Introduction

We get it!

Whether you’re living with mates, partying the night away, or becoming a responsible adult, you may feel like you have finally made it. 

Yes, Uni is great and living with your friends is exciting, but, there is a stress that comes with it, that is not much spoken of in Student Digs across the UK. 

The stress of student storage!

Whilst attending University & College, throughout the years, you are going to gather many random items that you never knew you needed. Text books, sofas, lamps, old technology, that traffic cone that you drunkenly took whilst staggering home.

Depending on how much you hoard, as the collection piles up, space can become a bit of an issue. 

So, what do you when your storage space is dwindling & your next big student hall move is due? 

A self-storage unit could be the perfect way to give you some peace of mind!

In our ultimate guide to student self-storage, we will be handing down some top, essential tips to get the most out of your storage. From Why Students Need Self Storage all the way to Packing Tips for storing and your student moves! 

This is one lecture that all students should attend!

Why Students Need Self Storage

College life is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing space and belongings.

Whether it’s moving between dorms, going home for the summer, or studying abroad. Students can often find themselves in need of secure and convenient storage solutions.

This is where self-storage facilities like Secure Store come to the rescue.

No matter what time of year, storage facilities offer a stress free experience, giving you easy access to store your belongings. 

Seasonal Storage

Summer Break: You may return home for the summer holidays but don’t want the hassle of transporting all your belongings back and forth. Self-storage offers a perfect solution to keep your stuff over the summer safe, ready for the next academic year. 

Winter Break: Shorter breaks can also necessitate temporary storage for items that aren’t needed at home but shouldn’t be left in dorm rooms. This could be important documents, your TV etc.

Space Issues

Shared Accommodation: Living with your roomies can be fun and exciting, but finding space to store all your belongings might not be! Renting a storage unit, can help keep your items safe as well as freeing up some space.

Limited Space: College living spaces are notoriously small and often lack sufficient storage. Self-storage provides a place for students to keep items that don’t fit in their student digs!

Flexibility

Easy Moving: Every year you are on the go, exchanging houses, flats and student accommodation. Self secure storage offers a stable place to keep belongings during these stressful times. Plus, it also stops the chances of any important items going missing underneath your bed, or getting damaged in the move. 

Study Abroad Programs: Students going abroad need a secure place to store their items while they’re away. Self-storage ensures their belongings are safe until they return, without any flatmates or other students having a rummage around to try and play on your PS5!

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Congrats, you have decided to take the plunge and rent out a storage unit to keep all your personal belongings safe and secure….now all you have to do is choose the right size! 

Storage units, just like humans, come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. By ensuring that you have the unit size that matches your needs, you not only save time and stress in the long run, but it can provide peace of mind when it comes to safely storing your belongings. 

So, how do you choose the right self-storage unit?

Here are a number of things to look out for when researching student storage solutions:

Ask yourself questions about your items: Do you need climate control? Will you need easy retrieval access?

Security: Do they have CCTV surveillance? Do you have a key fob so that you can access your Unit? Is the premises safely and securely locked every night? Are there individual unit alarms? Can anyone easily access your storage?

Ask these questions to ensure that your belongings are safe.

Size Matters: There are a wide range of unit sizes out there so selecting the perfect storage options can be difficult, but not impossible! Some great ways of finding the right storage unit sizes are by: 

• Making a list.
• Categorising & organising what items are going in, so you can fully understand the amount of space you need. 
• Visualising what you will be storing in the space. 

Understanding storage sizes: Your local storage provider should be able to help you with some more details & offer a range of sizes. but not to worry if not, you can find some of our UK individual unit sizes and what they can fit below:

15 sq foot Unit: Fits up to 20 boxes. Can hold several boxes, small furniture items, seasonal decorations, or sports equipment.

25 sq foot Unit: Fits up to 30 boxes. Similar to a small garden shed.

35 sq foot Unit: Fits up to 50 boxes. Can fit the contents of a small one-bedroom apartment. Which includes: Bed, Sofa, Appliances and Boxes. The most affordable and convenient option for students.

50 sq foot Unit: Fits up to 80 boxes or the contents of a small flat. 

100 sq foot unit: Can hold the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, including larger furniture, appliances, and many boxes.

