For many college students, short-term self-storage can keep your life in order, whether you’re heading home, studying abroad, or returning for another next semester. Here are some tips to consider when looking for storage units:
Research Available Units
It can be challenging to find affordable storage units, especially at the end and the beginning of a semester, when they are in high demand. It’s common for some college students to expand their search and look for self-storage companies beyond a few miles.
Review the contract and look for hidden fees and ask specific questions.
Is there a student discount? While it’s essential to ask for a student discount, you might not necessarily be saving money. Remember that getting a “discount” doesn’t mean the cost will be lower. You still want to look for hidden fees or an increased rental rate shortly after signing a contract. Other questions to ask:
- Are there any sign-up or deposit fees?
- Will the first or last month’s rent be prorated?
- Can you access your belongings 24/7?
- Is the facility secure? Is there security lighting, a gated entry, security cameras, and individual door alarms?
Determine What You Can Store
Self-storage can store almost anything, including electronics, out-of-season clothing, old textbooks you may need later, school souvenirs, and more. Likewise, many parents utilize self-storage units to organize their homes after a child leaves for college.
What Size and Type of Storage Unit?
College students find that there are many sizes and types of storage units, although most prefer small locker units similar in size to an oversized closet. Always a good choice, small units can store a few small pieces of furniture, keepsakes, and apparel.
If you want to store furniture that does not fit, a larger unit, at least 5 feet by 5 feet, might be a better option. Also, If storing temperature-sensitive items like musical instruments, important documents or anything wood or leather, consider investing in a climate-controlled storage unit, which maintains temperatures within a specific range, avoiding damage and mildew from humidity.
Tips to Optimize Packing
These tips will help you find and remember items in your storage unit.
- Itemize a list of boxes.
- Label boxes on all sides, writing the box’s contents.
- Keep a floor plan, labeling where everything is.
- Add a shelving unit to the back of your unit, where you can keep fragile and cumbersome items.
- Consider the importance of a secure facility close enough to visit often.
Storage Authority provides 24/7 self-storage room access so you can retrieve your goods when it’s convenient for you. Our storage units and moving products go a long way in providing peace of mind to our customers. Visit our website, contact us, or call us at 262-676-9464.