Are you a college student considering renting a storage unit? Whether you need a place to store items over summer break, plan to study abroad, or want to free up space in your dorm room, renting self storage can be a great solution. This guide answers common questions about self storage for college students.
When Should College Students Use Self Storage Units?
College students may find self storage helpful at different times throughout the school year, such as during summer break or when sharing a dorm with a roommate. Here are a few occasions when you may want to consider renting self storage.
During Summer & Winter Breaks
Instead of having to haul everything back home once the semester or school year ends, out-of-state students can rent a self storage unit to keep their belongings safe and out of the way during summer and winter break. This eliminates the stress of overpacking your car or spending money on a moving truck only to have to bring everything back a short time later. Monthly storage unit rentals provide a convenient and college budget-friendly storage solution until the start of the next semester.
While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for college students, but deciding what to do with your belongings while you’re away can be a challenge. Whether you’re living abroad for the summer, a semester, or a full year, renting college storage is a secure, cost-effective solution for your items while you’re away. One of the benefits of self storage for students studying abroad is that it’s significantly more affordable than paying for an apartment just for your things—and it saves you from committing to a new lease if you’re unsure where you’ll be living after returning.
When You’re Moving or Have a Lease Gap
If your sublease is up, you have a lease gap before a new semester, or you’re in between a move to a new dorm or apartment, a storage unit is a perfect solution. Renting college storage provides a safe place for your belongings while you figure out your next living situation.
When Living Space is Limited
Whether you’re living in a small space with a roommate or moving off-campus—alone or with roommates—living space can be limited. Renting a storage unit helps free up shared areas and reduce clutter by providing a place for items or furniture you don’t use often or currently have duplicates of but want to keep for future use. Experimenting with various decluttering methods can help you decide what to keep in your space and what to place in student storage.
For Storing Seasonal Items
If you’re living in an apartment or dorm room, you might not have excess storage space for items you only need for part of the year. Instead of hauling things like winter coats, seasonal clothing, holiday decor, heaters, and fans back and forth from your parents’ house, consider using a storage unit. It’s an easy way to keep seasonal items nearby and make your space feel more like home—without the clutter.
Key Factors for Student Self Storage
When renting self storage in college, you should consider more than just price. From unit size and access hours to climate control and security features, here are several factors that can help you choose the right solution for your needs.
Storage Unit Size Options
Storage facilities offer a range of unit sizes, making it easy for students to find an option that works for their needs. Whether you need to store dorm or household items, here are some different storage unit size options to consider when looking for reliable student self storage:
- Storage Lockers: Storage lockers have reduced-height ceilings and typically measure 4x5 (20 square feet) or smaller, making them a budget-friendly option for students. They’re perfect for storing a few small items, like textbooks or a couple of boxes.
- 5x5 & 5x10: Standard 5x5 or 5x10 storage units are ideal for storing the contents of a dorm room, studio apartment, or one-bedroom apartment—such as a twin XL mattress, desk, mini-fridge, and several boxes.
- 10x10 & 10x20: A 10x10 or 10x20 unit is perfect if you live in a two-bedroom apartment, as these unit sizes can hold large items like a full-size couch or queen bed—along with assorted boxes and various other items.
Climate Control
If you need to store temperature-sensitive items such as electronics, textbooks, and wooden or upholstered furniture, a climate-controlled storage unit can help protect your belongings from extreme temperature changes. Climate-controlled storage units typically maintain environments between 55 and 80 degrees throughout the year—though some facilities may offer different types of climate control, including:
- Air-Cooled Storage: Circulates cold air with the help of water vapor—safeguarding your items in areas with hot summers and high temperatures
- Heated Storage: Equipped with indoor heating systems—perfect if you go to college in an extremely cold area
- Humidity-Controlled Storage: Regulates and maintains a consistent humidity range—best option for protecting moisture-sensitive items
Drive-Up Access
One of the most convenient features that college students can look for in a storage unit is drive-up access. This storage feature allows you to pull your vehicle directly up to the entrance of your storage space—which is especially helpful if you’re storing heavy furniture or plan to make frequent trips to your unit!
Vehicle Storage
If you have limited campus parking, are flying home for a seasonal break, or are studying abroad, you may need a place to keep your car in the meantime. Many storage facilities offer vehicle storage options with secure space for your vehicle. Here are the most common types of vehicle storage:
- Indoor Storage: Offers the most protection for vehicles and is ideal for long-term storage needs, like studying abroad
- Outdoor Storage: Offers less protection from the elements, but is an affordable and convenient option if you need to retrieve your car frequently
- Covered Storage: Offers some protection from the elements, which is helpful if you go to college in an area that experiences severe weather
Flexible Access Hours
College life doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Choosing a storage facility with 24-hour access or extended access hours allows you to visit your unit early in the morning, late at night, or whenever it fits your routine—making storage more flexible and convenient for busy students.