To see our full Unit Size Guide, visit: https://securestoreselfstorage.co.uk/unit-size-guide/

Packing & Storage Tips

Packing & storing your items away correctly and neatly, will help you in the long term & we have just the tips for you here at Secure Store! 

Tip 1: Gather Supplies

You’ll need:

1. Boxes
2. Tape:
3. Bubble Wrap:
4. Labels.
5. Pen / Sharpie

Tip 2: Organise your Boxes

Label Everything Clearly: Label each box. We aren’t suggesting writing out a full dissertation with references, we know you have enough work on your hands already! You could write: Electronics, Fragile, Student work, Sports Equipment etc. This helps in identifying the box with its contents without moving everything around.

Keep an Inventory List: Maintain a checklist of all the items you are storing and their locations. This is especially useful when looking at long-term storage. 

Tip 3: Protecting Fragile Items

Electronics: Wrap your electronics in bubble wrap and place them in sturdy boxes with cushioning materials like foam.

Glass: Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. 

Extra Padding: Use extra padding for highly fragile items. Fill any empty spaces in the box with crumpled paper to prevent movement during transport.

We have plenty of these high quality items & more available to buy on our website at https://securestoreselfstorage.co.uk/boxes-packaging/ 

Alternatively, you can find other packing items on your everyday websites such as Amazon.

Amazon Link: https://tinyurl.com/2mr7kepz

Tip 4: Smart Stacking

Lighter Items on Top / Heavy Items on Bottom: Stack lighter boxes and items on top to maintain stability and ensure they are easily accessible. Place heavier items at the bottom to create a solid base. Also, place heavier items at the back of the unit. 

Take apart Larger Items like: Bed frames, tables, wardrobes etc, don’t struggle trying to squeeze it in. Make space in your storage unit, by disassembling them. This makes it easy for you to store and utilise more space.

Cost-Effective Self-Storage Solutions

We totally understand that money & space is tight.

This is why we have the perfect solution for students when it comes to renting with us.

We aren’t as demanding as student landlords or charge you outrageous rates…we just do everything we can to help with providing students who need storage, with storage!

Here are some ways in which you can save a bit of cash on your storage journey. 

Look for Discounts: Secure Store & other self storage facilities will offer special rates and discounts which are perfect for students. Take advantage of student promotions to save on your costs. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, search for affordable options to fit your budget.

Sharing a Unit: If you feel that you wouldn’t reap the full rewards of renting a storage unit, why not split the unit with friends? This can make the bill more affordable for everyone and also, who doesn’t love having a storage organising day trip out with pals?

Book Early: Planning ahead can save you money and ensure availability. Many storage facilities provide promotional offers for early bookings, especially during peak times like the end of term. Booking in advance can help you lock in lower rates and guarantee that you have the space you need when needed!

Conclusion

Navigating and steering through student life comes with its own set of challenges, and managing your belongings shouldn’t be one of them! 

Self-storage can be a lifesaver for all students, providing a safe, convenient, and flexible solution for your storage needs. Instead of taking 3/4 trips between your student dorms to take everything home…renting a self storage unit can be a more suitable option. 

By following the tips and tricks in our ultimate student self-storage guide. You can really make an informed decision on whether a storage unit might be an ideal place to leave your belongings. 

Questions about our student self-storage

How long can I rent a storage unit for?

You can rent a storage unit for as long as you need, whether it’s for a few weeks or several years. At Secure Store, we offer flexible rental terms to accommodate both short-term and long-term storage needs. You can extend your rental period if necessary and always have the option to keep or get rid of your unit. 

Can I access my storage unit anytime?

We provide 7 days access, so you can reach or move your belongings when you need them. Making your storage seamless. 

Our Opening Times are: 

Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm. 

Sat: 9am – 5pm. 

Sun: 10am – 3pm. 

What if I need to add or remove items from my unit during the rental period?

We are flexible with this. You can add or remove items at any time during your rental period within our opening times. You could take everything home if you wanted too or spend a whole day to sort through your belongings. Your unit, Your way to store! 

How do you secure my belongings? 

At Secure Store, we take the safety of your belongings and your peace of mind as a priority. Our facilities offer a range of security features such as: 24/7 CCTV monitoring, on-site staff, access control systems, and individual padlocks for each unit to ensure that your valuable assets are always protected.