Whether you’re leaving home for out-of-state classes for the first time or milking every day of summer break for all you can, you’re likely looking for some affordable self-storage options for students.
After all, storage for college students is regularly used to increase their living space by storing additional furniture, seasonal clothes and recreational gear near campus over longer breaks.
If you’re looking for tips on renting a self-storage unit, we can guide you as far as size, location and amenities go. And why stop there? To make it more affordable, we’re also going to show you how to share a storage unit with roommates without straining your relationships.
Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit for College Gear
When selecting storage for college students, the size of the unit is a bigger deal than for other customer types. That’s because students are on a tighter budget. Sure, picking the perfect storage unit isn’t rocket science, but it’s not something you want to guess at.
If you get one that’s too big, you’re throwing money away on space you don’t use. Too small? You’ll be playing Tetris with your furniture and clothes, and nobody’s got time for that. But estimating what storage unit size you need doesn’t have to be a wild guess:
- A 5’x5’ storage unit is great for storing just a few things: personal items, boxes, small furniture and seasonal items.
- A 10’x10’ storage unit can fit four times as many things — mattress sets, a sofa, dining room sets and multiple boxes — without costing four times as much. That’s almost an entire apartment’s worth of stuff, plus it’s also suitable for sharing with a roommate.
And there’s an even easier way than guessing: Use a storage unit size guide.
Related Content: Self-Storage Pricing Guide
Pro Tip: With storage units for college students on a budget, it’s crucial not to pay for storing stuff you don’t need. Declutter before you decide on a storage unit size. Oh, and adapt these packing tips for student self-storage — you will maximize space and protect your stuff.
Find the Best Student Storage Location
Is your chosen storage unit miles away? Getting to it could be more trouble than it’s worth. On the flip side, a unit right next to campus might cost you more than you’d like. So how do you decide on the best location? By taking a quick tour of the facility.
And when you do, go ahead and check out the security measures in place, ask about access hours and get a feel for the location. In the end, you’ll be balancing cost, convenience and safety.
1. Distance vs. access frequency
Is the storage unit close to campus? This means you can get to your things easily. That’s great for items you need regularly but convenience comes at a price. As you go further away from the campus hot spot, units are usually cheaper. So, ask yourself how often you’ll need to access your storage.
2. Your safety comes first
Assess the safety of the storage facility area. We’re not talking about the storage facility having surveillance and gated access to protect your stuff, although that’s important as well. But would you feel safe whenever you need to drop by, whether it’s day or night? You don’t want it to be in a remote or poorly lit area, that’s for sure.
3. Ease of access
Unless you want a workout before you even start moving boxes, ask yourself: How easy is it to get to the unit? Is there public transport nearby? Or if you have a car, is there convenient parking? Again, factor in access frequency. If it’s only occasionally, it may be worth walking for a bit.
Student Storage Amenities to Look For
Alright, let’s talk about what makes or breaks the choice of storage units for college students beyond just how big it is or where it’s located: the extra perks. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants to shove their winter jackets and college books into a sauna or an icebox.
And then, once you’ve selected a unit with your required amenities and security features, you can move on to organizing your self-storage unit effectively.
1. Climate Control
Ever left an electronic in your car on a hot day and found it warped or damaged? Consider that a sneak preview of not using climate control for the things you put in storage. Climate-controlled units keep everything — electronics, your favorite leather jacket or even just your textbooks — from getting ruined by extreme temps and humidity.
2. Security Features
A good lock is step one, but it’s not stopping anyone who’s truly curious. What you want is a place that’s got eyes on your stuff even when you don’t: digital video surveillance, gated access and maybe even onsite security personnel.
3. 24/7 Access
It’s midnight, and you just remembered you need your hiking boots for an early morning trip. Or it’s exam week, and you suddenly realize you do need that one textbook you swore you wouldn’t. Being able to get to your stuff on your own time? Priceless. Because inspiration (or procrastination) can strike at odd hours.
4. Drive-Up Access
You come back to school after a break. Your car’s packed, and you’re ready to unload. Now, what’s it like having to park a block away and carry everything bit by bit to your unit? Definitely not fun. Facilities with drive-up access let you pull up right to your unit — your back will thank you.
How to Share a Storage Unit with Roommates
To keep storage for college students affordable, you can split the cost of a larger unit with a roommate. Sure, all’s well until you accidentally step on each other’s toes. Here’s how you can avoid that by adhering to best practices for college student storage, while also making the most out of the available space:
- At the very beginning of this unit-sharing process, sit down and chat about what everyone needs to store. Decide on what’s fair game to store and what’s not and even write down the rules. For instance, you wouldn’t want to find out your roommate is storing something that attracts pests or takes up more than their fair share of the unit.
- Be clear about costs from the get-go. Decide how you’ll split the rent, who pays and how you’ll handle late payments. Agree on what to do if something goes wrong. Who gets called if there’s an issue? How will you decide on changes or unexpected expenses?
- To keep things fair, divide the unit space equally. Use painter’s tape on the floor if you have to, ensuring everyone’s got their own zone. In addition to that, while it might seem like overkill, labeling boxes with names and contents can avoid a lot of mix-ups.
- Keep a shared document where everyone lists what they’ve stored. This way, there’s no confusion about who owns what, and you can update it as things come and go.
You’re a Student Storage Master
Juggling extra furniture, a pile of seasonal clothes or just need a spot for your textbooks and seasonal gear? Rent a storage unit that is just the right size, in the right spot and with the right amenities.
Oh, and if you’re sharing the storage unit with a roommate to save on costs, pick the right roommate. From then on, communication is key. Set the ground rules, divide the space fairly and keep everything labeled. Goodbye college chaos and hello college zen!
