Industry Tips - Auto RV Boat


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April 29th, 2025


Mint Hill Self Storage - Arlington Church Road in Charlotte, NC

Bicycle Care and Storage


Bicycles give hours of enjoyment, yet act as a great tool to make exercise fun for people of all ages. They also take up space and must be well maintained in order to prevent accidents and injury. Perhaps you live in a cold climate and want to store your children's bicycles for the winter, or maybe you have several bikes for different purposes but you only use one regularly. Whether you need to store a bicycle for the season, wish to maintain that multi-colored remnant of yesteryear with the banana seat and streamers that you got when you were nine, or just want to keep your favorite exercise aid in good working order, you will need to take a few steps to properly care for and store your bike.

  • First, you must keep it dry. Sure, bicycles are designed to handle a little rain, even snow, but constant exposure to the elements can rust chains or crack tires. If you hang your bike in a garage, consider purchasing a bike storage system that attaches to the walls or ceilings. This will relieve pressure from the tires and joints. If you do not plan to use the bike for awhile or simply do not have the garage space to store your equipment, consider moving your bicycles to a self storage unit. If you are not allowed to place hooks on the walls or ceiling of your unit, look for a storage rack that doesn't require this type of permanent commitment but that will support the frame and get it off the floor.
  • Be sure to clean the bike before you place it in storage. Wipe and polish the metal and reflectors. Remove mud and grit from the wheels, joints, brakes, gears and the teeth of the chain.
  • Lubricate your bicycle thoroughly with machine oil or one made especially for bikes. Click the gears, pump the pedals and spin the tires to make sure the oil reaches all moving parts.
  • Look for damage. Remove cracked or worn tires, and check for fraying in the gear or brake wires or problems with the chain. If your bicycle has a light, make sure the bulb works. Repairs can be made now or when you next use your bicycle, but be aware of problems and plan for a trip to the shop for more intricate repairs.
  • If you plan to store your bicycle for long, consider covering it with a cloth to protect it from dust or sunlight.
  • Store bicycle accessories like headgear, gloves and tools nearby.
  • Finally, give the bicycle a test spin when you take it out of storage. Move the wheels and brakes and ride it at low speeds to make sure it feels right and that the chain or gears have not worn out.
With a little attention, your bicycles can work great for years. To find a self storage unit near home where you can store your bicycle equipment, visit StorageFront. The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. "Storage Tips" are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront's Terms and Conditions.

Boat Storage Options


When you own a boat, you need to figure out where to store it. Some people are content with keeping it in a large garage at home, some prefer to store it on the water at a marina, and others prefer to store it in a storage space on land. When deciding where you would like to store your boat, you need to weigh all of your options carefully.

Trailering

This is your cheapest option, as it is no cost to you. You simply store your boat on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. If you have a small boat, you can store your boat in your garage, or add an extra stall if you need more space. If you store your boat at home, it is easily accessible year-round; if you have a nice day in the middle of winter, it is very simple to take out your boat. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and tips. Also check with your city or homeowners association to make sure boats can be parked outside your home (whether in the street, driveway, or yard) if you plan to store your trailer somewhere other than in your garage.

Rack Storage

If you have a smaller boat (usually less than 30 feet), you can opt for rack storage. A rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed containing large steel racks. The racks can be 4-5 boats high and 25 boats across.  When you want to take your boat out, you simply call the facility and a large fork truck lifts your boat from the rack to the water. When you are done boating, you tie up your boat and someone from the storage facility will return it to the shed. Monthly fees, based on the length of your boat, can range from $6 per foot to $18 per foot. The fee includes taking your boat in and out of the water. This type of storage reduces the amount of space needed to house your boat and offers a clean environment in which to store your boat. There are facilities that keep the racks indoors and outdoors; an indoor facility costs a bit more, but it is worth it for the extra protection.

Marina

If you own a large boat that is too big to store elsewhere, or if you own a small boat and want easy access to the water, then storage at a marina is a good option for you. Many marinas offer winter storage and service for your boat. Some even have showers, TVs, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. The advantage to marina storage over rack storage is that you don't need to call ahead and have the facility move your boat into the water. You just show up to the dock, walk to your vessel, and go. You are usually charged by the length of your boat; fees range from $8 to $35 per foot plus utilities if used.

