Tag: springfield car storage

Does Your Business Have Increased Storage Needs In The Summer? We Can Help

Posted on July 22, 2014 by - Parking, Storage

summer contractor storage

Photo Credit: Zepfanman.com

You may have a service based business that increases its storage needs in the summer months. This is actually very common, and we serve a lot of companies with very similar needs. Sometimes your equipment may even be sensitive to the elemnets and you’d hate to damage valuable equipment, just because you don’t have room within your current storage setting.

We’re going to explore the benefits that working with our storage company can bring to your company over the summer months.

Too Much Equipment

In some types of business you may actually end up using less equipment during the summer months than you do during the rest of the year. If this sounds like your business, then using a Springfield storage facility may be your best option.

As your business grows you need a storage solution that can grow with you. If your storage needs change during the summertime, you need to work with a storage company that can keep up. Sometimes you have an overflow of vehicles and need to safely store them for a period of time. Gateway storage can help.

Temperature Sensitive Goods

Sometimes you may have certain equipment that can’t stand very hot temperatures, or direct exposure to sunlight. If you have certain goods or equipment your company needs to operate, yet they can’t quite stand the summer temperatures, then storage might be a great option for you.

We offer flexible storage options that can suit all of your business needs. For instance, if you need to have some of your good covered while others stored away into a container, we can do that for you.

Decreased Workflow

You may run a type of business that does decreased business in the summer months. As a result you’ll need to find place to store all of your equipment.

You could simply leave the equipment locked outside your facility, but that increases the chance of theft or damage to your equipment. As a business owner I’m sure you’ll want to protect your assets.

By working with Gateway Storage you can ensure your equipment is safe and protected, 24/7. Our Springfield small business storage facilities will ensure all of your storage needs are taken care of.

If you’re a Northern Virginia service based business, then you deserve a storage company that is going to take the time to cater to your unique business needs. Even though, we work with clients in similar industries, we believe in treating each client like an individual.

We serve small businesses in the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If you need more storage or parking during the summer months, then get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

3 Reasons Your Car Might Not Be As Safe As You Think

Posted on March 28, 2014 by - Parking, Storage

Photo Credit: alicegop

Photo Credit: alicegop

You may think that your car is safe when you park it on the street. Most times it will be, however, all is takes is one time and your safety is compromised. Whether you’re parking on the street, or in your driveway there are still concerns you may not have thought of.

In this article we’re going to cover three of the biggest dangers you’ll face from parking your car in the street or in your driveway, and lastly what you can do to increase your safety by utilizing car storage.

Remember, the safety of your car is entirely in your hands. It’s up to you how you decide to store your vehicles.

1. Increased danger of theft

When you park your car along the street there’s an increased chance of theft. Either of your car, or objects you’re storing in your car. Even if you live in a relatively safe neighborhood, there’s still the chance of burglars coming into your neighborhood during the nighttime hours.

If your car is in your garage it’s usually much safer. However, if you have more than one car and you have to park it in the street you’re increasing your chance of risk.

2. Parking tickets and violations

Parking tickets are very prevalent in the Alexandria area. Of course, you can do whatever you can to avoid them, but the regulations are very strict. With the sheer amount of tickets the police department writes every year, you would think that people would learn the regulations by now. However, this isn’t always the case.

If you have several cars you know the difficulties of trying to park your cars in a legal manner. Over time, paying tickets can get very expensive.

3. Exposure to the elements

Parking a car outside also brings other dangers with it. For example, if you park your car underneath a tree and a branch happens to break and fall on your vehicle, then you’ll have to deal with the damages to your car, as well as the handle the insurance companies.

The outside environment also includes other cars. If you park your precious vehicle on the street there’s also an increased chance of being hit by another car.

All of these damages could have been avoided, if only there was another way.

What Can You Do To Avoid These?

If you’d rather pass on having to go through theft, damage and parking tickets there is another option at your disposal. Invest in personal Alexandria car storage. Although this option may seem like a hassle, we’ve have a streamlined storage process that is completely customizable to your needs.

