The Complete Guide to Self Storage for College Students

There are plenty of reasons college students can benefit from renting a self-storage unit. While you may only need storage space during the summer, here are different ways to make the most of a storage unit throughout the school year.

1. While You’re Studying Abroad

If you’re studying abroad in the coming year, renting a storage unit can help minimize travel-related stress and keep all of your belongings safe until you’re back on campus. A storage unit is also a great place to keep any items you’ll need to take with you (such as large pieces of luggage or winter clothes) until you’re ready to head out on your international adventure.

2. During the School Year

If you don’t have room to bring all your belongings to your college dorm but need to use them during the school year, consider keeping excess items in a self-storage unit near campus. This gives you easy access to everything when you’re ready to swap out some seasonal clothes, books or other items for other options.

Keeping your belongings in a storage unit also gives you an extra layer of security and privacy, which can put your mind at ease if you’re living with people you don’t know well and want to ensure your prized possessions stay safe.

3. Through the Summer Break

Most colleges require students to remove their belongings from the dorms once the semester ends. If that’s the case for you, a storage unit is an ideal solution. It allows you to keep everything near campus instead of hauling it back home for a few months.

4. To Keep Seasonal Items

If you live in a state with all four seasons, you’ll likely need to swap out some of your clothes — and potentially some other belongings, like umbrellas and snow boots — depending on the time of year. Keeping these items in a storage unit ensures you’ll be able to access them as needed. A storage unit is also a great place to keep anything that you’ll need for seasonal hobbies, such as a kayak, surfboard or skis.

5. For Student Organizations or Clubs

If you’re in a club or student organization and want to help with some of the leadership responsibilities, you might need a place to store banners, tables and other supplies. If that’s the case, a self-storage unit is a great choice since you can access it at any time without adding clutter to your own space. And because both indoor and outdoor storage space is available, you can easily find one that meets your needs. Renting a storage unit can also be helpful for anything you need to complete projects for your major, such as film equipment or art supplies.

6. Before College Graduation

Graduating from college is an exciting time, but it can also be full of uncertainty. You may not know what job you’re going to get or where you’ll be moving after you receive your diploma. Keeping some of your possessions in self storage while you solidify details can take some of the pressure off of immediately figuring out your next steps. Because you can rent a storage unit on a month-to-month basis, you can keep your items there as long as you need without having to commit to a year-long lease if you end up moving sooner. This keeps you from spending unnecessary money on storage once you’re ready to pack up and move into your new place.

Renting a self-storage unit can be a convenient and flexible way for you to store your belongings, regardless of the time of year. Here are some of the benefits of using self storage:

• Month-to-month terms. Life as a college student can be unpredictable, and committing to a year-long contract isn’t practical for many students. SmartStop offers storage units on a month-to-month basis, so you can use self-storage only when you need it.
• Easy access to your unit. Many students have busy schedules during the week and don’t have time to head to their storage unit during traditional business hours. Our facilities offer extended gate hours, so you can access your belongings in the early morning or late at night, whenever is convenient for you. Be sure to check the gate hours of the facilities closest to you and choose the one that works best with your schedule.
• Unit sizes to suit your needs. At most of our facilities, SmartStop offers up to eight different unit sizes to accommodate a wide range of budgets and belongings. This includes units as small as 5’ x 5’ (perfect for a hall closet’s worth of items) and 10’ x 20’ (great if you want to split a storage unit with your roommate and store an entire apartment’s worth of belongings for the summer). 
• Moving supplies. Moving out of your dorm or apartment can be overwhelming, so it helps to have easy access to any supplies you may need in one convenient place. Many of our storage facilities offer boxes, bubble wrap, moving kits, locks and other supplies you may need, as well as dollies for easy loading and unloading.
• Vehicle storage. If you're a student with a car and need to find long-term parking for a semester, you may be able to park at a storage unit. Some facilities offer vehicle storage options, including covered and uncovered parking spots, which allow you to store your car in a secure, gated facility until you need it next.

