How to Prepare Your Boat or RV for Long-Term Storage?
Ian Horowitz • May 6, 2025
If you are done with your road trips or voyages, it's time to prepare your ride for long-term storage. It might not be as thrilling as hitting the open road or cruising open water, but properly storing your boat or RV is crucial if you want to protect your investment and make your next adventure hassle-free.
Let's dive into everything you need to know to prep your RV or boat for long-term secure self-storage units.
Why is Long-Term Storage Important?
Boats and RVs are built for the outdoors, sure—but that doesn't mean they're built to sit idle for months on end. Without proper preparation, long-term storage can lead to expensive damage like:
- Cracked plumbing from frozen water lines
- Mold and mildew from trapped moisture
- 3. Dead batteries or drained fuel systems
- 4. Flat spots on tires
- Pest infestations
Taking a few hours to winterize and store things correctly now can save you days of repairs—and a serious dent in your wallet—down the line.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your RV or Boat
Step 1. Clean It Like You Mean It
Before anything goes into storage, give your boat or RV a deep clean, inside and out. A clean start helps prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion, and it just feels better when it's time to bring it out again.
- For RV storage: Wash the exterior, clean the roof, and scrub the awnings. Inside, empty all food and trash, vacuum thoroughly, and wipe down all surfaces.
- For Boat storage: Clean the hull, flush out the engine with fresh water (especially if it's been in salt water), and scrub the interior—including compartments and upholstery.
Step 2. Drain the Water Systems
Moisture is the enemy. For RVs, drain the fresh, gray, and black water tanks. Use RV-safe antifreeze to winterize the plumbing if you're in a cold climate.
Boats with onboard plumbing systems should also be winterized, especially if stored outdoors. Make sure to remove any standing water in bilges and use a moisture absorber inside the cabin.
Step 3. Take Care of the Engine and Fuel
Leaving fuel in your tank without treatment can lead to varnish and gunk buildup. Here's what to do:
- Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer.
- Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure the stabilizer circulates.
- Change the oil and oil filter to prevent corrosion.
- For boats, fog the engine with fogging oil to protect internal components.
Don't forget to check coolant and antifreeze levels in both RVs and boats.
Step 4. Disconnect the Batteries
Batteries can drain over time, even when everything is off. To prevent this:
- Disconnect the battery or use a battery maintainer to keep it charged.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place if you're removing it completely.
Label the terminals if needed, so you don't forget where everything goes!
Step 5. Check Tires and Inflate Properly
For RVs, especially, tire care during storage is crucial. Inflate all tires to the proper PSI before storage to prevent flat spots. If you're storing long-term, consider:
- Parking on tire blocks or jack stands to relieve pressure.
- Covering tires to protect them from UV damage.
- Moving the vehicle a few feet every few months, if possible.
Step 6. Seal It Tight
Check all seals, gaskets, and weather stripping for wear and tear. Patch up anything that looks worn to keep moisture and critters out.
Use RV storage or boat storage
covers to protect from the sun, rain, and snow. Choose a breathable, high-quality cover—not just a tarp, which can trap moisture and do more harm than good.
Step 7. Critter-Proof Your Storage
Mice and other pests can turn your cozy rig into their winter retreat if you're not careful. Here's how to keep them out:
- Seal any small openings or gaps.
- Remove food and paper products.
- Use mothballs, dryer sheets, or peppermint oil (natural deterrents).
- Set traps around the perimeter.
Step 8. Climate-Controlled Storage? Yes, Please.
If you're storing in an area with extreme temperatures or humidity, climate controlled self-storage units can save you a ton of stress. It helps prevent mold, warping, and battery damage, especially during Louisiana and Mississippi summers or Texas heat waves.
Step 9. Don't Forget Documentation
Leave a list inside your boat or RV of all the steps you took to winterize and store it. This makes it much easier to de-winterize later and helps you pick up right where you left off.
Also, take photos of your vehicle before storing it—inside and out—for peace of mind and insurance purposes.
In The End: Choosing the Right Storage Facility (Final Step)
You've done the prep—now, where should your boat or RV hibernate for the season? Look for a facility that offers:
- Security cameras and gated access.
- Covered or uncovered parking options.
- Climate-controlled units (especially for RV storage).
- Online payment and rental services.
- Easy drive-up access.
That's where Square Space Storage comes in and offers the best RV and boat storage. At Square Space Storage, we know your boat or RV is a vessel of memories. That's why we offer secure, convenient, and affordable storage across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.
Whether you need a climate-controlled unit
for your RV's interior or covered parking for your fishing boat, we've got a space that fits just right. All our locations offer contactless rentals, secure gated access, camera surveillance, and flexible size options—from compact to oversized. You can even rent online and save today.
Visit Square Space Storage to find the perfect unit near you.
Not sure what size self-storage unit you need? Read our complete guide to find the right storage size for your items with helpful tips and a detailed checklist.
