Every fall, millions of snowbirds head south on I-95 from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to Florida. And every fall, they face the same question: where do I leave the boat/RV/car I can't take with me?
The I-95 Corridor: Your Storage Options
You have three strategies. Each has trade-offs.
Strategy 1: Store at Home (Northeast)
Leave the vehicle in your driveway, garage, or a local facility. You don't have to tow it south.
Pros
- No transport costs
- Easy to access if you return early
- Local maintenance shops nearby
Cons
- Harsh winter weather exposure
- Higher winterization needs
- Vehicle sits unused for 5-6 months
Strategy 2: Store in Florida (Destination)
Tow or transport the vehicle south and store it when you head back north for summer.
Pros
- Use it during winter months
- Mild storage conditions (no freezing)
- Ready when you arrive next fall
Cons
- Florida storage costs 30% above average
- Hurricane season risk (Jun-Nov)
- Summer heat/humidity requires precautions
Strategy 3: Store Mid-Corridor (Best Value)
Store in Virginia, the Carolinas, or Georgia. Moderate climate, lower costs, and along your route.
Pros
- 10-30% cheaper than Florida or Northeast
- Milder winters than the North
- On your route - easy drop-off/pick-up
Cons
- Vehicle isn't where you are
- Still some winter weather possible
- Extra stop on your migration
Cost Comparison by State
The Sweet Spot: South Carolina
South Carolina offers the best combination of mild climate, low storage costs, and convenient I-95 access. Facilities near Savannah, GA and Myrtle Beach, SC are popular snowbird stop-offs. Storage rates are 20-30% lower than Florida while offering similar weather protection.
5 Snowbird Storage Tips
- Book storage BEFORE October. Snowbird season (Oct-Apr) is peak demand. Facilities fill up. Reserve by September for the best rates and availability.
- Ask about 6-month contracts. Most facilities offer 10-20% discounts for seasonal commitments vs. month-to-month.
- Get winterization done locally. If storing up North, use a local marine shop or RV dealer. If storing down South, the facility may not offer winterization since they rarely need it.
- Check hurricane insurance. If storing in FL, GA, or SC from June-November, confirm your insurance covers named storms. Many policies exclude them.
- Use our Seasonal Planner. StowHelp's Seasonal Planner matches your route to facilities and gives you an interactive prep checklist.
Plan Your Snowbird Storage
Use our free tools to find storage along your route and estimate costs.