Not to mention the possibility of bad smells developing while you're away. Clean your vehicle thoroughly, inside and out.ĭetailing your car before you put it into storage may seem counterintuitive, but dust, grease, and grime can cause damage to your car over time. As long as you're the only person with access to the unit, you may be able to safely store some of your other possessions in or around your vehicle if needed. One possible exception is if your car is in a private storage unit at a secured facility. That means even if you choose a designated car storage facility or covered parking area where multiple vehicles are kept together, it's better that all valuables are removed, just in case. Anything stored in your car can be a target for theft - especially if it's visible to passersby. Remove your valuables.īefore you store your car, take out any valuables. These steps will help ensure your car is in the best condition when you return. If you're leaving a car behind during your next overseas PCS or deployment, there are a few things you'll want to do before your departure. Prepare your vehicle for long-term storage. You have many options, including climate-controlled self-storage units, secured covered parking, and even specialty auto storage services that will maintain your vehicle.Īgain, the pros and cons of each vary based on the provider and your specific needs. If you want a little more control and security while your vehicle is in storage, opt for a commercial storage facility. Keep it in a commercial storage facility. That's why it's important to figure out the conditions of the storage facility or parking area, how it will be monitored or secured, and whether your vehicle will be driven or serviced while you're away. See note1Īlthough this can be a more cost-effective route, not all bases or contracted providers will offer the same level of service. Review the requirements, restrictions and process for storing a vehicle on base and then speak with your base transportation office to learn about your options (Opens in New Window). Most bases offer a designated parking lot for deployments, or there may be government-procured storage facilities available. Store it on base.Īnother option is to store your car on base. Then, if any issues arise you can deal with them as quickly as possible. It's also a good idea to check in monthly, if possible while you're gone. You may want to use a weatherproof car cover if the vehicle won't be sheltered. If you'll store the car on their property, help keep it protected from the elements. And of course, you'll need to make sure any drivers are added to your auto insurance policy. If so, make sure you discuss expectations before you go, such as frequency of use or travel distances. In some circumstances, you may decide to let them use it while you're gone. They can keep an eye on the vehicle and may even be able to drive it periodically to keep the battery charged and get it serviced if needed. One easy and inexpensive option is to put your car in the care of friends or family. ![]() You may have options available, depending on where you live and what you're comfortable with. If you choose to leave your car, you'll need to decide what to do with it. ![]() If you're not planning to ship your car, here are several things you need to do to ensure it's ready when you return. For that reason, many military service members and their families choose to sell their secondary vehicle or leave it behind rather than pay out of pocket to ship it. Shipping is an option, although you can usually only ship one vehicle at government expense when transferring to or from an OCONUS duty station. One big item on the to-do list is figuring out what to do with your car. Packing and moving your belongings, finding new housing and planning travel become extra challenging when going overseas. This is especially true if you're headed outside the continental U.S., also known as OCONUS. Preparing for a permanent change of station (PCS), temporary duty travel (TDY) or deployment can be a lot of work.
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