The Cost of Self-Storage in Atlanta, GA
The median home price in Atlanta is $259,000, and the city’s high property values lead to higher rates for self-storage. In metro Atlanta, smaller units up to 10×10 cost 25-30% more than the national average, and units over that size can be up to 35% more. Although it’s fairly expensive to rent self-storage units in Atlanta compared to the state of Georgia and the rest of the country, more affordable units can be found outside the perimeter of the city.
The average cost of storage units in Atlanta compared to state and national averages
| Size of Storage Unit | City Average | State Average | National Average |
| 5×5 | $59 | $40 | $41 |
| 5×10 | $81 | $53 | $59 |
| 10×10 | $130 | $79 | $95 |
| 10×15 | $172 | $107 | $113 |
| 10×20 | $210 | $110 | $133 |
What to Consider When Looking for Storage in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is 1,050 feet above sea level, but it can still get humid there in the summer. If household items are going to be in storage between June and September, a climate-controlled unit is recommended. Clothing, furniture and fabrics can mildew due to humidity, and sensitive electronic components may also be affected.
The crime rate in Atlanta is higher than the rate for the state of Georgia and highest within the downtown perimeter bounded by I-285. Self-storage facilities with monitored video cameras provide more security for belongings, and digital entry codes are another measure used to deter theft. A self-storage company that provides these safeguards and allows 24/7 entry to renters provides optimal security and easy access to belongings.
Helpful Tips for Moving to Atlanta, GA
Living in Atlanta can mean residing in one of a dozen small communities that ring the downtown area. Druid Hills, Decatur, College Park and Smyrna are a few of the satellite communities just minutes from downtown. Suburban Atlanta has green, idyllic neighborhoods and access to the major museums, high-caliber entertainment and job opportunities of the city. Atlanta is also known for the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, popular spots for rafting, boating, fishing and swimming.
Around 500,000 of the nearly 6 million residents in the Atlanta area reside in the city core that’s encircled by I-285. Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit, or MARTA, provides rail service from the outlying suburbs, for an average downtown commute time of 26 minutes. Thanks to the higher elevation of the city, temperatures in Atlanta rarely rise above the 80s in the summer, and the average snowfall each winter is only 1 inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is self-storage in Atlanta, GA?
The average monthly cost of self-storage in Atlanta ranges from $59 for a 5’x5’ unit to $210 for a 10’x20’ unit. The city’s self-storage prices are higher than national averages, with renters paying $18 to $77 more for a unit in Atlanta than other areas of the country. The elevated prices are mainly due to the city’s high cost of living, which is 13.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Is climate-controlled self-storage necessary in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta has a humid, subtropical climate that makes renting a climate-controlled storage unit necessary. With summer temperatures over 100 degrees, vulnerable items such as electronics, documents, and wooden furniture risk cracking, melting, and discoloring. Even durable items are susceptible to environmental damage if left in an uncontrolled unit for an extended period. With the risk of mold and mildew due to humidity, it’s also essential to look for a unit that offers humidity and temperature control.
Do I need a 24-hour storage unit in Atlanta, GA?
A 24-hour storage unit allows you to access your belongings whenever possible. Unlike standard facilities with a set visiting schedule, you can access a 24-hour facility anytime, day or night. When searching for a 24-hour facility, look for those in a safe location that offers advanced security measures to ensure you’re comfortable visiting the unit at obscure hours.
What size storage unit do I need?
The size of the storage unit you require depends on the amount and size of belongings you plan to store. Create a list of all the items you’ll put in the unit and calculate the square footage required to store everything with enough room to move around. Consider how many items you can safely stack, as most self-storage units have an eight-foot ceiling.
Are storage units safe?
Storage units feature varying levels of security. Some facilities feature basic security features, such as locks, gates, and access control, while others have advanced measures like alarm systems, video surveillance, and security guards. With Atlanta’s extremely high property crime rate of 75.4, finding a facility with enhanced measures is essential to protect your belongings. You can also purchase self-storage insurance to ensure you’re financially protected in case of a robbery.
