A storage unit seems like the perfect place to work on a car, especially if you live in an apartment or have limited space at home. A secure location away from distractions where you can keep your tools and other gear sounds too good to be true. But is it?
My Car’s in a Storage Unit — Can I Work On It?
You might be allowed to work on a car in a storage unit. It depends on a range of factors, including the regulations that govern the storage facility, local laws, and safety.
Here are a few things to think about before you wheel in your floor jack.
Lease Agreements
If you are leasing your storage unit, make sure your agreement allows for working on your car and any other activities you have planned. If you aren’t sure, contact the facility management and get some clarification, preferably in writing.
Violating your lease could mean losing your storage space. Worse, you might need to pay for the remainder of your term, even after you’ve vacated.
Facility Rules
Even if you aren’t leasing, you will still have rules to follow, and probably a contract. You should have received a copy of it when you took over your storage space. If not, get in touch with management and talk about your plans.
If you violate the rules that govern your storage facility, management can kick you out and you will lose any deposits. You may be liable for any damages that have occurred.
State and Local Laws
The rules of your facility as outlined in your contract or lease agreement should account for any legal issues that could arise from working on your car in a storage unit. Still, do a little research so you don’t get into hot water.
Laws may not speak to automotive repair specifically, but they may account for things like:
- Storage of gasoline and other dangerous products.
- Noise issues.
- Environmental concerns.
Space
After you’ve gotten the all-clear from facility management, it’s time to consider some practical issues. One is space. You not only need room to work on your car but also some extra space for tools, jacks, and parts.
If you’ve worked on cars for any amount of time, you know an accident can happen when there’s too much clutter in the workspace.
Safety
Only work in a storage unit if it is possible to practice smart garage safety. At a minimum, make sure your storage unit is ventilated, keep a fire extinguisher on the premises, and have a first-aid kit handy.
These are things you may take for granted when working on your car at home, but in a storage unit, they require a little planning.
Noise
There may be local laws governing excessive noise. Even if there aren’t, consider the racket you’ll make and how it will impact others. Most storage facilities are out of earshot of public spaces, but remember, other people use the facility too.
Be a courteous neighbor.
Should You Work On Your Car in a Storage Unit?
Figuring out whether you can work on your car in a storage unit takes thought and research. If you have questions, contact Boat Stop Storage, a facility that features units with electrical outlets and other amenities that make working on your car a breeze.