When a car needs to be looked after, not just parked

Some cars go away for a season. Some go away for a year or more. If you're working abroad, posted away on deployment, dealing with a relative's estate, or simply laying a car up until spring, you need more than a locked door — you need someone maintaining the car while you're not there to do it yourself.

CMR Car Storage is a small specialist facility near Callington in Cornwall, storing classic, sports and prestige cars for owners across Cornwall and Devon — Plymouth, Saltash, Tavistock, Liskeard, Truro and beyond. Nineteen bays, managed properly, with the same standard of care whether your car is here for one month or eighteen.

What long-term storage includes

Every car gets a dedicated indoor bay, a CTEK smart battery conditioner connected for the whole stay, a breathable cover, a safe wash on arrival and one free each month, a written arrival inspection report, and 24/7 monitored CCTV backed by a police-linked, professionally monitored dual-com alarm system. The full package spec is on our storage packages page.

For longer lay-ups we'd usually recommend the Preservation package (£60/week), which adds Tyre Dox tyre cushions to reduce flat-spotting over months of standing, two safe washes a month, and regular fluid leak and level checks. A monthly start-up to temperature (£5/week) keeps the engine, gearbox and ancillaries exercised while you're away.

Photo updates while you're away

If you're overseas, you can't just drop in. For long-term customers we'll send periodic photo updates on request — the car under cover, the battery conditioner connected, anything worth flagging — so you have eyes on your car from wherever you are.

Working abroad or on deployment

This is one of the most common reasons cars come to us. Plymouth's naval community, contractors on overseas rotations, and owners relocating for work all need a car stored safely for a defined period, with no driveway sitting empty as a target. We'll agree a rough end date, keep the car maintained, and have it ready — washed, charged, checked — for your return. If your plans change, so does the arrangement.

Probate and estate storage

If you're an executor responsible for a vehicle while an estate is settled, we can store it securely with a documented condition report from day one, so its state is on record while decisions are made. We'll deal with you at whatever pace the process takes.

How much does long-term car storage cost?

From £50/week on Safe & Sound and £60/week on Preservation, with no joining fee. A longer fixed commitment can change the rate — see the pricing FAQ below.

Collection and transport

Collection needs 48 hours' notice so we can have the car accessible, washed and ready. If you can't collect in person — or the car isn't in a state to drive — we can help arrange covered transport to or from the facility.

The building near Callington is secure indoor storage, not climate-controlled; the battery conditioning, covers and 24/7 monitoring are what protect the car over a long stay.

FAQ

• How much does long-term car storage cost? From £50 per week on Safe & Sound and £60 per week on Preservation, with no joining fee. If you can commit to a longer fixed term, contact us about the rate.

• Is there a minimum term? No fixed minimum, but this service is built for stays of a month or more. For shorter or rolling stays, see our short-term & flexible car storage page.

• Can someone else collect the car for me? Yes, with written authorisation from you and 48 hours' notice.

• What happens if I need to extend? Just tell us. Long-term arrangements are easy to extend and we'll keep the same bay where we can.

• Will the battery be flat when I get back? It shouldn't be — every car is on a CTEK conditioner for the whole stay.

• Do you offer a discount for long stays? Talk to us. We can look at the rate for extended commitments.

See Also

• Winter Car Storage

Enquire about a bay

We're often close to full, so bays are offered as they free up. Tell us about your car and how long you need, and we'll call you back. Call 01579 276220 or request a callback below.