Is your garage bursting at the seams with extra belongings, vehicles, or seasonal items like boats and caravans? For many, the garage unintentionally becomes a catch-all for things we don’t use often, leaving little room for the essentials.   

Fortunately, self storage offers a practical solution — serving as an extension of your garage and helping you reclaim valuable space while keeping your items safe and accessible. Here’s why it might be just what you need. 

1. You need extra space for an additional car 

Owning multiple vehicles or having a garage that’s too small can present storage challenges. Renting a self storage unit for your car is a smart solution with several benefits:   

• Protection from weather damage: A self storage unit can shield your vehicle from harsh weather conditions like hail, snow, and extreme sun, helping to maintain its appearance and value.   

• Enhanced security: Most storage facilities offer advanced security features such as surveillance cameras, gated access and 24/7 monitoring to keep your vehicle safe from theft or vandalism.  

• Free up garage space: By moving your extra car to a storage unit, you can reclaim garage space for other needs, like working on DIY projects, organising belongings, or storing recreational equipment.   

• Convenience and accessibility: With flexible access hours, you can retrieve your vehicle whenever needed without the hassle of making an appointment with staff.  

• Seasonal storage: If you own a classic car, sports car, or any vehicle you only use seasonally, a storage unit provides a safe, dedicated space to keep it in top condition during the off-season.   

 Stor-Age offers car storage solutions near you, featuring flexible rental options to suit your lifestyle and keep your vehicle protected year-round. 

2. Preserve boats and caravans   

Owning a boat or caravan is all about making unforgettable memories but finding the right place to store them when not in use can be challenging. Here are some key benefits of using self storage for your recreational vehicles:   

• Preservation of interior features: Boats and caravans often have delicate interiors, from upholstery to appliances. Proper storage prevents exposure to humidity, pests and other factors that can cause damage. 

• Easier maintenance: Having a dedicated storage space allows you to clean, inspect and perform maintenance on your boat or caravan without the hassle of navigating crowded home spaces. 

• Regulatory compliance: Many residential areas have restrictions on parking large vehicles. Storing your boat or caravan at a facility ensures compliance with local regulations. 

• Avoid seasonal wear: Off-season elements like frost and heavy rain can be particularly harmful to boats and caravans left exposed. Self storage keeps them safe from these seasonal threats.

 

3. Help to declutter your garage    

A cluttered garage can quickly become overwhelming, turning into a catch-all for things you don’t use regularly. Here’s how self storage can help you create a more organised and functional garage at home:   

• Organise seasonal items: Keep your garage tidy by storing seasonal decorations, gardening tools, or winter sports equipment in a self storage unit until you need them again.  

• Protect valuable items: Garages are prone to temperature fluctuations, dust and pests, which can damage sensitive items like electronics or important memorabilia. Self storage provides a controlled environment to keep them safe.  

• Maximise garage efficiency: Decluttering makes it easier to organise tools, outdoor equipment, or other essentials, ensuring you can find what you need when you need it.   

• Prepare for renovations: If you're planning to renovate or upgrade your garage, temporary self-storage is an ideal way to clear the space and protect your belongings during the process.   

  With self storage, you can keep your home clutter-free while still holding onto the things that matter most. Start reclaiming your garage today!   

 

General storage tips for vehicles, boats and caravans 

• Clean the exterior: Thoroughly clean your vehicle, boat or caravan to remove dirt, grime, and salt (for boats) that can cause corrosion. Applying a wax coat (for cars) or a protective layer can help prevent rust and maintain the finish.   

• Clean the interior: Empty out all personal items and garbage. For cars and caravans, vacuum carpets and upholstery, and wipe down surfaces to prevent odours and pests. For boats, clean and dry all interior areas, including upholstery and compartments, to prevent mould and mildew.  

• Protect from rodents: Block exhaust pipes and air intakes with steel wool or special covers to keep rodents out. For caravans, check for any potential entry points and ensure everything is sealed properly.   

Specific tips for storing cars  

• Change the oil and oil filter: Replace old oil to ensure the engine is properly lubricated and free from contaminants.   

• Fill fluids: Check and fill essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid to prevent moisture and corrosion. 

• Fill the fuel tank: A full tank prevents moisture buildup in the tank and helps avoid rust.   

• Add a fuel stabiliser: To prevent fuel degradation over time, add a fuel stabiliser to the tank. 

• Inflate the tyres: Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure to avoid flat spots. For long-term storage, consider placing the car on jack stands.  

• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining over time.  

• Cover the car: Use a high-quality, breathable cover to protect the car from dust, dirt and moisture.   

Specific tips for storing boats  

• Drain and flush water systems: Drain and flush the engine, plumbing, and bilge to remove any water that could freeze and expand, causing damage.  

• Add antifreeze: Add antifreeze to the engine and water systems to protect them from freezing temperatures.  

• Remove the battery: Take the battery out, clean its terminals, and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent damage during winter storage.   

• Use a fitted cover: Use a high-quality, fitted cover to shield the boat from dust, moisture and debris.   

Specific tips for storing caravans  

• Clean and empty the caravan: Empty all items from the caravan and clean the interior to avoid any unpleasant odours or damage from stored food or liquids.  

• Cover the windows: Protect the interior from sunlight damage by covering the windows to prevent fading or cracking of upholstery and interiors. 

• Check tyre pressure: Ensure that the tyres are properly inflated to prevent flat spots from developing. For longer storage, consider using tyre covers or placing the caravan on blocks.   

For a more comprehensive guide read our blog on how to prep your caravan for storage.  

Store your vehicles with Stor-Age 

Whether you need extra car storage, boat storage, or a place to park your caravan, Stor-Age self storage can provide the solution you need. With 63 convenient locations across South Africa, Stor-Age makes it easy to find storage units near you. 

Ready to organise your garage? Visit Stor-Age today to find the perfect garage storage solution near you and take the first step toward reclaiming your space!