What Is The Best Summer Storage For Students?

Storage by the box is the best summer storage for students because it's flexible, affordable, and includes transport.

Whether you're heading off to travel, moving out of halls, or just need to store your stuff before you move into a new student house, summer storage can be a real headache. So what’s the best way to do it?

The good news is that there are now more convenient and affordable options than ever, including companies that collect your things straight from your door, store them, and then deliver them back to you when you're ready.

Here, we look at everything you need to know when it comes to summer storage for students, including how much space you’ll need, what it’ll cost, and how to pick the right option.

 

What is summer storage?

 

Summer storage is a short-term storage solution for students who need somewhere to keep their stuff while they're away from uni. It’s ideal if you’re going home for the holidays, travelling abroad or switching accommodations between terms.

Rather than carting all your things back and forth, summer storage lets you leave everything in a secure place until you need it again.

 

What storage options exist for students?

 

When it comes to student storage, you’ve got a couple of main choices:

 

1. Self-storage units

These are traditional storage spaces you rent by size - anything from a small locker to a full room.

They’re useful if you have bigger items like furniture or if you’re sharing with friends.

However, you usually have to organise your own transport to and from the facility, which can be a hassle if you don’t drive or live far from one.

 

2. Storage by the box

This is a newer and more popular option where you only pay for the number of boxes you store. Services like this often include:

• Free delivery of packing materials (like boxes and tape)

• Collection from your uni address

• Secure storage for as long as you need

• Delivery back to your new place when term starts again

It's a flexible and low-effort way to store your stuff, especially if you don’t have loads to pack up.

 

How much storage does the average student need?

 

The amount of storage you’ll need depends on what you’re planning to leave behind for the summer. Most students don’t need loads of space, but it helps to get a rough idea so you’re not paying for more than you actually use.

 

If you're using a storage-by-the-box service:

2–3 boxes - Good for light packers. This can cover essentials like clothes, books, and personal items.

4–6 boxes - A good average for most students. You’ll have room for bedding, kitchen bits, maybe a small appliance or two.

7+ boxes - Great if you’re storing the contents of an entire student room or studio, including decorations or sports gear.

Since you’re only charged for the number of boxes you store, this is a really cost-effective option if you don’t have much or just want to keep things simple.

 

 

If you're looking at self-storage units:

10 sq ft - Roughly fits a few boxes and a suitcase. Good for minimal storage or just textbooks and clothes.

25 sq ft - Fits around 8–10 boxes, plus a small item like a bike or a mini-fridge.

50 sq ft - Can hold the contents of a small flat. Great for larger loads or if you’re sharing with a flatmate.

100 sq ft - Usually more than a student needs solo, but ideal for groups storing everything from furniture to instruments.

Think about how much you really need to store, whether you want to share with friends, and how easy access is (especially if you’ll need to get something mid-summer).

Need help working it out? Try using a storage calculator to work out how many boxes or how much space you’ll need based on your stuff.

 

Is storage expensive?

 

It can be, especially if you’re booking a full-sized storage unit when you don’t need all that space. But storage by the box can be a much cheaper option - prices with The Box Co. start at around £3.56 per box, per month - so it's very affordable and flexible.

You also save money on van hire or taxis since these services usually include collection and delivery in the price.

That makes it a budget-friendly choice for students, especially over the summer when you only need it for a few weeks or months.

 

Do storage companies offer student discounts?

 

Yes - many storage companies offer student deals, especially over the summer when demand is high. Discounts could include reduced rates, free packing kits, or cheaper delivery fees.

It’s always worth checking if there’s a student offer available when booking, and booking early can sometimes get you a better deal too.

 

Can you rent storage just for the summer period?

 

Definitely. Most student-focused storage companies are designed to be short-term and flexible, so you can rent for just a few weeks or months depending on when you’re away.

Storage by the box is especially useful here because you’re not tied into long-term contracts or fixed unit sizes. You book what you need, when you need it, and only pay for the boxes you’re storing.

 

Summer storage for students

 

Summer storage doesn’t have to be complicated - or expensive. With more flexible options now available, including by-the-box services that come to you, it’s easier than ever to store your things while you enjoy your break.

Take a bit of time to figure out how much you need to store, compare a few services, and look out for student discounts. With the right setup, you’ll be able to head off for summer without worrying about your stuff - and come back to uni ready to start fresh.

Ready to sort your summer storage?

Book with The Box Co. today and enjoy flexible, affordable storage from just £3.56 per box. We’ll deliver the boxes, collect them from your uni, and return everything when you're back. Simple.

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