Long road trips from Atlanta—whether you're driving an RV across the country, taking a month-long vacation, or heading out for an extended work assignment—often mean leaving a vehicle behind. Where you store that car while you're gone matters for both security and the vehicle's condition when you return.

RV or camper road trips: You're taking your RV on an extended trip, leaving your daily driver behind.

Extended vacation by car: You're driving one car, leaving another for weeks or months.

Cross-country moves (partial): You're driving but flying back, leaving a car in Atlanta temporarily.

Work travel: Extended assignment elsewhere, leaving your car in Atlanta.

1-2 weeks: Almost any secure parking works. Minimal vehicle prep needed.

3-4 weeks: Formal storage makes sense. Basic prep recommended.

1-3 months: Proper storage essential. Full vehicle preparation required.

3+ months: Long-term storage protocols, regular check-ins if possible.

If you have:

• Secure garage or driveway
• Trusted neighbor or friend to check on it
• No HOA restrictions

Advantages:

• Free
• Someone can monitor
• Familiar environment

Considerations:

• Is it actually secure enough?
• Will someone start it periodically?
• Any parking restrictions during your absence?

What you get:

• Gated, secure facility
• Protected from some environmental factors (especially if covered)
• Professional environment

Cost: $50-200/month depending on options

Best for:

• Trips over 2-3 weeks
• No suitable home parking
• Valuable vehicles needing security

If available:

• Their garage or property
• Someone who might use/drive the car occasionally

Advantages:

• Free or low-cost
• Car gets driven (good for the vehicle)
• Trusted relationship

Considerations:

• Are you imposing?
• Liability if something happens?
• Will they actually maintain it?

Minimal prep:

• Full tank of gas (prevents condensation)
• Check tire pressure (slightly over-inflate)
• Clean interior (no food to attract pests)
• Lock all doors and windows
• Tell someone where car is stored

Standard prep:

• All the above, plus:
• Add fuel stabilizer
• Battery: disconnect OR use maintainer
• Check all fluid levels
• Wash exterior (dirt traps moisture)
• Consider a car cover for outdoor storage

Full preparation:

• All the above, plus:
• Fresh oil change (if due in next few months)
• Over-inflate tires 3-5 PSI
• Consider raising car on jack stands (long-term)
• Rodent prevention (mothballs, steel wool in openings)
• More extensive pest prevention
• Arrange periodic checks if possible

If you're starting your road trip:

1. Drive your car to storage
2. Get picked up OR leave your road trip vehicle there temporarily
3. Retrieve it when you return

Planning tip: Choose storage with hours that match your departure plans. Leaving at 4 AM? Make sure you have access.

You'll return tired from travel. Plan for:

• Transportation from airport/home to storage facility
• Time to inspect the car before driving
• Possible need for a jump start (even with preparation)

Best practice:

• Have someone with authority to access the car if needed
• Leave contact info with the storage facility
• Set reminders to check in if trip extends longer than planned

If you're flying back:

• Storage near Hartsfield-Jackson seems logical
• But airport-area storage is expensive
• Consider: Is it worth paying premium for airport proximity?

If you're driving back:

• Storage near home simplifies retrieval
• You Uber from airport to home, get your car the next day
• Often more affordable than airport-area

If starting your road trip from a specific point:

• Storage along your route can make sense
• Pick up from storage, head out; return to storage, go home

Oxford RV Storage, located along I-20 east of Atlanta, works for certain road trip scenarios:

Good fit:

• You're heading east (toward the coast, Lake Oconee, etc.)
• You live on the east side of Atlanta
• You'll be returning to the east Metro area
• Cost savings justify the location

Less ideal:

• You're flying back to Hartsfield-Jackson (45+ miles from Oxford)
• You live far west/north and need convenient retrieval

1. Drive your daily car to Oxford RV Storage
2. Get picked up by travel companions OR leave in your RV
3. Go on your road trip
4. Return to Oxford
5. Retrieve your car

For travelers whose route or living situation makes Oxford convenient, it provides secure storage at east-Metro pricing.