duct tape can be a lifesaver for minor repairs. For example, you could keep your car together with duct tape until you reach the nearest repair shop.

3. Wiper Fluid

Especially if you live in areas where the rain comes suddenly, having wiper fluid handy is essential. A clear windshield is necessary for safe driving. Wiper fluid will help increase your visibility during rainy days!

4. First aid kit

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, knowing where a first aid kit is located in your car can help in times of need.

5. Fire Extinguisher

In many places, a fire extinguisher is a requirement, and for a good reason. If your car were to catch on fire, having a small fire extinguisher can help you contain the fire and stop it from spreading quickly.

Can a snowbird register a car in Florida?

To register a car in Florida, you aren’t required to provide proof of residency. This makes it easy for snowbirds to register vehicles in Florida. Snowbirds should register their cars when they plan to stay in the state for 90 days or more each year.

How do I store a classic car in Florida?

Florida classic car storage can be more challenging to find because it requires a specific type of storage with added vehicle protection. Things you’ll want to consider when storing your classic car include:

• Protecting it from the elements
• Deep cleaning it before storing it away
• Taking it out on drives to keep the battery alive
• Take it for a checkup or service before storing it

Summary

Car storage in Florida is relatively simple, and there are many options available for storing cars both indoors and outdoors. Doing your due diligence when choosing a storage place and following the proper steps for storing your vehicle is key to maintaining your vehicle’s conditional and overall value.