Security Features
When you’re renting a storage unit on a limited college budget, you want to make sure your belongings are safe, so look for facilities with good lighting and security features. While storage facilities aren’t guaranteed to have all of these features, having at least some of them can help keep your items secure and give you peace of mind while renting college storage.
- Electronic Gate Access: Storage facility is closed off with a main entrance only accessible with a code
- Video Surveillance: Cameras are on-site, helping to deter theft and property damage
- On-Site Resident Managers: Manager lives on the facility property and can respond quickly to any concerns
- Security Access to Your Floor Only: Controlled access allows tenants to enter only the floor their unit is on
- Individually-Alarmed Units: Each unit has its own security system that will sound if anyone besides the facility manager or tenant tries to enter
Tips For Renting Student Self Storage
Once you’ve decided to rent a storage unit, a few key choices can help you make the most of it. From flexible rental terms to choosing the right location, here are some practical tips for getting the most out of self storage as a college student.
Look for Month-to-Month Rentals
Month-to-month storage offers college students flexibility without any commitment. This allows you to rent a unit for the duration you need, whether it’s for the entire school year or just short-term over the summer break.
Choose a Storage Facility Near Campus
Renting storage near campus adds convenience, especially if you’ll need to access your unit regularly. Some locations may even be within walking distance and offer extended access hours, making it easy to retrieve items on a moment’s notice.
Keep Costs Low with Budget-Friendly Options
Self storage can be a cost-effective way to free up space without upgrading to a larger apartment. With a range of options available—from small lockers to large storage units—you can find a storage space that suits your budget. Some storage facilities may also offer student discounts or promotions.
Store Your Items Strategically
Organizing your storage unit properly can save you time and hassle later. Some facilities sell packing supplies on-site to help with set-up and organization. Keep these tips in mind as you pack a storage unit:
- Maintain an Inventory List: Take photos and keep a spreadsheet so you know what items are in your unit—and where you placed them.
- Label Your Boxes & Bins: Use masking tape or stickers to label your items so you can easily locate them for future use.
- Store Heavy Items on the Bottom: To avoid damaging your other belongings, store large, heavy items in storage containers at the bottom of your unit, stacking lighter items on top.
- Store Frequently Used Items Near the Front: Store items you’ll need in the near future at the front for easy access, with seasonal or unused items pushed toward the back of the unit.
- Avoid Overpacking the Space: To give yourself ample room to safely access belongings in your unit, leave a walking path. Create multiple access paths if you have a large unit.
College Storage FAQs
What is the minimum rental commitment?
Many storage facilities require a one-month minimum rental commitment. Extra Space Storage facilities have units available for month-to-month rentals, and customers can cancel with either a written notice at least 15 days prior to move-out, or verbal notice at least 10 days prior to move-out.
What is the average cost of a storage unit?
The cost of a storage unit depends on its size and features—such as climate control and drive-up access—as well as factors like location and demand. On average, a 5x5 storage unit costs $40, while a 10x30 costs $317.
How secure are self storage units?
Self storage units are secure, though security measures vary by facility, so it’s important to review the features each location offers. Extra Space Storage locations are equipped with measures like video surveillance, electronic gate access, on-site resident managers, individually-alarmed units, and security access to your floor only. For details on the security features available at your local facility, contact a team member.
Does my storage unit come with insurance?
Most storage companies, including Extra Space Storage, require customers to have insurance—typically through homeowners or renters coverage—as we do not insure stored items and are not responsible for damage or loss. If you don’t have insurance, Extra Space Storage offers storage insurance options when you rent your unit.
What size storage unit is ideal for students?
The ideal storage unit for students varies based on storage needs and living situations. Storage lockers are perfect for storing a few small items like textbooks and other school supplies, while a 5x5 or 5x10 storage unit is perfect for storing the contents of a dorm room or a one-bedroom apartment.
Can I share a storage unit with a roommate?
If you don’t need as much space or want to save on costs, Extra Space Storage facilities do allow you to share a storage unit with a roommate, though both names will be required on the lease. For more information on guidelines, contact your nearest Extra Space Storage facility.
Do storage facilities offer student discounts?
Some Extra Space Storage facilities may offer student discounts or promotions, but it’s best to call ahead to your nearest location to see if any are available. If so, try to secure your rental early for the most affordable option—prices may rise near the end of the semester.
***
Find Self Storage Facilities Near Your University
Extra Space Storage has locations throughout the U.S. offering affordable self storage for college students! Be sure to ask about Extra Space Storage student discounts to see if any are available at your preferred location.
Popular storage options for college students include:
- Grand Canyon University Storage Units
- Ohio State University Storage Units
- Fordham University Storage Units
- Stanford University Storage Units
- Xavier University of Louisiana Storage Units
- Howard University Storage Units
Find self storage near your college today!
