College Student Storage 101: 5 Reasons Students Need Self-Storage
College is full of new experiences. Those experiences often include packing up and moving away from home for the first time, sharing a small space (and some amenities) with others, and staying organized throughout the process. This can be challenging to say the least, especially when you throw studying, hanging out with friends, and enjoying your college experience into the mix.
Renting a self-storage unit is an effortless way to manage your extra stuff and stay organized throughout your college career. If you are considering getting some extra storage space while attending school, here are five reasons college students everywhere often need – not want – storage units.
1. Outgrowing Your Dorm or Apartment
Often, people need storage because they simply don’t have enough space for their extra belongings. This applies even more so to college students whom are often sharing a small space – like a dorm or apartment – with one or even several other people.
Your living space may have felt spacious at the beginning of the school year. But after months of accumulating odds and ends, that small space under the bed just isn’t cutting it. If that’s the case for you, renting a storage unit near campus is a great way to clear some extra room.
2. Going Home For Summer Break
Summer break is a significant period for students to use self-storage services. This time of year is filled with excitement, but the one thing that can put a damper on that excitement is having to figure out how you’re going to move all your stuff home for the summer. A storage unit is an ideal solution.
Rather than packing up a bunch of boxes and shipping them home or lugging them through an airport, you can keep your microwave, bicycle, hot plate, winter clothes, and all the other things you won't need at home, in a nearby secure, dry storage unit until you return in the fall.
3. Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences out there for college students. But to get the most out of your time abroad, you need to plan and stay focused. That can be challenging if you're juggling what to do with your dorm room essentials for a semester or even an entire school year. Keeping your stuff in a storage unit is an easy way to check that box so you can turn your attention to more important things, like brushing up on your foreign languages.
4. Transitioning Post-Graduation
Recent college graduates don’t always pack up and move home right away. After college, you might find it's more beneficial to move into an off-campus apartment or house with roommates while you look for a job. Or, maybe you already found a great job in your college town, you just need some extra room while you transition to a new place. Whatever the case, self-storage can be a useful solution when it’s time to trade in your mini fridge for a grown-up fridge.
5. Extra Security
When you live with others, you can’t always control who’s coming and going. On top of that, these people might be complete strangers. This can lead to some uneasy feelings, especially if you have expensive gadgets, jewelry, or any kind of valuables with you at college.
If that’s the case in your living situation, it might be worth it to keep some of these items in a storage locker near campus. Self-storage facilities feature all kinds of security features to help you have peace of mind. And as any college student will tell you, any extra peace of mind will go a long way.
Storage Features College Students Love
Now that you know the reasons why college students rent storage units, it’s time to review the available options. Although self-storage is simple overall, there’s more to it than simply tossing your stuff inside and calling it a day. It’s best to research available storage options and review best practices for renting a storage unit ahead of time to get the most out of your experience.
To give you a head start, below are some of the available features most college students find useful.
Climate Control
Are you planning to store delicate or fragile items, such as electronics or expensive clothing, throughout your time at school? If so, climate control may be the solution for you. These units are kept at near-room temperature year-round, making them more like an extension of your closet.
24/7 Access
College life can be a whirlwind of activity, with classes, studying, extracurriculars, and even part-time jobs vying for your attention. Renting a storage unit with 24/7 access can help mitigate the stress. When you rent a storage unit with 24/7 access, you can always get to your belongings when you need them, no matter what time it is. So, when you realize you need a textbook out of storage at midnight on a Tuesday, you’re good.
Month to Month Rental
If you need a storage unit for any length of time, such as a few weeks, over the summer, or even for the entirety of your college career, U-Haul storage is the perfect solution for you. Our month-to-month rental contracts provide you with the flexibility to pay only for the storage space you require.
Drive Up Access
Many college students lead busy lives and have limited free time. As a result, drive-up storage units are popular choice for those in need of extra room. With this type of storage unit, you can drive your vehicle up to your unit and quickly load or unload your belongings, just as you would in your own garage. It’s quick and convenient, allowing you to make the most of your time and stay organized.
Find a Storage Unit Near Your College Today
For these reasons and more, college student storage is a no brainer. And with thousands of secure self-storage facilities across the U.S. and Canada, you’re guaranteed to find a U-Haul self-storage location near you. Find convenient storage for college students today!