Yacht Storage

Many yachts are stored at facilities that have better amenities than some resorts. Yacht owners want custom dock space that has such things as electricity and water hookups, a storage locker, mechanics, laundry, restaurants, and shops. Monthly fees, like other types of boat storage facilities, are based on the length of your vessel. They range from $15 per foot to $65 per foot.

Dockominum (Buying a Boat Slip)

A dockominium is a water version of a condominium. Instead of owning an apartment, though, you own a boat slip on the water. (The slip is a ramp on the shore by which boats move in and out of the water. So, buying a boat slip is like buying a plot of land.) Dockominiums usually are found in large, metropolitan, waterfront areas, such as New York and Miami, and cater to the very affluent, as they are quite pricey. When you buy the boat slip, you have exclusive rights to use it and rights to the common area of the marina, just as you would have rights to the common area of a condominium development. Once you own your boat slip, you can use it, rent it, or sell it just as you would a home. Cost can vary depending on location; it can run anywhere from $60 per foot to $140 per foot. This is a good solution for someone who wants a permanent home for their boat and allows you to build equity in the same way you would when buying a house.

Boat Storage Facilities

Many people store their boats at facilities on land, in much the same way as they would store an RV. Many are available at the marina where you dock your boat. There is no fixed rate for this because it depends on the area of the storage unit, the size of your boat, and how accessible you want the boat to be. This is only a viable option for long-term storage, as you cannot get a refund if you choose to end your storage term early. When choosing a storage space, be sure to consider all of your options. Some people will pay more for easier access to the water and others may choose to trailer their boat to the water every time they want to use it. Each boat owner has a unique situation; that is why there are several options when storing your boat. The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. "Storage Tips" are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront's Terms and Conditions.

Boat Winterization Checklist

Taking the proper precautions when winterizing your boat is very important if you want your boat to be ready to use when spring comes. Failure to winterize your boat can cause significant damage such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, and frozen pipes. Freezing, dormancy, moisture, and corrosion can lead to large repair bills. In order to avoid costly repairs in the spring, it is important to take the proper precautions in the fall. Here are some necessary steps to winterizing your boat:

  • Find a storage location. Your options are storing in your garage, in your driveway or backyard, rack storage, a marina, or a storage facility. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and storage tips.
  • Cleaning. Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. This will also let you discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. It will let you take care of any spills or messes that you may not have been aware of, and thus let you avoid having to uncover any mysterious odors in the spring. Clean your boat and apply a rust inhibitor on your steering and control cables and on the metal hardware.
  • Repair damages. It is best to handle anything that is broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.
  • Electronics. All electronics should be removed and stored in a safe, dry, and warm place.
  • Store to prevent mildew. Things such as cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers should also be stored. Lockers and drawers should be propped open to air out, and the refrigerator should be emptied out. To avoid mildew, keep the moisture inside your boat in suspension and on the move. A dehumidifier can help increase the interior air temperature and prevent moisture, as it keeps the air circulating inside the boat. Be sure to place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.
  • Drain. Drain the fluid from your manifolds and engine blocks, water pumps, and coolers. Be sure to drain and fill the gearcase with gearcase lubricants. Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank, and hot water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, hot water heater, and port-a-potty.
  • Fuel and antifreeze. Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation, and gas spoilage. Be sure to add stabilizer to preserve the gas and prevent damage to the fuel system. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the gas in your fuel lines. Put antifreeze into the cooling system and into the supply lines for the water faucets and shower.
  • Oil. Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change the oil filter, too.
  • Engine. You’ll also want to change the transmission fluid, remove spark plugs, and use “fogging oil” on each cylinder. Spray a towel with fogging oil or WD-40 and wipe down the engine.
  • Paint. Sand the bottom of the boat and repaint it to prevent rust.
  • Battery. Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the terminal ends, wash the battery with a solution of water and baking soda, and rinse it with distilled water. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Be sure to use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.
  • Stern drive. Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plants or barnacles from the lower unit. For stern drives with rubber boots, be sure to check for cracks or holes. Make sure you grease all fittings and check your fluid levels.
  • Bilges. Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water, and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing.
  • Cover. Be sure to cover your boat tightly before storing it, even if it is being stored indoors. Make sure that whatever cover you choose has good ventilation. Also be certain there are no tears or damages to the cover.
Most insurance policies don't cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, so winterizing is very important. The best way to winterize your boat is to check your owner’s manual; every boat is different. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help and ask lots of questions if you have never winterized before. It's better to be safe than sorry. The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. “Storage Tips” are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront’s Terms and Conditions.




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