Picking the right self-storage unit starts with finding a facility near your campus. If you anticipate needing to visit your unit frequently throughout the school year, consider renting a unit at the facility that’s closest to your campus. If you’re storing your belongings long-term and only need to access them occasionally, facilities a little farther — in a five- to 10-mile range — may provide better deals or amenities that may be worth taking advantage of. 

When researching storage facility options, consider the types of units available. If you have minimal storage needs, small units might be all you need. Some facilities also offer storage lockers, which are a budget-friendly solution for storing items like books, seasonal clothing or important documents.

It’s also important to consider whether the items you’re storing are sensitive to temperature and humidity — for example, electronics, artwork, furniture and musical instruments. If they are, you need to store them in a climate-controlled unit, where the temperature and moisture levels are tightly controlled to prevent damage to your valuables.

Integrating self-storage into a college budget can be manageable with a few savvy strategies:

• Share a unit. If you only need to keep a few items there, you can consider renting a unit with a friend or roommate to save money. Splitting the cost can make it significantly more affordable while still providing ample space for both of your belongings. Discuss the terms upfront to avoid misunderstandings about payment and access.
• Online discounts. Many self-storage facilities offer online discounts and promotions. Booking your unit online can often be cheaper than renting in person. Be sure to compare prices and features across different facilities to ensure you're getting the best deal. Look out for student-specific promotions or first-month-free offers to maximize your savings.
• Off-peak renting. If possible, try to rent your storage unit during off-peak times. Many students look for storage at the end of the academic year, leading to higher demand and limited unit availability. Renting a unit a few weeks before or after peak times might secure you a better rate.
• Size and type of unit: Carefully assess how much space you actually need. Renting a unit that’s too large means you’ll be paying for unused space. Conversely, renting a unit that’s too small could require renting a second unit or going through the hassle of upgrading your unit. You can use our size guide to see what kind of unit is best for you.

Regardless of what you need a self-storage unit for, it’s helpful to organize it for year-round access. When summer is over and the back-to-school season is here, you can organize your unit in a way that makes it easy for you to find (and grab) specific items when you need them. Here are some tips:

• Placement of larger items. Start by placing larger items, such as couches and bookshelves, in the unit first. This creates a solid base and allows you to stack smaller items around and on top of these bigger pieces. Be mindful of the weight distribution to avoid damaging delicate items.
• Use vertical space. Make the most of the vertical space in your storage unit by stacking items and using shelving units. Shelving can help keep things organized and prevent piles from toppling over. Ensure that heavier items are on the bottom to maintain stability. Notably, mattresses should not be stored vertically.
• Label everything. Clearly label all boxes and containers with their contents. This will save you time when you need to find something specific. Use large, easy-to-read labels or even color-code your boxes for better organization.
• Keep an inventory. Maintain a detailed inventory of what’s in your storage unit. List each box or item and its location within the unit. This can be done manually or with a simple spreadsheet. 
• Create pathways. If your storage unit is large enough, create small pathways to access the back of the unit without having to move everything in the front. This makes it easier to reach items stored at the back without a major reorganization.
• Accessibility. Store items you’re more likely to need soon near the front of the unit. Seasonal items or things you won’t need for a while can go toward the back. This way, you won’t have to dig through everything to get what you need.
• Protect delicate items. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or moving blankets and place them in sturdy boxes. Mark these boxes as fragile and ensure they are not buried under heavier items.
• Use clear bins. If possible, use clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Clear bins make it easier to see what’s inside without having to open each one. They also provide better protection against moisture and pests.
• Coordinate with roommates. Communication and coordination are key when sharing a storage unit with roommates. Use shared labels and color-coded bins to differentiate between each person’s belongings. Establish ground rules for access and organization to keep things orderly.
• Plan for regular check-ins. Periodically visit your storage unit to check on the condition of your items and to reorganize if necessary. This helps you stay on top of any potential issues and ensures that everything remains in good condition.

Whether you need storage for the next four years of college or just a few months, finding a unit near you can help you make the most of your college experience. Whether you’re storing items during summer break, studying abroad or simply decluttering your living space, self storage provides the convenience and peace of mind that every student needs. For more tips and details on self storage and college living, check out our blog.