Making Room For You Since 1973

Female students in dorm room

5 Ways College Students Utilize Storage Units


July 30, 2024 | Storage Tips

Kicking off your college adventure comes with its share of excitement and hurdles. Besides studying, making friends, and figuring out your major, there’s the realization of how little storage space you actually have in your dorm room. So whether you’re pondering where to keep all your gear between semesters, during that semester abroad, or even while transitioning to post-grad life, we’ve got some tips on how student storage can be a lifesaver.

Summer and Winter Break

During summer and winter breaks, it’s a big hassle to take everything home from your dorm room only to turn around and bring it all back again. Finding a local storage facility with friendly student storage features means you can fly home to see family and friends without selling everything, only to repurchase it next semester.

Additionally, you’ll get to say goodbye to the stress of overpacking your car or splurging on a rental truck. You know the drill—trying to fit everything into the car, hoping you don’t forget anything. All of your dorm room items from cozy winter jackets, and heavy textbooks will be where you need them when you need them—close to campus.

And you don’t need to worry about getting tied down financially. For example, with Metro Self Storage student storage benefits, you’ll rent month-to-month like everyone else, making the short-term leasing options wallet-friendly. 

Studying Abroad

Two woman friends with luggage walking together at Airport terminal.

Going to study in another country is thrilling. But of course, you can’t take everything you have at college with you. Renting out your apartment to keep your things there isn’t a likely option and cramming everything into your friend’s garage isn’t a good idea. Especially if you have temperature-sensitive items that need climate-controlled storage.  

Month-to-month storage means you won’t be stuck paying for storage when you don’t need it: there are no long commitments, just temporary storage for college students abroad. Self storage is an economical option rather than keeping your apartment or dorm room just for storage, and online bill payment means you can manage your storage unit from anywhere in the world.

Vehicle Storage for College Students

Are you tired of circling the campus for what feels like hours hunting for a parking spot, only to end up late to class? Parking in outdoor parking lots on campus can also invite critters to make a home in your engine compartment if you don’t drive your car for extended periods. There’s a reliable storage solution for every scenario and an option for other types of vehicles too like bikes, kayaks, and canoes. 

Moreover, storing your vehicle at a nearby facility can be economical compared to parking fees at most college campuses. Plus, many storage places near universities understand student life and offer flexible leasing options for parking and car storage, so you can store your vehicle only as long as needed, whether for the winter months or a whole year while studying abroad.

Decluttering Dorm Room or Apartment

If you look around your dorm or apartment and wonder where all the space went, you may need a self storage rescue. Between the textbooks, the winter gear, and, let’s be honest, a few impulse buys, things get crowded fast. Given the tight quarters most of us live in during college, it is no wonder self storage lockers can serve as trusty backup closets.

Off-site storage can be your go-to spot for stuff you don’t need daily, allowing you to keep your place tidy without saying goodbye to things you love. Small, 5X5 student storage units are geared for bulky winter jackets, ski gear, and shoes that can easily take up half of your closet all year. Choose a storage facility close to your college and organize the items you are storing by season. It will save you trips to and from your unit. Store what you don’t need this season and stash away the rest.

Post-Graduation Storage Needs

Once you’ve tossed your cap in the air with your diploma in hand, the big question is, what comes next? For many fresh grads, the answer isn’t just heading back home. You might be lining up interviews, dreaming of far-off places, or scouting apartments with your buddies. When transitioning to post-college life, a storage unit becomes your treasure chest, holding onto the bits of your student days while you chart out your future adventures. A storage facility is a secure place to keep belongings until your next move is figured out. And while it might feel like you’re just stashing away yesterday’s memories, self storage is the stepping stone to what’s ahead.

And for the wanderers still deciding whether to put down roots, long-term storage is the perfect holdover without the pressure of picking a permanent spot. It’s all secure, out of the way, but there when you need it.

Utilizing these self storage options allows you to manage your belongings better and focus on your college experience without the stress of storage-related challenges.

Find Your Student Storage Solution Today!

When it comes to student storage solutions, Metro Self Storage has you covered. Since 1973, we’ve assisted countless first-time college apartment renters in transitioning from dorm life with our wide selection of unit sizes. Our facilities are conveniently located throughout the United States, including New Jersey, Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, and more.
Whether you need storage for a month or several, you can rely on our affordable rates and dedicated team to make your experience hassle-free. Explore our storage tips and find a Metro Self Storage facility today!