Warmer weather has started to arrive and college will be ending once again for the summer break before you know it. You are super excited to go back home and decompress for a couple of months. However, now you have the daunting task of moving all your stuff out of the dorm or apartment…just to have to move it all back in when summer is over. This is the perfect situation when getting a self storage unit can be a huge help. (Especially if you are like many students and have chosen a college that’s out of town or even out of state.) A self storage facility can be the perfect solution for storage for college students.
Selecting Your Storage Unit
Take a look at what you need to store for the summer to determine which size and type of self storage unit you are going to need. Most likely, you will only need one of our smaller sizes such as a 5×5 or 5×10.
You can also select from drive-up, interior or temperature control storage. If you plan to store items such as computer equipment or antique wood furniture, select temperature control storage to keep it safe during the hot and humid summer months. If you are unsure if what you are storing needs to be kept in temperature control storage, check out a previous blog, “Temperature Control: Is It Right For Me?” Otherwise, a standard drive-up or interior access self storage unit will work fine for you.
Sizes We Recommend
A small, closet-sized unit such as a 5×5 self storage unit can be the perfect storage for college students. This size is perfect to pack away your books, winter clothing, small appliances like a toaster or hot plate. Youc an also fit small TV, and small furniture like a bookshelf or end table.
The next size available is a 5×10 self storage unit, which is about the size of a small walk-in closet. These units are great storage for college students who live in an apartment. It’s also good for where the dorm wasn’t equipped with more than a bed. You may be storing your books and winter clothing, but you also have a sofa, recliner or larger furniture. You could even have things like a microwave and a bicycle that you don’t need to take home.
Packing for Self Storage
When packing your belongings, make sure to put your books and heavier items into smaller boxes. Those items can get very heavy if you put them in boxes that are too large. Plus, you don’t want to hurt yourself or wind up busting the box because of the weight.
Make sure when storing clothing that everything is completely clean and dry before packing. The last thing you want is to wind up with mold or mildew! Don’t stick damp or wet clothes into your storage unit. The same goes for mini-fridges and appliances. Make sure they are empty, defrosted, cleaned, and completely dry to prevent mold, mildew, or unwanted pests in your unit. It is also a good idea to prop the doors open on fridges and microwaves to prevent any funky smells. Smells can happen when they are closed for long periods of time. You can even place small boxes or items inside of them to save on storage space.
A great tip is to purchase a plastic cover for your bed and any furniture you are storing to keep them dust-free. For your convenience, you can purchase a variety of plastic furniture covers in our rental offices.
Convenience of Self Storage
At Moove In Self Storage, there are no long-term contracts, making them the perfect option of storage for college students. Our rental agreements are month-to-month, making it easy and convenient for you, whether you are storing for summer break or you are studying abroad for a few semesters. Simply pay your monthly rent on the first of the month and cancel in writing at any time when you no longer need the storage unit – meaning you can store for as little as one month or as long as a few years or more.
Make sure to take a tour of the self storage property you are planning to use. At Moove In, you can view video tours for all of our locations, call to schedule a tour, or stop in to meet with the property manager and take a tour on the spot.
To help you with your move, we offer the convenience of a moving truck at most of our stores. You can get our moving truck for FREE on weekdays to move into your self storage unit. We only require a $15 collision waiver on our moving truck, and a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance for whoever will be driving the truck. If you are interested in using our moving truck, let us know as soon as you can. Our moving trucks are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and the schedule can fill up quickly.
Recap: College Student Storage
When you are ready to get started, you can rent a self storage unit online 24/7 right from your dorm room or apartment! Simply select the Moove In Self Storage location that fits best for you, choose the unit type and size you want, submit payment via credit or debit card, and electronically sign the rental agreement. It’s that easy! You can also stop in during regular business hours and rent your storage unit with the property manager if you are more “old school” and like to do things in person. Or, you can contact us at any time with your questions and one of our friendly property managers will get back to you quickly.
Originally posted 3/10/16; Updated 8/6/21