As the season grows colder and we start hunkering down for the winter weather, certain outdoor recreational activities get put aside for a few months. The air and water start becoming too cold for boating, while the snow and holidays start making RV camping difficult. But when spring rolls around, nothing will deflate your boating or camping plans like seeing weather damage from improper boat or RV storage.
Luckily, avoiding damage to your expensive recreational investments is as simple as finding the proper storage options for your boat or RV. Finding the perfect storage space may seem daunting, but here at Newmart Builders, we want to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to RV or boat storage.
What are the Costs of Renting a Facility vs. Buying a Garage?
While buying a garage or carport for your boat or RV may seem a little extreme, it may actually be the best option for you depending on where you live. The costs of renting a facility tend to vary depending on the type of covered storage space you’re looking for, but there may also not be one close enough to your home to be viable.
For example, RV storage facilities tend to be a gated location where you can park your vehicle for a fee. Yet if you have to travel 30+ miles to get there, it may not be worth it. The same goes for your boat storage—if you don’t live near the coast, it may be challenging to find a secure location nearby that can store your boat at a reasonable price.
If you do have the luxury of living near a storage space (or if your vehicle can fit into a storage unit safely), you’ll want to remember that you may not have access to your boat or RV whenever you want it.
What is the Accessibility Like for Your Boat or RV?
Do you live in a climate where you can use your boat most of the year? Do you not mind traveling with your RV in the winter? If you answered “yes” to either of these, you might want to check how often you can access your vehicle if you decide to use a storage facility. There may be extra fees or time constraints that would keep you from getting to your boat or RV when you need to.
On the other hand, if you store your vehicle at home, you’ll always be able to access it. For some owners, this may give them peace of mind since they can always see that the vehicle is safe and unharmed. At Newmart, you can even build your own structure to precisely the parameters you need to ensure you have the best RV or boat storage possible.
Does Your Neighborhood Have an HOA?
Deciding to store your boat or RV at home may not be as simple as parking it in the driveway. If you live in a neighborhood that has a Homeowners Association (HOA), there will likely be fees, rules, and regulations you have to follow for storing your vehicle. In fact, most of the time, you probably won’t be able to store it out in the open at all.
When you don’t have to worry about an HOA, you’ll likely have more storage flexibility. Parking your vehicle in your driveway or garage will at least allow you to keep an eye on it, but you’ll want to check with your local municipality to make sure you don’t have any regulations to follow. Also, instead of taking up space in your garage where you store your daily vehicles, now may be the time to consider building a separate covered storage space.
How Much Space is On Your Property?
When you have an investment as expensive as a boat or RV, you should give it as much care as you do the rest of your assets—especially if your property has enough room.
Instead of worrying about moisture damage, outdoor pests, or exposure to the elements, it may be time to build an extra storage space on your property. Not only will this keep your boat or RV safe from outdoor threats, but it can also add more storage space to your driveway and garage at the same time. Doing spring or winter maintenance is also more accessible when you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Lastly, you’ll have the knowledge of at-home safety and security for your vehicle all season long.
Will Your Insurance Be Impacted by How You Store Your Boat or RV?
Speaking of safety, does your vehicle have year-round insurance? If so, you should check with your insurance policy to make sure that there are no specific parameters your vehicle needs to be covered for when it’s in storage.
According to Allstate Insurance, specific homeowner’s insurance policies may not extend coverage to your boat (even when stored at home) depending on its size. Also, if you’ve financed your boat, certain lenders may require you to have all-year insurance coverage. Having this coverage may seem like a hassle, but even if you store your vehicle in a separate facility, you’ll feel better knowing that it has protection from accidents.
When you have a substantial investment like an RV or a boat, having proper storage space is essential. Here at Newmart, we want to make that as easy and cost-efficient as possible for you. Once you choose one of our products and it’s delivered, it can be set up in as little as 2 to 3 hours. Contact us for more info on pricing and to see what storage options we have to fit your needs!
