Self Storage in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Space for Your Stuff

Whether you’re downsizing in Buckhead, moving into a new apartment in Midtown, or running a small business out of Westside, self storage in Atlanta can be a practical way to gain extra space without moving or getting rid of belongings you still need.

This guide walks through how self storage works specifically in Atlanta, Georgia—from typical unit sizes and prices to neighborhood considerations, climate control, security, vehicle storage, and what to check before signing a contract.

When Self Storage in Atlanta Makes Sense

Atlanta residents turn to self storage for a few common reasons:

• Urban apartment living: Many units in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown have limited closets and no garages.
• Life transitions: Moving between leases, combining households, divorce, new baby, or caring for a relative’s belongings.
• College and grad students: Students from Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Emory, and nearby schools often store items between semesters.
• Business and contractor storage: Inventory, equipment, files, and tools for small businesses in areas like West Midtown, Doraville, or the Airport District.
• Seasonal items: Holiday décor, sports gear, and patio furniture you don’t want to keep in the yard or hallway.
• Vehicle and hobby storage: Extra cars, motorcycles, work vans, or bulky hobby items like kayaks or band equipment.

If your home, condo, or in-town apartment is feeling cramped, or you’re in a short-term transition, a self storage unit can be a flexible, month‑to‑month solution.

Types of Self Storage Available in Atlanta

Most self storage facilities around Atlanta offer a mix of:

1. Climate-Controlled vs. Non‑Climate Units

Because Atlanta is hot, humid, and prone to big temperature swings, climate control is a major decision.

• Climate‑controlled units
  Located inside insulated buildings with regulated temperature (and often humidity).
  Better suited for:

  • Furniture (wood, leather, antiques)
  • Electronics and TV equipment
  • Documents, photos, books
  • Musical instruments
  • Artwork and collectibles
  • Clothing, mattresses, upholstered items

• Non‑climate (standard) units
  Often drive‑up units with outdoor access.
  Better suited for:

  • Yard tools and equipment
  • Some plastic bins and metal items
  • Non‑delicate sports gear

In Atlanta’s climate, most people choose climate control for anything that can warp, mold, or rust. Standard units are often fine for sturdy, non‑sensitive items or short‑term use.

2. Drive‑Up vs. Interior Units

• Drive‑up units:

  • Located on the outside of the building
  • Easy to back right up with a car or moving truck
  • Popular along corridors like I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20 where people are moving in and out of the city
  • Often non‑climate and ideal for heavy items or business inventory

• Interior units:

  • Inside a multi‑level building
  • Typically climate‑controlled
  • Often have elevators and carts
  • Common in denser in‑town neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, Grant Park, and West Midtown

3. Vehicle, Boat, and RV Storage

In many Atlanta neighborhoods, HOAs and apartment complexes restrict vehicle parking, especially for:

• Work vans and trailers
• Boats and jet skis
• RVs and campers
• Extra cars or classic vehicles

Some self storage locations around the metro area offer:

• Outdoor parking spaces
• Covered parking
• Fully enclosed vehicle units

These are more commonly found in suburban areas like Marietta, Decatur, Tucker, College Park, and along major highways, rather than in the dense urban core.

Common Storage Unit Sizes and What Fits

Here’s a simple guide to typical unit sizes you’ll find across Atlanta and what they usually hold:

If you’re between sizes, many Atlanta renters choose the slightly larger unit to avoid stacking items too high, especially when using movers.

How Much Does Self Storage Cost in Atlanta?

Prices can vary based on location, climate control, security features, and demand.

A few patterns you’ll commonly see:

• In‑town neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Westside):

  • Higher demand and higher prices
  • More climate‑controlled and multi‑story facilities
  • Convenient if you live or work nearby and need frequent access

• Outer neighborhoods and suburbs (Decatur, East Point, Doraville, Sandy Springs, Marietta, College Park):

  • Often more space for larger drive‑up and vehicle units
  • Typically lower cost per square foot than the city core
  • Useful if you only visit the unit occasionally

• Climate‑controlled units usually cost more than non‑climate, but in Atlanta’s climate, they may protect belongings better and reduce the risk of damage.

When comparing options, look beyond just the advertised monthly rate:

• Is insurance extra?
• Are there admin or “setup” fees?
• Are rates promotional for the first month only?
• Is 24/7 access included, or only during office hours?

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Storage

Where you live or work in Atlanta can shape which facility makes the most sense.

Intown Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside)

Good for you if:

• You live in an apartment or condo with limited space.
• You rely on MARTA or rideshare and don’t want long drives.
• You need frequent access to items (for example, inventory for a business or sports gear).

Expect:

• More multi‑story, climate‑controlled buildings
• Limited drive‑up units
• Tighter streets and more traffic during rush hours near I‑75/85

Eastside (Decatur, Kirkwood, East Atlanta, Druid Hills)

Good for:

• Families and long‑time residents with full houses.
• People needing a balance of cost and convenience.
• Students from Emory University or Agnes Scott College.

Expect:

• Mix of climate‑controlled and drive‑up units
• Easier parking and access than dense Midtown or Downtown
• Reasonable drives from I‑20 and I‑285

Northside (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Dunwoody)

Good for:

• Condo and townhome residents with limited storage.
• Professionals needing inventory storage near GA‑400 or I‑285.
• Families between moves in North Atlanta suburbs.

Expect:

• A wide variety of facility types
• Heavier rush‑hour traffic—consider access hours around commute times

Southside and Airport Area (East Point, College Park, Hapeville, Forest Park)

Good for:

• People working around Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Businesses storing tools, equipment, or supplies.
• Travelers needing vehicle storage near the airport.

