How College Students Can Use Self Storage During Winter Break
November 5, 2024 | College Student Storage
Regardless of what university you attend or your course of study, one thing is universal—college students lack space. Scaled-down living is part of the college experience, for better or worse, and students must quickly learn how to make do with such little room. Whether residing in a dormitory, Greek housing, or off-campus living, a self storage unit can help you breathe easily and stay organized. Here are some common circumstances leading college students to seek out storage facilities:
- During time away from school. When you’re away from college for an extended period, whether studying abroad or on a break between semesters, a nearby self storage unit offers a reliable place for your belongings.
- Between leases. During move-outs or lease gaps, storage units can become an ideal solution for temporary or long-term needs, keeping your items secure until you transition to a new living space.
- Freeing up space. If your dorm has limited space, renting a storage unit can create additional room without leaving items behind. You can also share the cost with friends or roommates for savings.
- Needing a consistent spot. Do you plan on shutting off your air conditioning and heating over the break in your off-campus housing to nip that energy bill in the bud? A climate-controlled storage unit is a great place to keep temperature-sensitive belongings in the interim.
How To Rent Storage in Winter
Renting a self storage unit is an incredibly user-friendly process. Once you decide which storage unit best suits your needs, signing a flexible, month-to-month lease to move your items in is simple. This college winter break, handle your storage needs proactively and efficiently with our insider tips for picking the right storage unit for you and making the most of it once you’ve rented.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
You’ll have no shortage of options when selecting your storage unit, so taking inventory of what you need to store is an essential step before shopping. These facilities offer a range of storage unit sizes, and many students discover that a 5×5 unit, equivalent to a walk-in closet, is ideal for keeping their clothes, electronics, and books. If you also need to store furniture and mattresses in addition to smaller belongings, a 5×10 unit will likely meet your requirements.
Self Storage Unit Tips for Students
Packing and moving into your storage unit will be easier the more prepared you are. Developing a concrete plan before beginning the moving process is key—see below for some of our biggest tips:
- Plan out packing time. Getting packed up takes longer than you may expect, especially with final exams on the horizon. As a study break, set aside ample time to pack your things.
- Keep everything organized. Take inventory of what all you have packed where, and utilize labels for storage tubs so you can easily find what you’re searching for next time you enter your unit.
- Use small containers. With so many storage tub sizes to choose from, it can be tempting to shove everything inside the largest container available. But especially for heavier items, using smaller, clear storage tubs will help you stay organized and move in without pulling a muscle.
- Hang your clothing. If you plan on moving clothes into self storage over break, use wardrobe boxes or racks to keep them on hangers rather than folded up in boxes.
- Have a moving vehicle planned. One of our biggest moving tips is to avoid waiting until the last minute to find a vehicle to transport your belongings. Rent a U-Haul or moving truck far in advance—your storage facility may even provide its own fleet to customers.
- Strategically stack. Place heavy items, such as furniture and textbooks, toward the bottom of your storage unit, and build vertically with gradually lighter containers. As you load in, create a central aisle through your unit to easily reach the back.
- Protect your possessions. Certain items will need padding and preparation before moving into storage. Lay your mattress flat in your storage unit, and avoid placing furniture legs directly on the floor—stack them flat-side down with the floor-facing side wrapped for protection.
Store Your College Belongings This Winter Break at Metro Self Storage
You deserve peace of mind when locking up your belongings over winter break. At Metro Self Storage, we offer a range of affordable self storage units, including ones equipped with climate control, to give you a reliable space to keep your stuff. Our expert team is ready and able to assist you with anything you need, making your storage process a breeze.
Contact us today to learn how we can meet your student storage needs, and check out our complete list of Metro Self Storage locations to find us in a college town near you!
