Vehicle Storage Tips
If you're in the military and have to store your car for an extended period, there are several options available to you. You can keep it at home, on base, or even rent a storage unit. Any of these choices has its own set of pros and cons that we'll go over below!
The most obvious option is to keep your car at home. This can be free or very cheap, depending on your living situation. You'll just need to find a spot to park it and make sure it's covered or in a garage if possible. The downside of this is that you'll have to rely on someone else to take care of it while you're gone. If you don't have a trusted friend or family member who can do this, it's probably not the best option.
Pros:
- No additional cost
- If inside a garage, good weather protection
- Friends or Family could have the vehicle serviced for you
- You have immediate access to your vehicle
- Works for short and long term deployment
Cons:
- Your family needs garage space your vehicle will be in the way
- May not be in the best condition upon homecoming if no one was able to help maintain it
- If left in the driveway possibility of damages or theft
- Possibility to incur fines from a homeowners association
- No protection from weather conditions or pests
Another possibility is to keep your car on base. This can be a good option if you're only going to be deployed for a short period of time. You'll just need to check with your base's regulations to see if this is an option for you. If you are deployed for a longer period of time, or if you're not sure when you'll be able to come back, then self storage might be a better option for you. That way, you can keep your car off base and avoid having to pay for long-term parking.
Pros:
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April 28th, 2022
