How To Store Your Stuff Between Academic Years
You can store your stuff between academic years by bringing it home, using specialised student storage, looking for local self-storage facilities or researching on-campus options.
To make storing your stuff between academic years as easy as possible, be organised about when you’ll need storage and pack efficiently.
If you’re looking to store your stuff between academic years, we can help. At The Box Co., we’re specialists in flexible, affordable storage for students from just £3.56 per month! Get in touch with us today to get a quote!
Choose The Right Storage Solution To Store Your Stuff Between Academic Years
To choose the right storage solution to store your stuff between academic years, you need to be aware of the different options available.
Take Your Stuff Home
A logical (and free) solution is to take your stuff home for the holidays and bring it back when the next academic year starts; however, this is not always an option for everyone.
If you live far away from your university or school, it can be difficult to get your items back home - especially if you don’t have access to a vehicle or are an international student.
Local Self-Storage Facility
Most university towns have a local self-storage facility. These can be a convenient option for storing your items and moving them into your accommodation at the start of the next academic year. However, with inner-city storage facilities, you usually pay more for the location.
An easy location could be more convenient but will cost you more money; however, a self-storage facility further away could be difficult to access and will most likely require a car.
Another thing to watch out for with local self-storage facilities is that sometimes they are less flexible when it comes to having a fixed contract. You may only need storage for a couple of weeks but might get locked into a longer-term, fixed contract.
Specialist Student Storage
Choosing a storage company that offers specialist student storage usually ensures that you’re getting the best deal possible as they have special offers for students and understand the need for flexibility and affordability.
Companies like The Box Co., also offer pick-up and drop-off. This means that they’ll pick up your items directly from your door, store it for you and deliver it back to you whenever you need it - even if it’s a different address. This is a great option for students who don’t have access to a car as it offers maximum convenience. And with prices from £3.56 per month, it's a no brainer for storage on a budget!
On-Campus Storage
Sometimes on-campus options are available but they are usually quite limited. University campuses tend to be used during the holidays for different activities so there is not always much space available for storage.
If you have a student house, you may have an annual contract, meaning that you pay rent even during the months that you’re not attending classes. On the one hand, this can be frustrating to pay for months of rent when you’re not there, but it also means that you can store your stuff in your home between academic years.
How To Prepare Your Stuff For Storage Between Academic Years
There are a few things you can do to prepare your stuff for storage between academic years.
Prepare Your Items For Storage
Making sure your items are clean and dry before going into storage will avoid damp and mould from occurring. If you have any furniture, disassembling it before putting it into storage will save a great deal of space. This could be relevant for desks, shelves and even beds.
Stay Organised
Using things like labelled boxes and an inventory will save you a great deal of time when you unpack your items after the holidays as you’ll know where to find everything.
Maximise Space
Using things like vacuum bags for clothes and space can minimise the size of your items so that you can fit more into the storage boxes. Packing efficiently will also help you get the most out of your storage.
What’s The Right Size Storage Unit To Store Stuff Between Academic Years?
The right size storage unit to store stuff between academic years will depend on how many items you have. A small to medium-sized unit could be the right fit - something like 5x10, for example. Unless you have lots of furniture or large appliances, a 10x15 storage unit will likely be too big.
It might also be a good idea to look for the biggest storage unit available and split the cost with friends or roommates.
For students, storage by-the-box may offer the best solution when it comes to affordability and flexibility.
Tips On How To Store Your Stuff Between Academic Years
If you’re planning to store your stuff between academic years, you should:
Plan Ahead
Book early to avoid disappointment. Many students will be looking for storage between academic years so make sure you get your slot as soon as possible. Booking early could also help you benefit from special prices.
Once you know when and where you’ll be storing your stuff, you can start packing any less important or non-essential items early on so that you can be prepared.
Pack Efficiently
Get the most out of your space by packing efficiently - folding things properly, using things like vacuum bags and using the entire storage box to not waste any space.
It’s also advisable to use proper packaging materials - sturdy boxes and strong tape to make sure that your items are protected during storage.
Declutter Before Storage
Make your life easier by doing a big clear-out before you prepare your items for storage. You’ll have no doubt accumulated various items over the academic year that you don’t need to take forward into next year.
Go through your items to donate, sell or throw away anything you don't need anymore. This will ensure that you’re only packing and storing the items you need and can save you space and money.
Specialist Student Storage With The Box Co.
At The Box Co., we offer specialist student storage to help you store your stuff between academic years, holiday periods or years abroad from just £3.56 per month!
Whatever your needs, we’ll make sure to offer you maximum flexibility, convenience and affordability. Contact us today to get a quote!
