As college students move between semesters, internships, or summer breaks, the need for temporary storage often becomes essential. Whether you’re moving out of a dorm room or downsizing for a few months, choosing the right storage size is crucial to ensure all your belongings fit comfortably while avoiding unnecessary costs.
In this post, we will explore the different storage options available and help you determine what size storage unit you’ll need as a student.
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What are Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Unit for Students?
Before selecting a student storage unit near me, it’s important to take inventory of your belongings and consider the following factors:
- Amount of Furniture: Do you have larger items like a desk, chair, or bed frame that need to be stored, or is it just clothes and smaller accessories?
- Seasonal Items: Do you have bulky items like winter coats, sports equipment, or extra bedding that will need storage during certain months?
- Proximity to Campus: It’s often convenient to choose a storage unit near your college/university for easy access when returning.
Common Storage Unit Sizes for Students
5×5 Storage Unit
- What It Fits: A 5×5 unit is often compared to the size of a small closet. It’s perfect for storing personal items,
- Example Items: Bedding, textbooks, winter clothes, and a few boxes.
5×10 Storage Unit
- What It Fits: This unit is similar to a walk-in closet and can store a few pieces of small furniture, such as a twin mattress, a dresser, or a desk, along with multiple boxes and personal items.
- Ideal For: Students who have some small furniture to store along with their personal belongings. If you’re moving out of a small dorm or a shared room in an apartment, this size may suit your needs.
- Example Items: A twin bed, desk, a few boxes, and a bike.
10×10 Storage Unit
- What It Fits: A 10×10 unit is about the size of a standard bedroom. It can hold larger furniture such as a couch, mattress, dining table, and various boxes. It’s ideal for students who need to store the contents of a studio apartment or a larger dorm room.
- Ideal For: Students who have a significant amount of furniture or those sharing a storage unit with a roommate. It’s also a good choice if you’re studying abroad or leaving for an extended break.
- Example Items: A full bed, dresser, couch, coffee table, and several boxes.
10×15 Storage Unit
- What It Fits: This large storage unit size can comfortably store the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including larger furniture like a sectional sofa, full or queen-sized bed, and home appliances.
- Ideal For: Students who need to store a full apartment’s worth of items or those who are storing belongings for a longer period.
- Example Items: Full-sized bed, couch, large dresser, refrigerator, and numerous boxes.
Other Student Storage Options
- Shared Storage Units – If you’re looking to cut costs, consider sharing a storage unit with a roommate or friend. This can be particularly useful if you don’t have a lot of large items but still need some extra space for personal belongings. A 5×10 or 10×10 unit can often accommodate two people’s items.
- Seasonal Storage Solutions – Some storage facilities offer seasonal plans that cater specifically to students. These plans allow for flexible, short-term storage options for students who only need space over the summer or winter breaks. Be sure to inquire about student discounts or special promotions.
- Storage with Pick-Up and Delivery – Storage companies like KeepSake, Public Storage, and XYZ Storage, offer student-specific services, including student storage with pick-up and delivery. This is an excellent option for those without access to a vehicle or who live in cities where transportation can be challenging. You can pack your belongings, and the company will pick them up and store them for you, delivering them back when needed.
Which Storage Size is Right for Me?
Selecting the right storage size depends on how much you need to store and how long you plan to store it. As a student, if you’re only packing up personal items and smaller belongings, a 5×5 unit may be sufficient.
For those with small furniture, a 5×10 unit or 10×10 unit seems to be an ideal choice. If you’re storing the contents of a small apartment or sharing with a roommate, a larger 10×10 unit or 10×15 unit might be necessary.
Take time to assess your needs and choose the option that best fits your budget and storage requirements. With the right unit, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe and easily accessible when you need them again.
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