5 Ways to Store Your Vehicle During Deployment and What They Cost

Military personnel preparing for deployment, PCS (Permanent Change of Station), or extended training may have the dilemma of storing their personal vehicle during that time. Fortunately, there are a few solutions, including storing their vehicle on a military base, storing it in a professional auto service facility, or storing it at home. There are pros and cons to each of these solutions, in addition to hidden costs. Let’s go over them.

Storing a Car in a Home Garage

The first, and easiest, solution is to store the car in a garage at home or in an apartment complex. This is easily the most affordable solution, since many military personnel already have homes with garages to store the car in. In that case, it can be considered free storage. However, for those who live in an apartment complex, it can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 a month to rent a garage to store their car. Some of the pros and cons include:

Pros:

• There’s no additional cost of storing the car, since it’s at home
• The indoor vehicle storage provides protection from the weather year-round
• Friends and family have easy access to it and can drive the car to keep it serviced
• There’s immediate access to the car when the service member returns home
• This option works well for short and long-term deployments

Cons:

• The car could get in the way if other members of the family need the garage space
• Pests and flooding could still be a threat to the car
• The vehicle may not work properly if there is no one around to maintain it

Apartment Carport or Garage

If the military service member lives in an apartment, it can cost more to rent out a garage, but the same pros and cons apply, including:

• Protection from the weather
• Family and friends have access to the car
• The car won’t take up unnecessary space in the car lot
• Great for short or long-term deployment

Military Base Storage

Another easy storage solution is storing a car on the military base. This can cost anywhere from $35 to $80, depending on the location. Also, planning ahead is crucial since there are a limited number of open spots, but there are other pros and cons as well.

Pros:

• The service member can access the vehicle easily after returning from deployment
• This option is sometimes free or available at a low cost
• Since it’s on base, the security is tighter

Cons:

• Family or friends won’t be able to access the vehicle
• If the vehicle is parked outdoors, it may be exposed to the elements or pests
• The parking spots on base are not guaranteed

Uncovered Storage Unit

Another solution is storing the vehicle in an uncovered parking space at a storage facility. It’s a somewhat affordable option, though military members may receive discounts, typically costing $100 to $200 a month. However, there are some definite advantages to going this route, including:

Pros

• Outdoor storage is one of the most common solutions, which means there can be more available parking spots
• The available parking spots are typically large enough to accommodate vehicles of all sizes
• Facilities often use video surveillance and electronic gates for security
• Some storage facilities offer military discounts

Cons

• There is a monthly rent charge for the storage space
• There’s exposure to the elements since it’s not enclosed
• The facility can be far from home or the base
• Covered outdoor storage is more expensive

Indoor Vehicle Storage Unit

Covered parking space at a storage unit facility offers the same advantages as storing a car at home, including protection from the outside elements and having added security. However, the cost for storing a car in a covered space can add up, as some facilities can charge upwards of $200 to $300 a month for this service.

Additionally, the storage facility can be far from home or the base, which means family and friends won’t have access to the car to start it up every now and then. The most obvious disadvantage, of course, is the monthly rent charge, which can add up quickly over time.

How Much Does it Cost to Store a Vehicle?

According to SpaceWise, vehicle storage rates can vary depending on the location, size of the unit, and other amenities that are included with the unit. Here is a breakdown of costs near major U.S. military bases:

The Cost of Storing a Vehicle During Deployment Can Vary

Ultimately, the cost of storing a vehicle when a service member is on deployment can vary depending on the option taken. Storing the vehicle at home or in an apartment garage is the easiest and most affordable option, while storing it in a storage facility can stack up the costs quickly. Storing the vehicle on a military base is an easy middle ground. However, it can still cost monthly, and spots aren’t always guaranteed. Either way, there are a number of solutions for storing a vehicle for a considerable amount of time; it just takes a little planning.