Expect:

• More options for vehicle storage and outdoor spaces
• Good access to I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285

Security Features to Look For in Atlanta

Like in any major metro area, Atlanta residents tend to pay close attention to self storage security. When you tour or call a facility, ask about:

• Fenced and gated access with personal code or keycard
• Cameras (CCTV) throughout hallways, entrances, and parking lots
• On‑site staff presence and hours
• Good lighting inside and outside
• Individual unit locks and, in some buildings, individual door alarms
• Access logs (who enters and exits, and when)

Many Atlantans choose facilities along main, well‑traveled roads rather than very isolated locations, simply for added peace of mind and visibility.

Access Hours and Convenience

Before you sign a contract, check:

• Access hours vs. office hours
  • Access hours: When you can get to your unit
  • Office hours: When staff is on‑site
• Peak traffic times in your area
  • Near GA‑400, I‑75/85, I‑20, and I‑285, rush hour can double your drive time.
• Elevators and carts availability for interior units
• Loading zones for moving trucks and whether large trucks can fit in the lot

If you live in a busy area like Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Perimeter, planning your storage trips outside of peak traffic can save considerable time.

Insurance, Contracts, and Fees

Most Atlanta storage facilities follow similar business practices:

Month‑to‑Month Rental

• Most units are month‑to‑month, giving flexibility if your needs change.
• Some may offer discounts for longer commitments, but read terms carefully.

Insurance Requirements

You’re often required to:

• Provide proof of renter’s or homeowner’s insurance that covers storage units, or
• Purchase storage insurance offered by the facility or a third party.

Confirm:

• What types of damage are covered (fire, theft, water, etc.).
• Any limits on high‑value items (jewelry, collectibles, cash, important documents).

Common Fees

Ask upfront if there are:

• Administrative or setup fees
• Lock fees (many facilities require a specific type of lock)
• Late payment fees
• Required notice period before moving out (often at least several days before the next billing cycle)

What You Can and Cannot Store

Atlanta self storage facilities typically have similar rules about prohibited items. These are commonly not allowed:

• Perishable food or open food containers (to avoid pests)
• Illegal substances or stolen property
• Explosives, ammunition, fireworks
• Gasoline, propane tanks, or large quantities of chemicals
• Living animals or plants
• Items that emit strong odors

If in doubt—especially about chemicals, business materials, or anything flammable—discuss it with the facility manager before renting.

Packing and Organizing for Atlanta’s Climate

The way you pack can make a big difference, especially with heat and humidity.

Packing Tips

• Use sturdy plastic bins with tight lids for long‑term storage.
• Avoid thin cardboard that can weaken in humid conditions.
• Wrap furniture in breathable covers (not just plastic) to reduce mold risk.
• Use desiccant packs or moisture absorbers inside boxes with sensitive items.
• Raise items off the floor with pallets or shelving, especially in non‑climate units.

Organizing Your Unit

• Place frequently used items near the front.
• Label all boxes clearly on multiple sides.
• Create small aisles so you can reach items in the back.
• Keep a simple inventory list on your phone, especially helpful for seasonal or business storage.

Special Considerations for Students and Short‑Term Renters

Atlanta has a large student population from schools like:

• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills)
• Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta (West End)

Common strategies students and short‑term renters use:

• Sharing a unit with friends to reduce costs (just make sure all names are listed correctly or one person takes responsibility).
• Choosing units close to campus for easy access during the semester.
• Using 5×5 or 5×10 climate‑controlled units for summer storage when going home.

Plan early around semester breaks and major move‑out dates, as demand for small units can spike near campuses.

Vehicle Storage Basics in the Atlanta Area

If you need to store a car, motorcycle, or small boat:

• Verify whether you need:
  • Open parking space
  • Covered parking
  • Fully enclosed unit
• Check:
  • Whether the facility requires proof of registration and insurance
  • If the vehicle must be in running condition
  • Rules for working on vehicles (most don’t allow repairs on-site)

Vehicle storage is especially useful if:

• You live in an intown apartment with limited parking.
• Your neighborhood or HOA in areas like Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, or Smyrna restricts street parking or boats/RVs.
• You frequently fly out of Hartsfield‑Jackson and want to leave a vehicle nearby at a storage facility rather than at airport parking.

How to Compare and Choose an Atlanta Storage Facility

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

1. Location & Drive Time

   • Is it convenient to your home, work, or campus?
   • How bad is traffic at the times you’d usually visit?

2. Climate Control

   • Do your belongings really need it in Atlanta’s heat and humidity?
   • Will non‑climate be acceptable for short‑term storage?

3. Size

   • Have you measured larger items like couches or mattresses?
   • Can you visit the facility to view sample units?

4. Security

   • Gated access, cameras, lighting, staff presence?
   • Does the facility feel safe to visit alone, including after dark if 24/7 access is allowed?

5. Access Hours

   • Do hours fit your schedule?
   • Is elevator access available if your unit is on an upper floor?

6. Costs and Terms

   • Monthly rate, admin fees, required insurance?
   • Move‑out notice requirements and late fee policies?

7. Parking and Loading

   • Enough space for your car or moving truck?
   • Carts and dollies available for use?

Evaluating these points side by side usually gives a clear choice that fits your Atlanta lifestyle, budget, and location.

By understanding how self storage works within Atlanta’s neighborhoods, traffic patterns, and climate, you can choose a unit that protects your belongings and fits your daily routine—whether you’re an in‑town renter, a suburban homeowner, a local business owner, or a student navigating life in the city.