Choosing car storage isn't complicated, but most people approach it wrong. They search for the cheapest option, pick based on a website photo, and hope for the best. Three months later they're dealing with a dead battery in a flooded lot or discovering their "secure" facility has a broken gate that's been open for weeks.

A better approach: understand what actually matters, visit in person, ask direct questions, and match the facility to your specific needs.

Before comparing facilities, clarify your requirements:

What are you storing? A 2018 Camry has different needs than a 1967 Mustang. Daily drivers can handle basic outdoor storage. Collectibles deserve covered or indoor protection.

How long? Two months of travel storage is different from two years of holding a car for your teenager. Longer storage increases weathering concerns and justifies higher protection levels.

How often will you access it? Weekly access means convenience matters more. Monthly or less access means you can prioritize cost over proximity.

What's your budget? Storage runs $50-300+/month in Atlanta depending on options. Know your range before shopping.

What risks concern you most? Theft? Weather damage? Both? Prioritize facilities that address your primary concerns.

Online search: "Car storage [your area]" or "vehicle storage Atlanta Metro" yields options. Also search "RV storage"—these facilities often have car spaces at competitive rates.

Google Maps: Visual satellite view shows lot conditions, surrounding area, and actual layout.

Ask around: RV clubs, car enthusiast groups, and neighbors with boats/trailers often know which facilities are good.

Closer isn't always better. A facility 30 minutes from your house but 20% cheaper may make sense for monthly access. Do the math on convenience vs. cost.

Consider your typical routes. Storage along your commute or toward common destinations (airports, camping areas) adds convenience without extra trips.

Inside vs. outside I-285: Facilities outside the Perimeter typically cost 20-35% less for equivalent features. For infrequent access, the savings usually outweigh the extra drive.

Photos lie. Websites show best angles on best days. Visit facilities before committing.

First impression: Does the facility look maintained and professional? Trust your instincts—a lot that feels sketchy probably is.

Gate and fencing:

• Is the gate functioning properly?
• Does it close promptly after vehicles enter?
• Is fencing intact with no obvious gaps?
• Are there signs of attempted break-ins (cut fence, pry marks)?

Lighting:

• Are lights positioned throughout the lot, not just near the office?
• Are bulbs actually working?
• Visit in evening if possible to see real lighting conditions.

Ground conditions:

• Gravel, asphalt, or concrete in reasonable condition?
• Standing water or evidence of flooding?
• Mud, potholes, or drainage issues?

Other vehicles:

• What's stored there? Mix of well-maintained vehicles suggests responsible clientele.
• Abandoned-looking vehicles or obvious project cars might indicate lax management.
• High-value RVs and boats suggest owners trust the facility.

Cleanliness:

• Trash and debris cleared?
• Vegetation maintained?
• Overall sense of care?

Security:

• "What security measures do you have?" (Listen for specifics vs. vague claims)
• "Has the facility had break-ins? How were they handled?"
• "Is access controlled by individual codes or a shared code?"

Access:

• "What are your access hours?"
• "How do I get my gate code/card?"
• "What's the process if I'm locked out after hours?"

Policies:

• "What's the minimum rental period?"
• "What notice do you need if I'm leaving?"
• "Are there any restrictions on what I can store?"

History:

• "How long have you been operating?"
• "Has the lot ever flooded?"

Get actual quotes, not just website ranges. Ask about:

• Monthly rate for your specific vehicle/space size
• Any setup or administrative fees
• Required insurance or deposits
• Discounts for prepaying or longer terms

A "$75/month" advertised rate with $50 admin fee and $20/month insurance requirement is actually $95/month (first month $145).

Create a simple comparison:

| Feature | Facility A | Facility B | Facility C | |---------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Monthly cost | $85 | $100 | $75 | | Distance from home | 15 min | 25 min | 35 min | | Covered option | No | Yes (+$30) | Yes (+$25) | | 24-hour access | Yes | Yes | Business hours only | | Gate quality | Good | Excellent | Fair | | Lighting | Good | Good | Poor |

The cheapest option isn't automatically the best value. Consider:

• Cost of potential problems (theft, damage) at lower-security facilities
• Time cost of traveling to distant facilities
• Peace of mind from knowing your car is well-protected

If something felt off during your visit, don't rationalize it away. Your instincts about facility quality are usually right.

• Security-focused? Choose the facility with best access control and lighting, even if it costs more.
• Budget-focused? Choose the clean, functional facility with lower rates, accepting some trade-offs.
• Convenience-focused? Choose the location that fits your life pattern, even if not the cheapest.

If possible, start month-to-month rather than locking into annual contracts. Test the facility before committing long-term.

Walk away from facilities with:

• Gates that don't close or are frequently open
• Aggressive sales pressure or reluctance to answer questions
• Contracts with excessive penalties or hidden fees
• No ability to visit before signing
• Obvious security gaps they won't address
• Poor reviews mentioning theft, flooding, or management problems

Oxford RV Storage is one option along the I-20 corridor east of Atlanta, offering car storage alongside RVs, boats, and trailers. The facility has gated access with individual codes and both outdoor and covered options.

Whether it's the right choice depends on your location, needs, and priorities. Visit and compare it against other facilities you're considering—that's the only way to make an informed decision.