We offer Alexandria car storage and short term and long term parking. Our facilities are secured 24/7 and you get a personal pin for easy access. We serve residents and military personnel across the Woodbridge, Alexandria, and Springfield area, as well as all of Northern Virginia. Get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

How To Prepare Your Classic Car For Storage

Posted on February 28, 2014 by - Storage

When you’re preparing your car for storage there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The last thing you want to occur is have to spend a serious amount of time getting your car ready for driving, once you’ve decided to remove it from storage.

By spending a little time up front you’ll save yourself a ton of worry and hassle in the future. In this article we’re going to cover a few steps you can take to make sure you protect your classic car, before you take your car to an Alexandria car storage facility.

Getting a classic car ready for storage is a different process than any of your other vehicles. It’s important to take extra time and care with your vehicle to ensure it’s safety, no matter the time of year.

Ensure Your Tank Is Full

One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face when trying to protect your classic car is moisture. By keeping your gas tank full you’ll minimize the chances of moisture occurring in the gas tank or the or fuel lines. If the rule level drops, it presents a better condition for moisture to form, which can lead to corrosion.

Another good reason to top off your fuel tank, is due to sediment that may form at the bottom of the tank. If you run your car at too low of a fuel level there’s a good chance that sediment will get dragged through the engine.

Use Fresh Gasoline

Modern gasoline doesn’t compare to the gasoline that cars ran on when your classic car was built. As a result you’ll want to ensure you fill up your car with the highest octane fuel available. Since the structure of gasoline actually changes after 60 days you’ll want to ensure you add a fuel stabilizer to your tank, such as Sta-Bil. This will help your gasoline to stay in the same composition over extended periods of time.

Change Out The Fluids

If you don’t change out the oils and fluids in your car on a regular basis, it can cause excessive wear and tear on your engine. Before you bring your car to storage make sure you take a nice warm up run, drain out the old oil and pour in new lube. This can also be a good time to change the oil filter, if you car has one.

Do A Thorough Cleaning

By taking the time to wash your car on a regular basis you’ll keep it in pristine condition for years. When you’re cleaning your car for storage, take the time as if you were getting it ready for a big car show. Make sure you get every nook and cranny on the inside of your car. After you’ve washed the outside of the car it can be a good idea to apply a coat of wax to protect your car from dust and other objects. You may even want to throw a few silica packets onto the floor of your car to soak up any extra moisture.

Lube Up The Joints

It can also be smart to lube up all the locks, latches and hinges you car has, to prevent them from locking up when it’s in Alexandria car storage. You can even use a little bit of grease to coat the weatherstripping and any other seals on your vehicle.

Use Plastic Sheeting

It’s a good idea to place a plastic sheet below your car to prevent any dampness or moisture from rising up into the bottom of the car. Also, to ensure extra moisture protection make sure you fill the tailpipes with steel wool, just remember to take it out before you drive your car!

Jack Up The Vehicle

It’s a good idea to jack up your car to ensure you’re taking the load off the tires and suspension. You can use a trolley jack to hold up your vehicle. It can also be wise to place wooden blocks under the suspension, so it isn’t fully extended the entire time you’re in storage. You’ll also want to make sure the car is in neutral, and the parking brake is disengaged, so nothing locks up.

Use A High Quality Car Cover

A quality car cover can go a long way. Make sure you invest in a breathable cover that will allow moisture to escape and prevent any extra dust from settling on your vehicle. If you can find a cover that’s designed to fit the body of your car, it will protect it even better.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful and have a better idea of the steps you need to take if you want to maintain your classic car, even when it’s in Alexandria car storage.

If you’re still looking for a place to store your classic car, then get in touch with Gateway Storage, we serve the Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia.

Let’s discuss your situation, get in touch today!

5 Ways to Tell If Car Storage Is Right For You

Posted on January 30, 2014 by - Parking, Storage

You may be thinking that  car storage is a waste of time, is too much work, or you might not even know what car storage is! If you’ve been thinking about car storage for while now and are afraid to take the plunge, take a look at our five top reasons below and see if any of them hit home.

1. You have several “junk” cars

You may love the idea of spending your weekends fixing up your “junk” cars, however in reality your projects have been untouched for months, if not years.

