As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. And when it comes to protecting your investment through a harsh New England winter, overlooking the little details can lead to big problems.

Here are some of the most common storage mistakes we see and how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Storage

One of the first mistakes is not understanding the difference between packed-in storage and preferred parking.

• Packed-in means your boat or RV is stored tightly among others for the winter with no access until spring.
• Preferred parking gives you the flexibility to come and go all season or all year.

Many owners only realize in December that they want to take their RV on a winter trip or need occasional access to their boat. By then, it’s too late to change. The lesson? Know your storage needs ahead of time and reserve the right option early.

2. Forgetting to Update Insurance

It’s easy to assume insurance is only important while you’re on the road or water. But damage can still happen while your boat or RV is in storage. Storms, accidents, and even animal vandalism are rare but possible. Many owners don’t think to call their insurance provider before storing their vehicle for the winter. A quick check can confirm you’re covered for the off-season and give you peace of mind.

3. Leaving Food, Clothes, or Personal Items Inside

Every spring, RV owners return to a nasty surprise: pests, mold, or odors caused by items left inside. Even sealed food can attract rodents. Blankets, linens, and toiletries can absorb moisture and develop mildew. Electronics left plugged in can drain batteries or be damaged by the cold.

Before you store, do a full sweep. Empty every cabinet, drawer, and compartment. Your future self will thank you.

4. Not Preparing Plumbing and Systems

Even though this is a storage blog, we can’t skip over winterization. Plumbing systems in both RVs and boats are highly vulnerable to freezing. A single overlooked valve or tank can crack and cause hundreds of dollars in damage. The same goes for engines and HVAC systems that need antifreeze or fogging oil.

Professional winterization ensures all these details are handled properly. It’s a small step that saves a big headache.

5. Skipping Shrink Wrap for Boats

Some owners assume a tarp will do the trick, but tarps often collapse under heavy snow and let moisture inside. On the seacoast, where storms bring both snow and salty air, shrink wrap is the most reliable way to keep a boat protected. It provides a tight seal against ice, debris, and corrosion.

6. Failing to Disconnect or Maintain Batteries

Batteries don’t hold up well when left unattended all winter. Without maintenance, they discharge and may not survive until spring. In coastal environments like Portsmouth and Rye, corrosion can make the problem even worse. Disconnecting or storing batteries properly is a simple step that’s often forgotten.

7. Not Labeling Keys and Documentation

It sounds simple, but when dozens or hundreds of boats and RVs are in one storage lot, unlabeled keys or missing paperwork cause delays. Owners often forget this detail and end up scrambling when they want to pick up their vehicle. Professional facilities like Town Center Motor Storage label and track everything by zone so pickup is smooth and stress-free.

Reserve Your Storage and Winterization Now

Do not wait until the frost arrives or storage spots are gone. Fall is the perfect time to prepare your boat or RV for the winter season. At Town Center Motor Storage, we specialize in boat and RV winterization, shrink wrap, and secure storage for owners across Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, and the New Hampshire seacoast.

We are now taking reservations for fall storage and winterization. Secure your spot today and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.