Start with what you're actually storing

The most reliable way to choose a storage unit size is to list the items you plan to store, measure or estimate their volume, and add 20 percent. Most people underestimate how much space their belongings take up, especially when boxes are stacked and furniture is positioned in three dimensions rather than lying flat on a floor.

Walk through your home with a notepad or phone and write down the major items: how many boxes, the dimensions of your couch or bed frame, whether you have a dining table, how many filing cabinets or bookshelves. If you're storing a vehicle, note that too—a standard sedan takes up roughly 150 square feet of floor space when parked. Don't guess at box counts; actually count them or estimate based on a room you're clearing (a typical bedroom generates 40 to 60 boxes when packed).

Take photos of the items in place, especially furniture. When you visit a storage facility, you can reference those photos to visualize how things will fit. This prevents the common mistake of renting a unit that sounds spacious but turns out too narrow for your dresser or too short for your standing shelves.

Key Takeaways

  • List and measure your actual items rather than guessing—a typical bedroom generates 40 to 60 boxes, and furniture takes up far more space than most people expect.
  • Standard Atlanta storage sizes are 5x5 (25 sq ft), 5x10 (50 sq ft), 10x10 (100 sq ft), and 10x15 (150 sq ft), with larger units available but rarely needed for household goods.
  • Climate-controlled units cost more but protect wood furniture, electronics, and documents from Atlanta's heat and humidity, which can warp or damage items in uncontrolled units.
  • Visit the facility in person and walk through an empty unit of your chosen size to confirm your items will fit before signing a lease.
  • Most Atlanta facilities charge by the month with no long-term contract required, so you can downsize or upgrade if your needs change.

Common storage unit sizes and what they hold

Atlanta storage facilities typically offer units in standard widths and depths. A 5x5 unit (25 square feet) holds roughly one bedroom's worth of boxes and small furniture—think a dresser, nightstands, and 30 to 40 boxes. It works for seasonal items, holiday decorations, or overflow from a closet, but not for a full apartment.

A 5x10 unit (50 square feet) is roughly the size of a large walk-in closet and holds one bedroom plus a living room's furniture and boxes—a bed frame, dresser, small couch, and 60 to 80 boxes. This is the most common choice for people storing one room's contents or a studio apartment.

A 10x10 unit (100 square feet) is the size of a small bedroom and holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment: bed, couch, dining table, dresser, and 100 to 120 boxes. A 10x15 unit (150 square feet) holds a two-bedroom apartment's contents. Anything larger than 10x15 is rarely necessary for household goods unless you're storing a vehicle alongside furniture.

When you visit a facility, ask to see an empty unit of your target size. Walk through it, visualize your furniture placement, and confirm that doorways and aisles are wide enough for your items. Many people rent a unit that sounds spacious on paper but feels cramped once furniture is inside.

Climate control and Atlanta's heat and humidity

Atlanta's summers are hot and humid, and uncontrolled storage units can reach 100°F or higher with moisture that warps wood, rusts metal, and damages electronics and documents. If you're storing wood furniture, leather, books, photographs, or anything electronic, a climate-controlled unit is worth the extra cost—typically 50 to 100 percent more per month than an uncontrolled unit, depending on the facility and season.

Climate control maintains a temperature between 55°F and 85°F and keeps humidity below 55 percent, which prevents mold, mildew, and warping. Uncontrolled units work fine for metal items, plastic storage bins, and seasonal outdoor equipment like lawn mowers or patio furniture, but not for anything that absorbs moisture or is sensitive to heat.

If you're unsure whether your items need climate control, ask the facility manager. Most will tell you honestly whether your specific belongings are at risk. Some facilities offer a hybrid approach: a smaller climate-controlled unit for sensitive items and a larger uncontrolled unit for everything else, which can be cheaper than climate-controlling the entire space.

How to measure your items accurately

For furniture, measure length, width, and height. A standard queen bed frame is roughly 60 inches wide by 80 inches long by 12 inches high. A couch might be 84 inches wide by 36 inches deep by 32 inches high. Write these down and bring them with you when you visit the facility so you can mentally place them in the unit.

