From family-friendly hikes to epic wilderness adventures, the state of Georgia offers something for everyone. From cruising its bodies of water to climbing its mountains, and everything in between, there are many outdoor activities that Georgia residents can engage in.
Georgia is the terminus point of the Appalachian Trail, and if you want a taste of it, head to the Blue Ridge Mountains – you’ll be enjoying breathtaking views and a very intense workout. Or maybe you want a shorter yet just as spectacular and rewarding hike – the Tallulah Gorge State Park, located about an hour and a half from Atlanta, contains Hurricane Falls, a mighty waterfall that roars through a deep gorge.
One of the many charms of Georgia is that it offers access to both beaches and mountains. Cumberland Island and Jekyll Island, with its unique Driftwood Beach, are just a couple of the seashore attractions you can visit. The state totals a remarkable 63 state parks and historic sites – so outdoor-oriented people and families definitely have plenty to choose from.
But, as we all know, being active and enjoying time outdoors also requires all sorts of equipment and gear, from a simple tent to a massive RV, depending on your preferences and needs. For many of us, though, storing outdoors and camping equipment at home can be challenging – storage space is an issue for many families under normal circumstances, without throwing huge backpacks, mountain boots, off-road bikes or oversized vehicles into the mix.
This is where self storage can help. Whether you need to store your camping gear or your oversized vehicle, the Georgia self storage sector can help you with its roughly 740 storage facilities distributed throughout the state.
Here’s what you need to know about storing your camping and outdoor-related belongings:
1. Choose the right unit size
A small 5×5 locker is the right size if you need to store your tent, fishing poles and sleeping bags. If you have more stuff – maybe a dirt bike or a kayak – then you should pick a 10×10 unit which is roomy enough to fit such items, plus a multitude of boxes. In case you’re the owner of a big boat or an RV, you should look for vehicle storage or regular units that are large enough for oversized vehicles – a 10×30 unit is usually the right choice.
2. Decide between climate-controlled and regular units
Georgia’s climate tends to be humid and hot – which means that the equipment and gear you put in a non-climate-controlled storage unit risks damages, especially in the case of long-term storage. You definitely don’t want to plan an extensive camping trip, only to reach your destination and notice that your tent is leaking. It’s recommended that you get a climate-controlled unit, which will keep your expensive gear in pristine condition over the long run.
3. Pick the best location for your stuff
Pick a self storage facility that’s conveniently located and makes it easier for you to get out of the city. Assuming you’re an Atlanta resident, for example, you have plenty of options, as there are over 80 self storage facilities in Atlanta. Most people tend to search for facilities as close as possible to their homes, which makes a lot of sense in most situations.
However, if you’re exclusively using your unit for storing outdoor and camping gear, you could also rent a unit in a facility that’s on your way out of the city. This way, you have a better chance of avoiding at least some of the heavy urban traffic when heading out on one of your adventures.
This strategy is even more important for people who are storing oversized vehicles such as boats and RVs – your most important criteria when selecting the location should be the ease of access when getting to and from the facility.
4. Keep an eye for safety measures
Self storage facilities generally have multiple security measures in place, such as video surveillance, electronic gate access or overnight staff. However, it’s always a good idea to inquire about the specific measures that the facility you are planning to use implements, as you will be storing expensive belongings (sport and camping equipment, boats, RVs and so on).
5. Access hours are important too
Access hours to your storage unit are another important factor to consider if you’re using a storage unit to store your camping and outdoor-related items. Many camping trips occur during weekends, and you will probably leave early in the morning and get back late at night – so the storage facility should have access hours that make it easy for you to pick up and drop off your belongings, regardless of the time of day or day of the week. Fortunately, many storage facilities ensure 24/7 access to the unit or have very generous hours from early morning to late night. Just make sure you choose a facility that works well with your outdoor adventures schedule.
Enjoy your time outdoors – and make sure that your gear and equipment is being kept safe in the best environment. Happy camping!