What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Car? 2026 Size and Pricing Guide

If you need to store a standard-size car, start by looking for a vehicle storage space around 20 feet long. Don’t reserve a unit based on the size description alone, though. Measure your car to decide if the unit has enough clearance to drive into the space and, for enclosed storage, open the doors and get out of the vehicle. 

Key takeaways 

• An enclosed vehicle storage space that is 20 feet long can fit most standard-size cars. 
• Outdoor vehicle parking spaces up to 20 feet long are another option for standard cars and trucks. 
• Measure your vehicle before reserving because vehicle and storage-space dimensions vary. 
• Consider more than length. Check your vehicle’s width and height and the entrance dimensions of an enclosed space. 
• Public Storage offers uncovered, covered, and enclosed vehicle storage, although options vary by location. 
• Enclosed storage provides more protection from sun, wind, rain, and snow than outdoor parking. 
• Storage prices vary considerably by location. In our 2026 comparison of 20 major markets, average monthly storage-unit prices ranged from $65 in Tampa to $187 in San Francisco. 
• Vehicle storage isn’t available at every location, so check nearby facilities before making plans. 

What size storage unit fits a car? 

For most standard-size cars, look for a vehicle storage space that’s up to 20 feet long. 20-foot vehicle storage is about the same size as an average one-car garage. 

Here’s a quick look at what storage sizes you’ll probably need for various-sized vehicles: 

Sizes are approximate, and availability varies by facility.  

Is a 10×20 storage unit big enough for a car? 

A 10×20 storage unit provides 200 square feet and is roughly the size of a small one-car garage. If you’re considering a 10×20 enclosed space for your car, check that the specific unit allows vehicle storage.  

Then compare your vehicle’s measurements with the unit and entrance dimensions. A car that’s technically less than 20 feet long may still be a tight fit if it’s particularly wide or the unit’s entrance is narrower than expected. 

Should you get a larger storage unit for a car? 

A larger space may be worth considering if you have an oversize vehicle or simply need additional clearance around it. Measure first, then compare your measurements with the dimensions available at the facility. Public Storage notes that storage sizes are approximate and may vary by location. 

Measure your car before choosing storage 

Grab a tape measure before you start comparing vehicle storage. 

Measure the: 

• Length: From the farthest point on the front to the farthest point on the back. 
• Width: Measure the widest part of the vehicle and account for mirrors. 
• Height: Measure to the highest permanent point on the vehicle. 

Don’t forget about modifications. Roof racks, cargo boxes, aftermarket tires, spoilers, and other additions can change the amount of space your car needs. 

If you’re using enclosed storage, ask about the door opening dimensions as well. A unit may have enough interior space for your vehicle while still having an entrance that doesn’t provide enough clearance. 

What types of car storage are available? 

You don’t necessarily have to put your car inside an enclosed unit. Public Storage offers a mix of uncovered parking, covered parking, and enclosed vehicle storage at select facilities. 

Uncovered vehicle storage 

Uncovered storage is similar to parking your car in a parking lot. Your vehicle remains outdoors, so it is exposed to sun, rain, snow, wind, and other weather. This option is best for short-term storage. 

Covered vehicle storage 

Covered parking adds overhead protection while keeping the vehicle outdoors. It can reduce direct exposure to sun and precipitation, although the sides of the vehicle are still exposed. 

Enclosed vehicle storage 

Enclosed storage gives your car its own ground-level space with a roll-up door. Enclosed vehicle storage helps shield vehicles from sun, wind, rain, and snow and is best for long-term vehicle storage. 

How much does vehicle storage cost in 2026? 

Storage prices vary significantly depending on where you live, the facility, unit size, features, and availability. Our 2026 research looked at Public Storage locations in 20 major U.S. markets. The average monthly price across all storage units we examined ranged from $65 in Tampa to $187 in San Francisco. These figures represent general storage-unit pricing in each market, not specifically vehicle-storage rates. 

The data shows why it’s worth checking prices near you instead of relying on a national estimate. Even general storage prices vary widely from one market to another. Vehicle-storage prices can also vary based on the type of parking or unit you choose and what’s currently available. 

How easy is it to find car storage? 

Availability also depends heavily on location. Among the markets we researched, car storage was available at 148 Public Storage locations in both Dallas and Houston. Atlanta had 114 locations offering car storage. At the other end of the range, New York City had car storage at 15 of the 60 locations. 

If you’re flexible about location, expanding your search radius may give you more choices. 

What should you look for when choosing car storage? 

Start with size and availability, then compare the features that matter for how you’ll use your car. 

Consider: 

• Storage type: Decide whether you want uncovered, covered, or enclosed storage. 
• Vehicle fit: Measure your car and compare it with the available space. 
• Access: Think about how frequently you’ll need your vehicle and when you’ll want to retrieve it. 
• Weather exposure: If you’re storing a vehicle long-term, consider how much protection you want from sun, rain, wind, and snow. 
• Facility features: Public Storage facilities include electronic gate access, video surveillance, and a 24/7 Security Operations Center. Features can vary by facility. 
• Price: Compare current rates at several nearby facilities rather than assuming the closest one will have the lowest price. 

How to prepare your car for storage 

Once you’ve found a space, prepare your car before leaving it for an extended period. Start by removing food, trash, and personal belongings. Clean the interior so crumbs and spills aren’t sitting in the vehicle for months. Trash and crumbs can leave stains on the interior and attract pests. 

Check the owner’s manual for long-term storage recommendations, including the battery, tires, fluids, and fuel. Winterizing your car before storage is particularly important to avoid engine damage.

Storage facility rules can also differ, so ask your location what you need to do before bringing in your vehicle. 

Car storage FAQ 

Can you store a car in a regular storage unit? 

Only if the specific facility and unit permit vehicle storage. Don’t assume that a drive-up storage unit can be used as a garage to store a car simply because your car physically fits inside. 

Is outdoor or enclosed car storage better? 

It depends on your priorities. Outdoor parking works well if you mainly need a short-term place to park. Enclosed storage offers better weather protection and is better for long-term storage.  

Can you store an SUV in a 20-foot vehicle space? 

Many SUVs may fit, for example, a Ford Explorer is around 16.5 feet long. But don’t choose a space based on the vehicle’s length alone. Measure your SUV’s length, width, and height, then compare those measurements with the available vehicle space and entrance. 

Can you store a truck in a storage unit? 

Vehicle spaces up to 20 feet long can fit standard-size trucks. Larger or modified trucks may require more room, so measure the vehicle before reserving. 

Does Public Storage offer covered car storage? 

Yes, covered vehicle parking is available at select Public Storage facilities, along with uncovered parking and enclosed vehicle storage. Availability varies by location.