For boxes, count them or estimate by room. A typical moving box is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 16 inches high (about 2.3 cubic feet). If you have 80 boxes, that's roughly 184 cubic feet. Divide by the unit's square footage to estimate how high you'll stack: 184 cubic feet in a 5x10 unit (50 square feet) means stacking about 3.7 feet high, leaving room for aisles and access.

Don't forget to account for aisles. You'll need space to walk between stacks and reach items at the back. A practical rule is to use only 70 to 80 percent of the unit's floor space for actual storage, leaving the rest for movement.

Visiting the facility and what to check

Call ahead and ask whether you can tour the facility and see an empty unit of your chosen size. Most Atlanta facilities allow this and encourage it. When you visit, bring your measurements and photos of your items.

Walk through the empty unit and visualize your furniture placement. Open and close the door to confirm it swings freely and doesn't hit your tallest item. Check the ceiling height—standard units are 8 feet high, but some older facilities are lower. Look at the floor for cracks, stains, or signs of water damage. Ask the manager when the unit was last cleaned and whether they spray for pests.

Check the facility's access hours. Some are open 24/7, others close at 6 p.m. or on Sundays. If you need to retrieve items on a weekend, confirm that access is available. Ask about the lock policy: some facilities require their own lock, others allow yours. Ask whether the unit is indoors or outdoors—outdoor units are cheaper but expose your items to weather and temperature swings.

Pricing and lease terms in Atlanta

Atlanta storage unit prices vary by neighborhood, facility age, and amenities. A 5x5 uncontrolled unit might range from $40 to $70 per month, while a 10x10 climate-controlled unit might range from $100 to $180 per month. Prices are higher near downtown and lower in outer areas like Marietta or Decatur. Call three to five facilities in your area and compare.

Most Atlanta facilities charge month-to-month with no long-term contract required. You can upgrade or downsize if your needs change, though some facilities charge a small fee to move units. Ask about move-in specials—many facilities offer the first month free or discounted if you sign up during slower seasons (typically summer or winter).

Confirm what's included: insurance, access to a dolly or cart, climate control, and pest control. Some facilities include basic insurance; others require you to purchase it separately or through your renter's insurance. Ask whether there are any hidden fees—late payment penalties, administrative fees, or charges for exceeding occupancy limits.

Downsizing or upgrading if your needs change

If you rent a unit and realize it's too large or too small, most Atlanta facilities allow you to change sizes. Moving to a smaller unit usually costs nothing beyond the difference in monthly rent. Moving to a larger unit may involve a small transfer fee (typically $25 to $50) or a requirement to sign a new lease.

Keep your lease and contact information for the facility manager. If your situation changes—you sell furniture, move into a larger home, or need to store additional items—contact them directly rather than waiting for renewal. Many managers will work with you to adjust your unit size without penalty, especially if you've been a reliable tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size unit do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?

A 5x10 unit (50 square feet) holds most one-bedroom apartments, including a bed, couch, dresser, and 60 to 80 boxes. If you have a large dining table, multiple bookshelves, or a lot of kitchen items, a 10x10 unit (100 square feet) is safer and prevents overpacking.

Is climate control worth the extra cost in Atlanta?

Yes, if you're storing wood furniture, leather, electronics, or documents. Atlanta's heat and humidity cause warping, mold, and rust in uncontrolled units. Climate control costs 50 to 100 percent more per month but protects items that would otherwise be damaged within a year.

Can I store a car in a storage unit?

Yes, but it requires a larger unit. A standard sedan needs roughly 150 square feet, which is a 10x15 unit. You'll also need to drain fluids, disconnect the battery, and check your lease—some facilities restrict vehicle storage or charge extra for it.

What happens if I underestimate the size I need?

Most facilities allow you to upgrade to a larger unit for a small fee or no fee at all. Contact the manager as soon as you realize you need more space rather than trying to cram items in. Overpacking damages items and makes retrieval difficult.

Are there any items I can't store?

Most facilities prohibit hazardous materials (paint, gasoline, propane), perishable food, and live animals. Some restrict firearms or require special insurance for high-value items. Ask the facility for their full list of prohibited items before you sign.