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Self storage guide for students

When you are away at university, whether you are staying in halls or sharing a house with others, the end of term can present you with the challenge of what to do with all your stuff! It is likely that, even if you are staying put in your accommodation for the forthcoming term, you won’t want to leave your belongings unattended in a shared house. You probably also won’t want to take them back to your family home just to have to bring it all back again next term.

Self storage can be the answer to this age-old student dilemma. There are more options than ever available for self storage now with facilities conveniently location to most major student towns and cities. Some students even find that self storage can be useful year round to store larger items like sports equipment – especially if space is limited in halls or rented accommodation.

Is self storage right for you?

Before you start, decide whether self-storage is the right solution for you. If you are renting privately, perhaps check with your landlord whether you can leave you stuff in your room over the holidays. For many student houses, rent is not payable over the long summer holiday period and a new tenancy is required at the start of the new academic year. This means that you may need to move your belongings out, even if you are returning.

If you are not able to leave your stuff in situ over the holidays, the most sensible alternative is to If you cannot leave your stuff behind and don’t have any suitable options when it comes to safely storing your belongings, don’t feel that the only solution is to take everything home with you. There is a better way!

Storage options for students

Depending on how much you have to store, most self storage companies have storage options in a wide range of sizes – from around 10 sq ft of space (about the size of a telephone box or the boot of an estate car). Generally speaking, you will be able to gain access to your things whenever you want, although, it is a good idea to check access arrangements first.

Types of storage

As well as the more commonly seen storage options, which are basically a private, locked room, some storage facilities offer some other options which may be suitable – metal cage storage in a shared room is one alternative which we have seen. Another option to keep costs down may be to share storage space with friends or housemates.

Things to remember...

Be realistic about the amount of space you need – if you are not sure what you can fit in a space, have a look at our guide to storage space on our blog.
Make sure you understand when you are able to access the building and that it is likely to be a time when you can visit.
Use good packaging materials. It may seem like a good idea to skimp of packaging materials as they can seem expensive, however, well packed boxes are safer and more efficient to store and easier to transport and move. See our guide to packing for storage for more information.
Invest in a good quality padlock. Most facilities will offer to sell you one, although you may find it is cheaper to buy one from a DIY store.
Compare the cost of storage insurance – Again, most self storage facilities will offer to sell you insurance as part of the package – be cautious however and make sure that you understand the level of insurance you required (full replacement value) as well as the scope of cover being offered. See our blog 'I lost £180,000 in a self storage fire' for more on the perils of under insurance.

From our blog...

University Students and Self-Storage

27/06/2023

Self-storage is a great solution for students who are looking for a way to store their belongings over the summer. It’s an affordable and secure option that can be used as long or as short as needed. Self-storage units come in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Some facilities also offer climate-controlled units, which are ideal for storing items like electronics, books, and documents. Plus, many storage facilities have 24/7 security systems with video surveillance and on-site staff to ensure the safety of your belongings.

In addition to being convenient and secure, self-storage is also flexible. You can choose from month-to-month leases or longer term contracts depending on how long you need the unit for. Most storage companies will even pick up your belongings from campus if you don’t have access to a vehicle. This makes it easy to store your items without having to worry about transportation or carrying them yourself.

Why use self-storage?

Self-storage is a great way for students to store their belongings over the summer break without having to worry about where they will go. It provides an affordable and secure solution that allows students to focus on enjoying their summer break instead of worrying about where their things will go while they’re away. With flexible leasing options and 24/7 security systems, self-storage is an ideal choice for students looking for a place to keep their possessions safe during the summer months.

Many students move residences annually, often with a period of one or two months between leases during the summer. This necessitates the removal of belongings from one house and their storage until they can be moved back in a month later. Self-storage provides an accessible solution to this problem, especially for international students who are unable to take their possessions with them when they return home. It can also be beneficial for those who will be away from home for an extended period of time and have no place to store their items. For those spending a semester or year abroad or travelling over the break, having access to secure storage can reduce stress levels.

Due to the limited space in student accommodation, bedrooms are generally small and living areas may be shared with multiple people. If an individual is bringing along a large musical instrument or substantial sports equipment, a self-storage unit can provide an ideal place to store such items securely.

What do i need to consider when choosing a self-storage provider?

When it comes to choosing the right self-storage option for students, several factors should be considered. Here are some considerations and recommendations for the type of self-storage that may be suitable for you:

Location: Opt for a storage facility that is conveniently located near the your residence or campus. This ensures easy access and saves time and transportation costs.
Size: Since students typically have a smaller amount of belongings compared to other individuals, a smaller storage unit is often sufficient. Consider a unit around 5x5 feet or 5x10 feet, depending on the amount of items to be stored.
Security: Look for a storage facility with robust security measures such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and secure locks. You may need to store valuable items like electronics or personal documents, so security is crucial.
Climate control: If you intend to store temperature-sensitive items like electronics, musical instruments, or important documents, consider a climate-controlled storage unit. This feature helps protect belongings from extreme temperatures, humidity, and potential damage.
Cost: Students typically have limited budgets, so affordability is an important factor. Look for storage facilities that offer student discounts or special rates for short-term storage needs.
Flexibility: Students often require storage solutions for shorter durations, such as during summer breaks or while studying abroad. Look for facilities that offer flexible lease terms or month-to-month options without long-term commitments or excessive fees.
Additional amenities: Some storage facilities offer additional amenities like 24-hour access, moving supplies, on-site staff assistance, or package acceptance services. These features can be beneficial for students who may have irregular schedules or need assistance with their storage needs.

Overall, the ideal self-storage option for students is one that offers convenience, security, affordability, and flexibility. Considering these factors will help ensure that you can safely store your belongings without breaking the bank or encountering logistical difficulties.

Checkout our guide on Self storage for Students which can provide some great tips and advice.

Lastly, don’t forget to insure your posessions whilst they’re in storage. Your home insurance policy probably won’t cover your items so make sure you get insurance cover before you store them. Store Insure offer excellent value for money storage insurance with instant cover online.