Student storage

Whether you're leaving for the summer, moving to a different apartment or getting ready for a semester abroad, you'll need a temporary place to store your belongings. Finding student self-storage may feel like yet another tough item on your endless to-do list, but we've compiled a step-by-step guide to help you feel less stressed and more prepared:

1. Find a Storage Facility

   College students are low on two precious resources: Time and money. Many self-storage facilities located near universities cater to these needs by offering a student discount. Some even provide a complete pick-up, storage and delivery service for your belongings.

   Staying organized is also crucial. When you go to fill out paperwork in the facility office, write your storage unit number and gate access code on the back of a business card. Keep it in your wallet, so you'll always be able to find it.

2. Evaluate Your Storage Options

   Once you've found a facility, you're faced with different sizing options. Most students choose a 5X5 unit, which comfortably holds small furniture and boxes. If you only have a few items, you can even downsize to a locker unit. If you have larger furniture, such as a mattress, you might want a 5X10.

   You can also opt for certain amenities. Unless you'll need to access your unit often, you can pass on 24-hour access. You might want to consider drive-up access if you have heavy furniture to move. Skip climate control storage unless the temperature in your region is hot and humid, and you need to store electronics and wood or leather furniture.

3. Pack Your Belongings

   Use same-sized boxes for most of your packing, so it will be easier to stack them. But always pack books in smaller boxes, as you don't want to hurt yourself lifting large boxes filled with too many books. Also make sure you clean your microwave, and defrost, dry and clean your mini-fridge. For more general packing tips, check out the Maximizing Storage Space page.

   You can optionally pack your things up before you choose a storage unit. So if you're unsure about sizing, you can stack the boxes and other items up against a wall, mimicking the way you plan to arrange them in the unit. You can then measure the approximate dimensions of the filled space.

4. Change Your Mind

Student self-storage leases are month-to-month, so you don't have to commit long-term if your plans change. Many facilities will even pro-rate your last month, so you only pay for the days you're actually using the storage unit.