Decision tool · storage checklist
Your storage checklist
Renting a unit is quick; the trouble comes later, from a lapsed card, a missed notice or something you should not have stored. Tick what applies and we will put the steps in order, each with its source: Georgia's self-service storage law, the county, or the facility's own rules.
Before you rent
Book before finals
Two to three weeks before finals
UNG's calendar shows Spring 2027 full-session classes starting January 11, 2027, spring break March 8-12, the full session ending April 30, Academic Review Day May 3, final exams May 4-7, 2027, and final grades due May 10, 2027. A spring 2027 commencement date was not published on the pages checked.
University of North Georgia – UNG Academic Calendar (25Live feed), checked October 19, 2026
Know the fall move-out week
Fall 2026
UNG's published academic calendar shows Fall 2026 full-session classes ending November 20, 2026, fall break November 23-27, an Academic Review Day November 30, final exams December 1-4, 2026, and final grades due December 7, 2026.
University of North Georgia – UNG Academic Calendar (data feed: 25livepub.collegenet.com/calendars/ung-publisher-academic-calendar.ics), checked October 19, 2026
Get a written rental agreement and read it
Before you sign
O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a) lets an owner enforce the lien without going to court only if it complies with the section, including obtaining a written rental agreement containing the statutory form language. Under 10-4-213(b), a rental agreement may be executed and delivered electronically.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code page, version marked [Effective July 1, 2026]), checked October 19, 2026
Sign it, or know that using the unit counts as signing
Within 14 days of getting it
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-218(a) (effective July 1, 2024), if an occupant does not sign a written rental agreement within 14 days after the owner delivers it by hand or verified mail, continued use of the space is deemed acceptance, provided the agreement says so in bold type of at least 12 point.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-218 (2025), checked October 19, 2026
Ask whether insurance is required and what it costs
Before you sign
Georgia's storage statute does not require tenant insurance, but many facilities do. Storage Sense's Dahlonega page says insurance is required and can be bought there or supplied from your own policy; Local Storage USA lists tenant insurance as required; TrueSafe accepts its protection plan or your homeowner's or renter's policy.
Storage Sense, Local Storage USA and TrueSafe Storage facility pages, checked October 19, 2026
Ask about the clean-up deposit
At move-in
The statutory agreement form in O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a) has the occupant pay one month's fees as a clean-up and maintenance fund, refunded if the space is left in good repair and broom-swept, with the owner allowed to set off its claims against that fund.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
Give an email and a mailing address that will reach you
At move-in, and whenever you move
O.C.G.A. 10-4-211(8) defines 'verified mail' as certified mail, registered mail, statutory overnight delivery, or another mailing method where the carrier furnishes proof the item was sent. Under 10-4-211(2), an occupant's 'last known address' can be a street address, P.O. box, or email address given in the latest rental agreement or a later written change-of-address notice.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-211 (2025) Definitions, checked October 19, 2026
Leave out what the agreement bars
When you pack
The statutory rental agreement language in O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a) has the occupant agree to store only their own personal property and not to store explosives, highly inflammable goods, or other goods that would cause danger to the space, nor use the space for unlawful purposes.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
Have the vehicle running, registered and insured
Before move-in
Public Storage says vehicles may be stored only if they are operating, registered, and insured and kept in an approved vehicle storage space.
Public Storage – What Can You Not Store in a Storage Unit?, checked October 19, 2026
Tell the facility you are a service member
At move-in
O.C.G.A. 10-4-214 requires an owner whose rental agreement is with a service member to comply with the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.), and says the article does not stop parties from creating additional rights and duties in the rental agreement.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-214 (2025), checked October 19, 2026
While you store
Pay by the 1st; the 7th is the default line
Every month
Under the statutory rental agreement language in O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a), rent is payable in advance on or before the first of each month, and the occupant is in default if a monthly installment is not paid by the seventh calendar day of the month due or if a payment check is dishonored.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
Know the most a late fee can be
If you pay late
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-217, an owner may charge a late fee under the rental agreement of no more than $20.00 per month or 20 percent of the monthly rent per month of late payment, whichever is greater. This applies to agreements entered into, extended, or renewed, and late payments occurring, on or after July 1, 2019.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-217 (2025), checked October 19, 2026
Do not live or sleep in the unit
Always
O.C.G.A. 10-4-216(a) says no occupant shall use a self-service storage facility for residential purposes, and 10-4-216(b) says laws on bonded public warehousemen do not apply to self-storage owners.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-216 (2025), checked October 19, 2026
Watch for a lien notice after 30 days of default
After 30 days unpaid
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a), after 30 continuous days of default the owner may enforce its lien, starting with written notice to the occupant delivered in person, by verified mail, or by email, plus notice to parties with superior liens. If the owner emails a sale notice and gets no non-automated response or delivery receipt, it must also send the notice by verified mail before proceeding with the sale.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
You get at least 14 days to pay after the notice
After a lien notice
The lien notice under O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a) must include an itemized statement of the sum due and when it became due, notify the occupant of denial of access, give the owner's name, street address, email, and phone number, and demand payment within a stated time of not less than 14 days after delivery, warning that otherwise the property will be advertised and sold at public sale.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
You can pay and get your things back before a sale
Up to the sale
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a), before any sale or other disposition the occupant may pay the amount needed to satisfy the lien plus reasonable expenses and redeem the property. A good-faith purchaser at the lien sale takes the property free of others' rights even if the owner did not comply with the requirements.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
Vehicles, trailers and boats can be towed after 60 days unpaid
After 60 days unpaid
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a), if the property is a motor vehicle, trailer, or watercraft and rent and charges stay unpaid for 60 days after they were due, the owner may have it towed instead of foreclosing on the lien, and the owner is not liable for it or for damage once the tower takes possession.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code), checked October 19, 2026
Moving out
If the facility ends your rental, you get 14 days to clear out
After a termination notice
Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-218(b)-(c), an owner may end or not renew a rental agreement by written notice delivered by hand or verified mail, giving the occupant at least 14 days after delivery to remove everything. Until then the owner may restrict access to removal during normal business hours, and may dispose of property left after the notice date.
Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-218 (2025), checked October 19, 2026
Inside Dahlonega: start city water
Before move-in at the new home
The City of Dahlonega runs its own water and sewer service: new customers submit a Water Service Application plus fees at City Hall, 8 AM-4:45 PM Monday-Friday, and must apply by 12:00 PM for same-day turn-on. The city lists a $25.00 new account fee and a $250.00 residential deposit for premises occupied by someone other than the owner, and service is discontinued by a written Termination of Service form.
City of Dahlonega – Water & Sewer Services, checked October 19, 2026
Outside the city: start county water
Before move-in at the new home
County water and sewer is provided by the Lumpkin County Water & Sewerage Authority (LCWSA), 194 Courthouse Hill, Annex A, Dahlonega, GA 30533, phone 706-867-6580, open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed 1-2 p.m.). Its page posts a New Service Application (PDF) and a Service Termination Form (PDF).
Lumpkin County – Water & Sewerage Authority, checked October 19, 2026
Take moving debris to the transfer station
When you empty the unit
Lumpkin County's Transfer Station is at 490 Barlow Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533, open Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (last weigh-in 4:15 PM), cash and local checks only. Posted fees are $1.00 small bag, $2.00 large bag, $60.00 per ton with a $15.00 minimum (500 lbs or less), and $5.00 extra for bulk items such as mattresses and furniture; paint, yard debris, and hazardous material are not accepted. Phone 706-864-6338.
Lumpkin County – Solid Waste and Recycling, checked October 19, 2026
Recycle the boxes free
When you unpack
Lumpkin County's free Recycling Center, also at 490 Barlow Rd, Dahlonega (Mon-Sat 8:00 AM-4:30 PM), takes sorted, clean cardboard, mixed paper, plastics #1 and #2, scrap metal, aluminum, and glass. It does not take paint, tires, yard debris, batteries, Styrofoam, plastic bags, or coated or food-soiled cardboard.
Lumpkin County – Solid Waste and Recycling, checked October 19, 2026
Each step comes from the law, the agency or the facility rule linked beside it, checked October 19, 2026. Your rental agreement is the contract that governs your unit: read it before you sign.
Storing things because a home sale or a move is under way? A Gold Peach Realty agent can answer questions about the house side.
The three steps people skip
- Give the facility an email address you read and a mailing address that will still reach you. Georgia lets lien notices go by email or verified mail to your last known address.
- Put rent on autopay with a card that will not expire while you are away.
- Write down what is in the unit and photograph it, for insurance.
- O.C.G.A. 10-4-211(8) defines 'verified mail' as certified mail, registered mail, statutory overnight delivery, or another mailing method where the carrier furnishes proof the item was sent. Under 10-4-211(2), an occupant's 'last known address' can be a street address, P.O. box, or email address given in the latest rental agreement or a later written change-of-address notice. Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-211 (2025) Definitions
- Under O.C.G.A. 10-4-213(a), after 30 continuous days of default the owner may enforce its lien, starting with written notice to the occupant delivered in person, by verified mail, or by email, plus notice to parties with superior liens. If the owner emails a sale notice and gets no non-automated response or delivery receipt, it must also send the notice by verified mail before proceeding with the sale. Justia – O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 (2025 Georgia Code)
Questions
What happens if I don't pay my storage unit in Georgia?
Under the statutory agreement language in O.C.G.A. 10-4-213, rent is due by the 1st and you are in default if it is not paid by the 7th. The owner can then deny you access without notice. After 30 days in default, the owner can send a written lien notice demanding payment within at least 14 days. If you still don't pay, the owner can advertise and sell your belongings.
How will a Georgia storage facility notify me before selling my things?
O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 requires written notice delivered in person, by verified mail (such as certified mail) or by email to your last known address. If the owner emails the notice and gets no response or delivery receipt, it must also send it by verified mail. The notice must itemize what you owe and give the owner's contact details. It must also set a payment deadline at least 14 days out. Keep your address and email current with the facility.
What can't you put in a storage unit?
Georgia's statutory rental agreement language bars explosives, highly flammable goods and anything that would endanger the space. Operators add their own lists. Public Storage, for example, prohibits food, plants or animals, flammables, items that give off fumes, hazardous or illegal items, and non-operating or unregistered vehicles. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 10-4-216) also forbids living in a storage unit.
Source: Public Storage; O.C.G.A. 10-4-213 and 10-4-216 (Justia)
Do storage units in Dahlonega require insurance?
Georgia's storage statute does not require tenant insurance, but many facilities do. Storage Sense's Dahlonega page says insurance is required and can be bought there or supplied from your own policy. Local Storage USA lists tenant insurance as required, and TrueSafe accepts either its protection plan or your homeowner's or renter's policy. Ask before you sign, because it adds to the monthly cost.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: Lumpkin County Government