Discover if climate-controlled self-storage is right for you. Learn what to store, when it's essential, and how to choose the best unit for your needs.
Climate-controlled storage units keep your items safe from temperature changes and humidity, preventing shrinkage and other damage.
While all storage units may serve the basic purpose of storing items, some may offer better protection, convenience, or additional benefits compared to others. So, climate-controlled storage units will be key to keeping them in the best condition with regulated temperature and humidity. Unlike standard storage units that can be subject to extreme changes in weather conditions and moisture accumulation, climate-controlled storage units offer a controlled environment where temperature and humidity are carefully monitored and kept within safe ranges to avoid damage from warping, mold, or deterioration. Read this web blog to learn about the benefits of climate-controlled storage units and where you can rent these storage units. What are Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units? Climate-controlled self-storage units are designed to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level. Unlike traditional storage units that can be subject to fluctuating conditions, these units protect sensitive items from heat, cold, and moisture. They provide a secure and reliable means of safe long-term storage that is perfect for personal or business storage. Why Choose Climate-Controlled Storage Units? 1. Protection from Extreme Temperatures – Heat drips can warp, split, or damage wooden furniture and electronics, and intense cold can make more materials brittle. 2. Humidity Control – They can keep moisture at the perfect level to avoid mold, mildew, and even rust so that your valuables are safe. 3. Better Air Quality – Proper ventilation protects against dust build-up and helps keep stored items from turning stale too soon. 4. Added Security & Comfort – Among several benefits, most climate-controlled units are indoors, which means less potential for encountering pests, easier access, and security from outside elements. What Items Need Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units? Some valuables don't do well when left out in the open. These include: Electronics & Appliances – Protects against condensation and temperature shift damage. Wood & Leather Furniture – Prevents warping, crack, and growth of mold. Artwork & Collectibles – Keeps intact paintings, books, and memorabilia Documents & Photographs – Stops fading, yellowing, and paper decay. Clothing & Fabrics – Keeps fabrics fresh and mildew-free. Who Should Use Climate-Controlled Storage Units? Homeowners – Perfect for seasonal storage or downsizing Businesses – Great for safekeeping important paperwork, housing inventory, and safeguarding tools. Collectors & Hobbyists – Offers a secure place for precious collections, from antiques to musical instruments. How to Choose the Right Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Unit Location & Accessibility – For convenience, pick a facility near your home or office. Size & Pricing – Choose a unit that caters to your needs, be it price comparison. Security Features – Ask about surveillance cameras, gated entry, and controlled building access. Reviews & Reputation – Check Customer Reviews to Get Reliable and Quality Service. Contact Square Space Storage to Rent Climate-Controlled & Secure Self Storage Units If you require safe and friendly climate-controlled storage units, then Square Space Storage is right for you. Get contactless rentals and ease of move-ins at Square Space Storage, the best possible storage experience. Our facilities are equipped with the following: Secure Access Gates – Adding increased safety through limited access Wide Variety of Sizes – Small 5x5s to large 10x30s for all your storage needs. Security Cameras – Providing round-the-clock surveillance. Online Rental & Bill Pay – The easiest way to manage storage. Square Space Storage makes finding a unit near you from Arkansas to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas easy. From storing household items, business stock, or seasonal equipment, we provide cheap and flexible storage solutions. Conclusion Climate-controlled storage units can also offer better protection against extreme heat than traditional storage units. These units give you peace of mind by ensuring that your belongings will be in the same condition when you return as when you stored them, whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or collector. These days, wherever you look, you see storage facilities, but if you want to find a trusted one, come to Square-Space Storage. Offering secure, climate-controlled options and multiple locations, we take the stress out of storing your valuables. Contact Square-Space Storage today for the ideal storage needs for your requirements! Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the difference between climate-controlled storage and regular storage? Answer : Climate-controlled storage units help protect items from extreme heat, cold, and moisture because they maintain the home's temperature and humidity level. Regular storage units lack this feature, exposing belongings to temperature fluctuations, mold, and mildew. 2. How much does a climate-controlled storage unit cost compared to a standard unit? Answer : Climate-controlled storage facilities usually run 25-50% more than traditional ones because of the extra energy and maintenance necessary to control temperature and humidity. However, the added expense is more than worth it for safeguarding sensitive and valuable items. 3. What items should always be stored in a climate-controlled unit? Answer : Examples of climate-sensitive belongings are electronics, wooden and leather furniture, important papers, artwork, collectibles, clothing, and musical instruments. Heat, humidity, or cold can damage these items if they are kept in a non-climate-controlled unit. 4. Are climate-controlled storage units worth it? Answer : They are worth it if you store valuable or temperature-sensitive belongings. The controlled atmosphere protects by preventing mold, rust, warping, and deterioration, keeping its contents intact for generations. 5. How do I know if I need a climate-controlled storage unit? Answer : If you are storing items that can be adversely affected by temperature fluctuations, humidity, or moisture (like electronics, antique furniture, or paperwork), then opt for a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled storage is highly recommended if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
