Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, and it rarely goes exactly as planned. Closing dates shift, leases overlap (or don’t), and somehow you always have more stuff than you thought. A self storage unit bridges the gap — giving you a secure, flexible space to stage your belongings while you transition between homes. Whether you’re relocating across town or moving to a new city in Georgia, this guide covers how to use self storage to make your move smoother, cheaper, and less chaotic.
Why You Need Storage During a Move
Most moves don’t line up perfectly. Your new lease starts on the 1st, but your old one ended last week. The closing on your new house got pushed back two weeks. You’re downsizing and need time to sell furniture. These are the situations where a storage unit becomes essential rather than optional.
Here are the most common scenarios where storage makes a move easier:
- Gap between move-out and move-in dates — Even a few days without overlap means your belongings need somewhere to go. A storage unit eliminates the need to impose on friends or pay for expensive last-minute solutions.
- Home staging for sellers — Buyers want to see clean, spacious rooms. Moving personal items, excess furniture, and clutter into storage helps your home sell faster and often for a higher price.
- Downsizing — Moving from a house to an apartment or condo? Storage gives you time to decide what to keep, sell, or donate without making rushed decisions on moving day.
- Renovations before moving in — If your new place needs work before you can settle in, store your furniture and boxes safely while contractors do their thing.
- Job relocation — Starting a new job in Georgia and living in temporary housing while you search for a permanent home? Storage keeps your belongings secure for weeks or months at a fraction of the cost of a larger temporary rental.
- Military PCS moves — Georgia is home to multiple military installations, and PCS moves often involve weeks of uncertainty. A month-to-month storage lease offers the flexibility military families need.
How to Plan Your Move with a Storage Unit
Using storage strategically can save you time, money, and headaches. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Rent Your Unit Before Moving Day
Don’t wait until the last minute. Reserve your storage unit at least one to two weeks before your move date. This gives you time to start moving non-essential items — seasonal clothes, decorations, rarely used kitchen gadgets — early, so moving day itself is lighter and faster.
2. Choose the Right Size
For a full household move, a 10×15 or 10×20 unit typically handles two to three bedrooms of furniture and boxes. If you’re only storing part of your belongings, a 5×10 or 10×10 may be enough. Our free storage calculator can help you estimate the right fit based on what you’re storing.
3. Pack Strategically
Label every box on multiple sides. Keep an inventory list. Place items you may need to access — important documents, seasonal items, tools — near the front of the unit. Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. For more detailed advice, read our guide on 10 packing tips to protect your belongings.
4. Consider Climate Control
Georgia’s heat and humidity are tough on stored belongings. If you’re storing wood furniture, electronics, leather, photographs, vinyl records, or anything sensitive to temperature swings, a climate-controlled unit is worth the investment. Learn more in our comparison of climate-controlled vs. standard storage.
5. Look for Move-In Specials
Many storage facilities offer discounts for new renters. At Ark Self Storage, we currently offer 50% off your first 3 months — which can save you hundreds of dollars during a transition period when every dollar counts.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Move?
Here’s a quick reference to help you match your situation to the right unit size:
- 5×5 (25 sq ft) — A few boxes and small items. Good for storing what doesn’t fit during a minor downsize.
- 5×10 (50 sq ft) — One room of furniture plus boxes. Works well for staging a single room or storing apartment overflow.
- 10×10 (100 sq ft) — Contents of a one-bedroom apartment. The most popular choice for short-term moves.
- 10×15 (150 sq ft) — Two bedrooms of furniture and belongings. Ideal for families in between homes.
- 10×20 (200 sq ft) — A full three-bedroom house or a vehicle plus household items. Best for complete household moves or extended storage.
Not sure? Use our storage calculator or call any of our locations — our team will help you pick the right size so you don’t overpay.
Moving Tips for Georgia’s Climate
Georgia weather adds a layer of complexity to any move. Keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid moving in peak afternoon heat — Georgia summers regularly hit the mid-90s with high humidity. Start early in the morning or schedule your move for late afternoon.
- Protect items from moisture — Use plastic bins for items sensitive to humidity. Wrap furniture in cotton moving blankets rather than plastic wrap, which traps moisture.
- Keep electronics out of hot vehicles — A car or moving truck sitting in Georgia sun can reach 150°F inside. Move electronics directly into a climate-controlled unit rather than letting them bake in transit.
- Watch for rain — Georgia’s afternoon thunderstorms can appear quickly, especially in summer. Have tarps ready and check the forecast before loading the truck.
- Hydrate — It sounds obvious, but dehydration and heat exhaustion are real risks during a Georgia summer move. Keep water on hand for yourself and your helpers.
Self Storage Locations Across Georgia
No matter where your move takes you in Georgia, Ark Self Storage has a convenient location nearby. All of our facilities offer month-to-month leases with no long-term contracts, making them perfect for the uncertainty that comes with a move.
Metro Atlanta
- Marietta — Located on Cobb Parkway with easy access to I-75 and I-285. Serves Cobb County, Smyrna, Kennesaw, East Cobb, and the northwest metro Atlanta area. Call 770-955-5128.
- Norcross / Peachtree Corners — Convenient to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Serves Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Johns Creek, and Gwinnett County. Call 770-263-9779.
- Beaver Ruin / Norcross — Just off Beaver Ruin Road near I-85. Serves Lilburn, Tucker, Stone Mountain, and the Gwinnett County area. Call 770-923-4674.
Savannah
- Savannah — Serving the Savannah metro area, Pooler, Garden City, Richmond Hill, and the coastal Georgia region. Call 912-355-6800.
Central Georgia
- Macon — Centrally located to serve Macon-Bibb County, Warner Robins, Robins AFB, and the Middle Georgia area. Call 478-781-7741.
South Georgia
- Fitzgerald — Serving Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, and the surrounding South Georgia communities. Call 229-423-6136.
- Moultrie — Serving Moultrie, Colquitt County, Tifton, and the South Georgia region. Call 229-985-1139.
- Douglas — Serving Douglas, Coffee County, and the surrounding area. Call 912-384-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage During a Move
How long can I rent a storage unit?
All Ark Self Storage locations offer month-to-month leases. There are no long-term contracts, so you can rent for as little as one month or keep your unit as long as you need it. Most customers moving between homes use storage for one to three months.
Can I access my unit on moving day?
Yes. Our facilities offer extended access hours, and many locations provide 24/7 gate access so you can load or unload on your schedule — even early mornings or late evenings around your move.
Do I need insurance for my stored items?
While not always required, we strongly recommend tenant protection coverage for your belongings. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may already cover items in storage — check your policy or ask our team for affordable protection options.
What can’t I store?
Flammable materials, hazardous chemicals, perishable food, and illegal items are prohibited in all storage units. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, just ask our team.
Can I store my car, truck, or trailer?
Yes! Several of our Georgia locations offer vehicle storage options for cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and RVs. Contact your nearest location for availability and pricing.
Make Your Georgia Move Easier with Ark Self Storage
A storage unit turns a stressful move into a manageable one. Instead of rushing to fit everything into a single day, you get the breathing room to move at your own pace. With 8 locations across Georgia, competitive monthly rates, no deposits, and 50% off your first 3 months, Ark Self Storage is the smart choice for anyone moving in the Peach State.
Visit our locations page to find the facility nearest to your new home, or use our storage calculator to figure out the right unit size for your move. Have questions? Contact us — our team is happy to help you plan.