Depending on your county you may have even received a ticket for having a “junk” car. After all you may perceive your car as an antique, while another person may see it as a pile of junk.

After all, if you do feel inspired to fix up your car once and for all, you can always take it out of storage. In the meantime you’ll know it’s safe and avoid further citations.

2. You are always getting parking tickets for your fleet of vehicles

If you own more than one car then you know how hard parking can actually be. It’s a careful art to park all your vehicles, legally, so you don’t receive a fine or ticket.

Granted, you may have some cars that simply don’t work, or don’t have enough space outside your home to park all your vehicles. Most likely, you probably only drive one or two vehicles on a regular basis anyways.

Save yourself the hassle of constantly finding parking and take a car or two to storage. That way you’ll be able to breathe easy and know you’re never going to get cited for parking illegally again.

3. You are constantly stressing about whether or not your cars are safe

If you have multiple cars, then you may spend your nights worrying if all your vehicles are safe or not when they’re parked outside your home. If you can’t fit your vehicles into your garage then there’s a good chance you’re going to have to park on the street. Depending where you live, this might not be the most comfortable option for you.

Do yourself a favor and store your vehicles in a safe Northern Virginia car parking facility, you’ll save yourself several sleepless nights.

4. You own a commercial vehicle

Frankly, if you own a commercial vehicle for work purposes, you’re going to have trouble parking it anywhere. You may have a few commercial vehicles for seasonal work and are looking for an easy place to store them during the “off-season”.

Most people don’t know, but Alexandria car storage facilities can store commercial vehicles, just as they would any other vehicle.

5. You don’t have room for all your vehicles

Sometimes you just have too many vehicles, whether they’re “junk” cars, show cars, or inoperable vehicles, you just need more space. You don’t want to park them on the street and you certainly don’t want to sell them.

The easiest option for you to consider would be Gateway Storage Center’s car parking. You get to keep all your vehicles, and still have access to them whenever you’d like.

If any of the above reasons resonated with you, then do yourself a favor and look into Springfield car parking today.

We serve residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Let’s discuss your situation–give us a call today!

Why You Should Consider Storing Your Junk Car

Posted on January 30, 2014 by - Parking, Storage

To some people, their “junk” cars are their pride and joy. They’re weekend projects that someday are going to be transformed into beautiful masterpieces. However, your neighbors or people passing by your home may not feel the same way. When you look at your car you see its potential, when they look at it they see a pile of junk.

You might not think this is an issue. However, according to local regulations you can be fined or ticketed if your car poses a threat to community safety.

Storing your “junk” car can be done safely and easily, if you’ve had a single thought about storing your “junk” car do yourself a favor and take a look at our top reasons for using Gateway Storage Center’s car storage below.

You’ve Been Receiving Tickets Or Fines

If you’ve received any tickets or fines for you inoperable or “junk vehicle”, then car storage can definitely be your best option. That way you’ll make your neighbors and the authorities happy, all while saving yourself money. The price you’ll pay for storage every month can actually be cheaper than the tickets you’ve been receiving.

You Don’t Think You’re Going To Finish Your Project Anytime Soon

You may love the idea of finally restoring your car to its pristine state. However, this someday is so far into the future that your “junk” car may not be fully restored anytime soon. After all, you have a job, a life, and a family to maintain.

Sometimes, it can be a good idea to store your car at a car parking facility until you finally have time in your schedule to finish the restoration. This can even reduce your mental workload as well, because you won’t have to see your unfinished vehicle every single day.

You’re Worried About The Safety Of Your Vehicle

If you have a “junk” vehicle, that is actually a classic car and just needs some love. Then you may be worried about keeping your vehicle safe. Instead of staying up at night worrying, it can be much easier to take your car to a Prince William County car storage facility. That way you’ll ensure it’s safety, no matter where you are.

If you have an inoperable, or “junk” car, then  car parking can be an incredible option that can save you stress, worry and even a little money.

We cater to residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Let’s discuss your situation–give us a call today!

Three Reasons Why You Should Store Your Junk Car with Gateway Storage.

