Choosing the Right Car Storage Unit for Short or Long Term Use

It usually starts with a simple problem. You are travelling, running out of parking space, or trying to protect a vehicle that you do not use every day. Leaving it on the street or in an unsecured area never feels completely safe, which is why car storage quickly becomes the sensible solution. 

At Low Cost Container Storage, we help customers across London, Romford, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Upminster, and nearby areas protect their vehicles with secure, affordable container storage that is easy to access whenever needed.

However, choosing the right car storage unit depends heavily on how long you plan to store the vehicle and what level of protection it requires. In this guide, you will learn how short-term and long-term car storage differ, what features matter most, and how to choose a secure facility that protects your vehicle properly.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Car Storage Comparison

Here’s a detailed overview to give you insights on best practices depending on the storage duration:

Factor	Short-Term Car Storage	Long-Term Car Storage
Typical Duration	A few days to a few months	Several months to a year or more
Common Use Cases	Travel, temporary parking issues, short relocations	Overseas relocation, seasonal vehicles, classic car protection
Cost Structure	Usually paid weekly or monthly	Often more cost-effective monthly rates for longer commitments
Maintenance Needs	Minimal maintenance required	Occasional checks recommended to maintain vehicle condition
Container Suitability	10ft or 20ft containers often suitable	20ft containers are usually ideal for easier access and long-term safety

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Storage Unit

When you are choosing a car storage unit, it helps to think beyond just finding somewhere to park. You are trusting that space to protect your vehicle while you are not using it. Irrespective of whether you need it for the long or short term, the right choice will keep your car safe, accessible, and in good condition. 

Here’s how to find the right one:

1. Security of the Facility

The first thing you should always check is how secure the facility actually is. It is easy for a site to say it is secure, but you need to see what that really means in practice. Your car should be stored somewhere that makes theft or tampering extremely difficult.

A properly secured facility should have:

• 24-hour recorded CCTV watching the site
• Automatic gated entry so not just anyone can walk in
• Strong perimeter fencing
• Good lighting, especially at night

At Low Cost Container Storage, we built our sites across London, Romford, Upminster, and Brentwood with these exact features, because customers need to know their vehicles are protected at all times.

2. Make Sure Your Car Is Protected From the Weather

The UK weather alone is enough reason to be careful about where you store your car. Rain, cold air, and damp conditions can slowly damage paintwork, tyres, and metal parts if the storage space is not properly protected.

That is why enclosed, dry containers make such a difference. They help:

• Keep rain and moisture away
• Prevent rust from developing
• Protect the exterior and interior condition

3. Access Convenience

Many people do not think about access until they actually need their vehicle back. Some storage sites have tight layouts, limited hours, or awkward access that make things frustrating.

Ideally, you want:

• Easy drive-up access
• Enough space to move comfortably
• Simple entry and exit procedures

We made sure our storage locations allow customers to drive directly to their container, so there is no unnecessary stress when dropping off or collecting a vehicle.

4. Container Size and Vehicle Fit

It might sound obvious, but choosing the right size container matters more than people realise. You do not want your car squeezed into a space that makes access difficult, and you also do not want to pay for space you do not need.

Most cars fit comfortably in:

• 20ft containers – ideal for standard cars and small SUVs
• 40ft containers – suitable for larger vehicles or additional storage

If you are unsure, our team at Low Cost Container Storage helps you choose the right option based on your exact vehicle and situation.

How to Prepare Your Car for Storage

Preparing your vehicle properly prevents problems during storage. That is why you need to carry certain steps to help maintain the vehicle and keep it in good condition while stored.

So, before you drop off your car, you should do the following: 

1. Clean the vehicle thoroughly: Removes dirt that can damage paint
2. Check tyre pressure: Prevents flat spots
3. Disconnect the battery: Prevents battery drain especially for long-term storage
4. Fill the fuel tank: Reduces moisture buildup
5. Ensure the vehicle is completely dry: Prevents mould or corrosion

Ready to Store Your Vehicle Safely?

At Low Cost Container Storage, we provide secure, dry containers protected by 24-hour recorded CCTV, automatic gated access, and high-security fenced premises, giving you complete peace of mind.

Our storage locations across London and surrounding areas, including Chelmsford, Romford, Brentwood, Upminster, Rainham, and Ongar, offer convenient access and flexible terms. With transparent pricing, easy drive-up access, and our Pay for 6 weeks and get 1 week free when you pay upfront offer, storing your car has never been easier.

Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several months, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote or check out our website to learn more about our secure and affordable car storage solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)