This post was originally published on July 29, 2016.
Summer is coming to a close, which means it’s time for college students to move back to school.
For students, especially those who live far away (in 2016, 5,609 Ohio residents left for school in other states), a self-storage unit can help reduce clutter at home and serve as a convenient and cost-effective storage option. Units vary in size and are a great way to keep belongings safe without having to transport them long distances.
Below, we provide tips on what college students should bring back to school and store in self storage this upcoming school year.
What to Retrieve from Storage
Many students choose to store items they don’t use during the summer or over breaks to avoid the hassle of moving belongings. Self-storage units provide college students a safe place to keep their possessions while they’re away.
Before moving back to school, students should pack items, such as:
- Appliances (e.g. toasters, refrigerators and coffeemakers).
- Electronics (e.g., television, fans or game console).
- Fragilekitchenware.
- Furniture (e.g., futons, couches, desks and chairs).
- Mattress set.
- Textbooks and school supplies.
For added convenience, students with larger items should consider a provider that offers packing supplies and complimentary moving storage solutions to help transport belongings to and from the storage facility. Keep in mind: This may only be an option for local storage needs. Ask your storage provider for information on their delivery range.
What to Store for the School Year
Depending on whether you live on or off campus, you may need a specific sized storage unit to accommodate your possessions. Students should contact a storage provider to assist in selecting the right size for their personal belongings. This will help cut costs, as they’ll only pay for the space they need.
Once students have determined an appropriately sized unit, they should consider storing items during the school year, such as:
- Blankets. Stow away blankets until the weather gets cooler.
- Furniture. Store couches, tables, or futons that are too large for the living space.
- Seasonal clothing.Pack up heavy winter jackets and shorts until needed.
- Seasonal equipment. Store bikes, sports equipment, shovels and rakes during the offseason.
Where to Store During the School Year
The safety of personal belongings is important to leasers. Students must ask important questions to ensure their items will be protected before selecting a storage provider. A few questions to consider asking include:
- Can units be shared with another lessee? Verify additional fees or conditions, if any.
- How much does each unit size cost? Inquire the cost of each unit size to find a unit within your budget.
- How secure are the units? Select a vendor with premium security in place to properly protect your items.
- When can I access my unit? Confirm what hours the facility is open and when you are able to access your items.
- How long can I store my items? Ask about the leasing minimums and select a provider the supports your specific needs.
Students should also consider storing items in a climate-controlled unit, which protects belongings, such as leather or wood furniture, textbooks and electronics from heat, light, cold, and moisture damage throughout the year.
Moving to and from school can be a hectic time for students; however, a self-storage unit can add convenience and ensure belongings are available when needed.
Do you attend school in Northeast Ohio? Learn how you could benefit from storing your belongings in one of our three conveniently located self-storage facilities.
Image Credit: Pixabay