Posted on January 29, 2014 by - Parking, Storage

Having trouble deciding what to do with you junk car? If you live in Northern Virginia including Prince William County, Woodbridge, Alexandria, etc and have a junk car–then this article is for you. Here are the top 3 reasons why Gateway Storage is the ideal place to store your old or junk car.

1. Antique or Eyesore?

Do you own a car that is an “engine tinkering project”? There is that saying, “One person’s eyesore is another person’s antique” and it’s true. Perhaps your neighbors disapprove but you can’t really see your baby that way. But you got a notice from your county that your non-working car cannot be parked in your driveway.

While the county cannot decide what does and does not look good; it does have the responsibility of keeping vehicles and residential areas safe. Accordingly, it designates any car without current tags or inspection stickers as ‘inoperative’. They cannot be parked in your driveway and neither can they be parked on the lawn. In fact all vehicles in Prince William County can only be parked on an ‘improved road’.

At Gateway storage, we permit you to store your antique cars or “engine tinkering projects”. You don’t have to worry about residential parking restrictions. Although maintenance or working on your car is not permitted– you can store it here until you decide to move it for repairs or otherwise. We can recommend a towing service with reasonable prices.

2. Your car is taking up much needed space on your property

If you’re like most people, you don’t have the extra space to park your car in your driveway or at the least it is inconvenient to do so. Also, did you know that it is illegal to park vehicles on the lawn anywhere in Prince William County? Yep–so that is out of the question too. What do you do? Easy… Free up that space on your driveway by keeping your car at Gateway Storage Center until you decide what to do with it.

3. No need for Tags and Registration.

At Gateway Storage Center, we don’t require any tags or inspection stickers whatsoever. You can park your car in whatever condition it is in, here, for as long as you want. Our storage facility is well lit, is well secured and has 24/7 surveillance so you can have peace of mind that your vehicles are safe.

We cater to residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Let’s discuss your situation–give us a call today!

Springfield Car Storage

Posted on August 12, 2013 by - Storage

Red Sports CarAll your friends keep asking you, “What did you do to get your wife to allow you to buy that new hot car?!” And you have not once gotten tired of it since you bought that beautiful new 2013 Scion FR-S, in Firestorm Red no less. Your son thought that was his gift when you drove that beauty home, but no way, he got the hand-me-down van. Now he’s getting ready to go off to college and, since he can’t bring a car to college, you’re trying to figure out what to do with the van during semesters. You don’t want that old van in the driveway taking up room from Sheila (the name of your FR-S). We’re here to help.

Gateway Storage Center provides Springfield Car Storage services on a short-term, long-term, or month-to-month basis. We offer secure outdoor car storage plus container storage should you want to empty out his old room and make an office out of it. He won’t need his things until after graduation anyways. Going overseas? With Gateway Storage, you’ll have the peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and secure while it stays with us. When you return, you can pick up your car and check out of your storage space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our convenient Lorton facility located on U.S. Route 1, right off of I-95, offers 24 hour access for occupants, two automatic gates with power failure back up, a network of surveillance cameras and extensive lighting throughout the storage areas. Give us a call today and learn more about our Springfield Car Storage options. Long term pre-paid storage discounts are available on most spaces. Call today!

Springfield Car Storage for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 8, 2013 by - Storage

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you’ve decided to whisk your wife off on a romantic vacation to the tropics. You’ve got it all planned out: two weeks of sun, sand, and those yummy drinks with the umbrellas in them. Kids are going to grandma’s and will be spoiled with cookies and goodies the entire time –  you know it’s true. The only thing you’re worried about are the recent car break-ins in your neighborhood. What do you do with your precious vehicles while gone for a few weeks?

Cocktail at the Beach

Gateway Storage is your answer! We offer short-term car storage options in our safe and secure facility, giving you the peace of mind that your vehicles will be in good hands while you travel across the globe.

Need car storage for a little longer to clean out the garage when you get home with those new surfboards? No worries. We offer month-to-month, short-term, and long-term car storage services for Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, and across Northern Virginia.

Now you can enjoy your trip knowing that all your valuables (both the kids and the cars) are well taken care of, safe and secure. Enjoy the trip!

Happy Valentine’s Day!