The Snowbird's Guide to Storage Unit Sizes in Helena & East Helena, MT

Silvertip Storage
August 22nd, 2026

Every fall, Montana's snowbirds start packing up for warmer weather. Before you hit the road, there's one question that usually gets put off until the last minute: what do you do with everything you're leaving behind? If you're heading south for the winter, a storage unit is often the easiest way to protect your car, RV, boat, or extra household items while you're gone. But picking the right size (and setting things up correctly before you leave) makes a real difference when you come back in the spring. Here's what to know if you're looking at storage units near Helena or East Helena, MT this season.

What Are Snowbirds Typically Storing?

Most snowbirds fall into one of a few categories:

A car or truck they won't be driving south
An RV, camper, or boat that stays behind for the winter
Household overflow if they're renting out their home or closing it up for several months
Seasonal gear like ATVs, snowmobiles, patio furniture, or yard equipment

Knowing which of these applies to you (sometimes it's more than one) is the first step in figuring out what size unit actually makes sense.

Sizing Guide for Snowbird Storage

Storing a car only: A 10x10 unit is usually enough space for a single vehicle, with a little extra room around it. If you want to also stash a few boxes or a motorcycle alongside it, look at a 10x20 instead.

Storing an RV or camper: This depends heavily on length. Smaller travel trailers and campers often fit in a 12x30 outdoor space, while larger Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels may need a 13x45.

Storing a boat: Boat sizing follows a similar logic to RVs. A 13x45 outdoor unit covers most boats and trailers, but it's worth measuring your boat and trailer together (including the tongue) before you commit to a size.

Storing household overflow: If you're closing up your home for the season or renting it out while you're away, a 10x20 indoor unit is a common choice for furniture, boxes, and larger household items. Downsizing to a smaller home base for the winter? A 10x10 or 10x15 might cover it. Not sure which size fits your situation? It's worth a quick call or a look at a facility's size guide before you book. Guessing too small is the most common mistake snowbirds make, and it usually means a second trip to swap units right before you leave.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage While You're Away

This matters more when you won't be around to check on things for months at a time. Vehicles, RVs, and boats generally go in outdoor spaces with drive-up access, while household items and anything sensitive to temperature swings are better off indoors. If security is a top concern, look for a facility with 24-hour camera coverage and coded gate access, since that's the kind of thing that gives you peace of mind whether you're in Arizona or Texas for the winter.

Before You Leave: A Storage Checklist for Snowbirds

Once you've picked your unit and size, a little prep work goes a long way toward avoiding problems while you're gone.

Disconnect Batteries: Make sure batteries are disconnected on any stored vehicles or equipment. This prevents drainage and can help avoid damage over the winter months.
Avoid Storing Fuels: Don't leave fuel, propane, or other flammable materials in your unit. It's a fire and safety hazard, and most facilities won't allow it anyway.
No Food: Skip storing any food items. Even sealed containers can attract pests or rodents, and that's the last thing you want your unit dealing with while you're out of town.
Gate Access: Double-check that your gate code is current and working before you leave. It's a quick thing to test, and it saves you (or anyone you ask to check on your unit) a headache later.
Customer Portal: If your facility offers an online customer portal, enroll before you go. It makes managing your account and paying your bill simple, even from a few states away.
Keys: Keep vehicle keys with you or somewhere secure. Never leave keys inside a stored car, RV, or boat.
Organization: Place anything you might need to grab quickly near the front of the unit. If you're not sure whether you'll need something before spring, it's easier to have it within reach than buried in the back.

RV Owners: Don't Forget to Winterize

If you're storing an RV before heading south, dumping and flushing your tanks is a step you don't want to skip. Leftover water can freeze and cause real damage over a Montana winter. If you're looking for a place to dump and fill up before you drop your RV off, check out our guide to nearby RV dump stations and water fill-up spots for a few easy options close to Helena and East Helena. Read Winter Storage Unit Tips in Montana: How to Protect Your Belongings From the Cold to learn more.

Looking For Storage Units in Helena or East Helena? Here's What to Look For:

Whether you're comparing storage units near Helena or specifically looking for storage in East Helena, the basics matter most: 24-hour access, solid security, and a size that actually fits what you're storing. Silvertip Storage offers both indoor units and outdoor RV, boat, and car parking, with wide drive lanes and camera coverage throughout the property, so you can head south knowing everything is exactly where you left it. Ready to lock in your spot before the fall rush? Reserve your unit online today, or give us a call and we'll help you figure out the right size for your winter away.

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