Small businesses in Georgia face a common challenge: you need space for equipment, vehicles, or inventory, but you don't need (or can't afford) a full commercial property. Understanding how industrial storage works helps you find appropriate solutions without overcommitting.

Common needs:

• Work trucks and vans
• Service vehicles
• Delivery vehicles
• Company cars not used daily

Why off-site: HOA restrictions, residential appearance, security concerns, space limitations

Common needs:

• Tools and equipment between jobs
• Seasonal equipment
• Backup equipment
• Inventory of parts/supplies

Why off-site: Security, space at home/office, keeping work separate from home

Common needs:

• Product inventory
• Raw materials
• Finished goods awaiting shipment

Why off-site: Volume exceeds on-site capacity, need for specific conditions

Common needs:

• Light assembly
• Packaging
• Distribution staging

Why separate: Zoning issues at home, need for professional appearance, customer access

What it is: Individual units (typically 5x5 to 10x30) with your own lock

Best for:

• Inventory and supplies
• Tools and equipment
• Seasonal storage
• Businesses starting out

Limitations:

• Size constraints
• No business operations usually allowed
• Access hours may be limited

Cost: $75-400/month depending on size

What it is: Outdoor or covered parking for vehicles and equipment

Best for:

• Work trucks and vans
• Trailers and equipment
• Vehicles parked overnight/weekends

Limitations:

• No building space
• Limited to vehicle parking
• May not handle very heavy equipment

Cost: $75-250/month per vehicle

What it is: Small commercial spaces (500-2,500 sq ft typically) with warehouse characteristics

Best for:

• Inventory that exceeds self-storage capacity
• Operations needing workspace
• Professional appearance
• Customer-facing needs

Limitations:

• Longer lease commitments often required
• Higher cost
• More setup/management

Cost: $400-1,500/month for small spaces

What it is: Sharing larger warehouse space with other businesses

Best for:

• Growing businesses not ready for own space
• Seasonal inventory fluctuations
• Testing warehouse needs

Limitations:

• Less control over space
• Shared access
• May require minimum commitments

Cost: Varies widely by arrangement

1. Assess your actual needs: What are you storing? How much space? How often accessed?

1. Determine requirements: Security level, access hours, climate needs, vehicle access

1. Research options: Start with lowest-commitment options that meet your needs

1. Visit before committing: Verify the space actually works for your use

For vehicle storage:

• Contact facility
• Provide vehicle information
• Sign agreement (often month-to-month)
• Get access credentials
• Start using immediately

For self-storage:

• Choose unit size
• Sign lease (typically month-to-month available)
• Get access code/key
• Move in your items

For commercial space:

• Tour available spaces
• Negotiate terms
• Sign lease (often 1-3 year minimum)
• Set up utilities/services
• Build out if needed

Self-storage and vehicle storage:

• Deposit (usually 1 month)
• Insurance requirements
• Admin fees (often $25-50)

Commercial space:

• Security deposit (often 2-3 months)
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Maintenance/CAM fees
• Build-out costs

Typical approach:

• Store equipment at home initially
• Use self-storage for excess
• Vehicle storage if HOA is an issue

Focus: Minimize fixed costs, maintain flexibility

Typical approach:

• Dedicated vehicle storage
• Self-storage or small warehouse for inventory
• Consider flex space for operations

Focus: Balance cost with professionalism and efficiency

Typical approach:

• Larger warehouse or flex space
• Dedicated vehicle parking
• Consider own commercial property

Focus: Space for growth, operational efficiency

Georgia's heat and humidity affect:

• Electronic equipment (may need climate control)
• Paper products and documents
• Certain inventory types

Standard outdoor/uncovered: Fine for vehicles and weather-resistant equipment

Indoor/climate-controlled: Better for sensitive inventory and materials

Businesses locating storage should consider:

• Where their work is concentrated
• Transportation access
• Future growth plans

I-20 East: Growing area with good options I-85 South: Distribution corridor I-75 North: Established industrial/commercial

Oxford RV Storage accommodates small business vehicle storage needs:

• Work trucks and vans
• Service vehicles
• Equipment trailers
• Company vehicles

The facility offers gated access with security appropriate for business assets at east-Metro pricing. For businesses needing building space or heavy equipment storage, additional commercial options in the area would be needed.