Whether you need short-term or long-term car storage, enclosed vehicle storage units and outdoor parking spaces are among the best places to store your car to help keep it in good shape. But what size storage unit do you need for a car? In this guide, we’ll cover the most common sizes of vehicle storage units and other factors to consider in order to pick the right size storage unit for your car.
What Factors Affect Vehicle Storage Size Needs?
Before storing a car in a storage unit, you’ll need to figure out the exact size of your vehicle and how much additional space you want in your unit. Consider the following factors to get an idea of the general unit size you’ll require.
Vehicle Dimensions
The minimum size storage unit needed for a car can be determined based on its dimensions. Carefully measure the length, width, and height of your vehicle with a tape measure. You can also look up the official dimensions of your car’s make and model online. Consider measuring your car with the driver’s side door open to ensure you’ll be able to get in and out of the vehicle without hitting the walls of your storage unit. Be sure to factor in your side mirrors and any other attachments that stick out from your vehicle’s body as well.
Additional Space Needed
Once you know the dimensions of your vehicle, it’s important to add a bit of space on each side to ensure you’ll be able to drive into and out of your storage unit with ease. In addition, before renting vehicle storage space, consider whether you want room to store any extra items, such as car parts, tools, racks, or other removable accessories. If that’s the case, give yourself a few extra feet of space to accommodate these items and still be able to comfortably access your vehicle.
Common Vehicle Storage Unit Sizes
After you determine your car’s dimensions and any other storage needs, you can figure out what size storage for a car is right for you. Here are the most common vehicle storage unit sizes offered, including the types of vehicles that can be stored within each.
| Storage Unit Size | Compatibility | Ideal For |
| 10×15 Storage Units | Motorcycles & Compact Cars | Motorcycles, Suzuki Alto, etc. |
| 10×20 Storage Units | Standard Sedans, Trucks, & SUVs | Honda Accord, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Chevrolet Equinox, etc. |
| 10×30 Storage Units | Large Trucks & SUVs | Ford Expedition, Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Silverado, etc. |
| 10×20 & 10×30 Outdoor Parking Spaces | Large Trucks, SUVs, Boats, RVs, & Trailers | Most Car Sizes, Recreational Vehicles, Boats. |
10×15 Storage Units
Typically, the smallest storage unit size required to store a car is 10×15. Slightly smaller than the average one-car garage, this unit size is great for small vehicle storage. 10×15 storage units can accommodate the following vehicles:
- Motorcycles
- Mini cars like the Suzuki Alto
10×20 Storage Units
Comparable to a single-car garage, 10×20 storage units are the standard unit size for mid-size vehicles. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, this unit should give you enough room to navigate around your car and store a few accessories. Examples of vehicles that fit in this size of unit include:
- Sedans like the Honda Accord
- Smaller trucks like the Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Compact SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox
10×30 Storage Units
A 10×30 vehicle storage unit is larger than a standard one-stall garage, allowing you to comfortably store full-size vehicles. These units often have enough space for you to access the trunk and store additional items like tires, tools, and other car parts. These units are great for large vehicles, including:
- Large SUVs like the Ford Expedition
- Vans like the Dodge Caravan
- Large pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado
10×20 & 10×30 Outdoor & Covered Parking
Perfect for most car sizes, as well as large vehicle storage needs like boats and RVs, outdoor parking spaces are another great option to consider when storing a car. Some parking spaces even come with a covering to provide extra protection from outdoor elements. 10×20 and 10×30 outdoor and covered vehicle storage units are ideal for:
- Most car sizes
- Class B recreational vehicles
- Class A boats, campers, trailers, and motorhomes
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Looking for secure vehicle storage near you? Life Storage has facilities across the U.S. with a variety of storage unit sizes and amenities that are perfect for your vehicle. Rent car storage at a Life Storage facility near you!
