Plan student storage between terms with our simple checklist, packing tips and cost advice. Store your belongings safely and stress-free over breaks.
While packing up your room and lugging boxes across the country may seem like a cost-effective option, it might not be. When looking at your options, remember to consider not only the cost but also the time, hassle and potential damage to your belongings.
Choosing student storage for your summer or winter break is often the most convenient and stress-free solution, letting you focus on studying, moving or enjoying your time off. But to get the best deal and ensure a smooth move-out, timing matters!
Timeline & checklist
We recommend that you start planning well in advance of your moving date so you avoid last-minute stress and premium prices. We’ve put together this checklist as your guide to help you through this process.
4 weeks from moving day
- Research storage providers
Starting four weeks before your moving date will give you plenty of time to sort out your storage options. Start by searching for “student storage near [campus location]” to compare providers and see the options in your university or college area. After all, you don’t want to have to transport your belongings too far from your accommodation as that would defeat the purpose!
- Check prices
When you get a list of possible storage solutions, use their online quote tools to check prices. Also consider if they offer special student storage pricing and flexible contracts, as you don’t want to have to pay for storage longer than you need it.
- Book your storage unit
Once you’ve decided on your student storage provider, book your storage unit. Once booked, make sure you review the contents protection/insurance requirements, so you’re fully covered in case of an emergency.
3 weeks from moving day
- De-clutter
Now that you have your storage unit booked, it’s time to decide what you want to store. Begin by de-cluttering your space and sorting your belongings into 5 categories: 1) Take home, 2) Store, 3) Donate, 4) Sell and 5) Bin. Once you have these piles, it’ll be easier for you to only keep what you need – and to potentially make a bit of money from the things you don’t.
- Get packaging supplies
Also, look at buying or collecting packaging supplies so you’re ready to start packing. Consider getting boxes, tape and bubble wrap so everything can be stored safely.
Quick tip: If you need help finding these items, our Box Shop has everything you need in one place, so it’s really easy to get anything your supplies in order.
- Organise transport
Don’t forget to also sort out how you’ll be moving all your belongings to your storage unit. Will you drive yourself, hire a removal company or ask friends and family for help?
2 weeks from moving day
- Start packing
With 2 weeks or less to your moving date, start packing some of your non-essential items like seasonal clothes, books and decorative items; anything you won’t need in the next couple of weeks. It’ll make the build-up to moving day less stressful and help you feel more organised.
- Label your boxes
Make sure that any boxes you do pack are clearly labelled with their contents and your name in case any go missing. This will make it a lot easier later when you want to unpack again or find that one item that you realised you actually needed.
- Check for prohibited items
When packing, check with your storage provider if they have a prohibited items list, like perishable items or flammable items. This should be found on the supplier’s website and in your contract with them.
1 week from moving day
- Pack your remaining items
With just less than 7 days to moving day, it’s time to ramp up your packing and box up most of your remaining items, leaving only necessities for the final few days. We recommend leaving a suitcase or box free for those last few important items so you can seal up the other boxes.
- Confirm moving day details
Be sure to check with your university, college or private rental company for the details of your move-out day. Is there a certain time you need to have left by? Do you need to leave your space in a particular condition (bins taken out/cleaned, etc.)? By confirming these ahead of time, your moving day should be less stressful.
Check similar details with your storage provider. Is there a particular time on your moving day that you can access your unit? Do you need to organise anything with reception or is it all self-service?
- Check ID requirements
As well as checking your moving day details, see if your student storage provider needs any official documentation or ID requirements for dropping off items.
Moving day
- Load and transport
It’s finally moving day! Now everything is packed and ready to go, start your day by loading up your transport and heading to the storage facility. Keep in mind that, depending on how much you need to store and how you’re getting to your new storage unit, you may need to take several trips.
- Complete the paperwork
Once at your storage facility, complete any final paperwork or ID checks.
- Relax
And relax! You’re finally finished a long day, your belongings are safe and it’s time for you to relax and enjoy your holiday.
What size unit do students need?
One of the biggest concerns for students and parents is paying for space you don’t need. Here’s a quick guide:
- Single room guide: Most students living in halls or a single rented room find that a small unit (e.g., 10-15 sq. ft.) is sufficient for all their furniture, clothes, books and kitchenware. If you have a bike or furniture, you may need slightly more space.
- Share with a roommate: If you’re moving out of a shared house, consider sharing a unit with a reliable flatmate. A medium unit (e.g., 25 sq. ft.) can often comfortably hold the combined belongings of two people, splitting the student storage costs and saving you both money.
Quick tip: Use our size estimator tool to calculate the precise space you need before booking.
Packing: clothes, books, tech & kitchenware
Proper packing helps keep your items safe while in storage. Use sturdy, uniform boxes (search for “student storage boxes”), protective packaging, and follow these tips:
- Clothes: Use vacuum-seal bags to drastically reduce volume and store them in secure boxes, not bin bags.
- Books: Books are heavy! Use smaller boxes for them and fill in the space with packing paper or lighter items to prevent shifting.
- Tech (laptops, monitors): Disconnect all cables, back up your data and wrap fragile screens with bubble wrap. Store in original boxes if possible or well-padded alternatives.
- Kitchenware: Wrap all fragile items individually. Store plates vertically like records, which reduces the chance of breakage.
Important: Never store perishables (like food), flammable items or prohibited items (check your contract).
Transport options
Once you’ve chosen your storage facility and packed up your belongings, getting your items from your current accommodation to the storage facility is a necessary consideration. You have a few options to choose from, depending on availability and your budget.
- Self-drive: Ideal if you or a flatmate has a car or van. This gives you the most flexibility in time and allows you to make as many trips as you need to.
- Friends or family: A great cost-effective option, ask your parents or friends to help collect and drop off items. This is also a good option if you need to stay at your accommodation for final checks and paperwork and your loved ones can start the moving process.
- Removals support: Some storage companies offer collection services or you can hire a local man-with-a-van service for an easy, hands-off experience.
Costs, insurance & ID requirements
When choosing your student storage facility, don’t forget to ask about any potential discounts, how the contract works, and what insurance you may need.
Costs & discounts
Always ask about student discounts – they can only say no. If they don’t offer a specific discount, many companies offer special rates for those booking student storage between terms. Plus, look for providers with a price guarantee to make sure you’re getting the best value.
At Titan, we offer 50% off your storage for up to 8 weeks, making it perfect for student storage. We also have our storage price guarantee, so you know you’re getting the best price.
Flexible contracts & access
Storage contracts for students should be flexible, allowing you to pay for only the time you need, whether that’s two weeks or a full summer. Make sure you understand the access hours and costs (if any) if you need to access your unit during the term break.
At Titan, we offer flexible storage solutions to suit your needs, starting from the very moment you walk into one of our stores, if you need it. You can also access your items from 5am to 11pm, 7 days a week, without any hidden charges.
Contents protection
Your storage provider may require you to purchase contents protection or insurance. This is important for safeguarding your valuable items against unforeseen events.
At Titan, we are able to offer protection (for a small additional fee) for our customers’ goods in-store with our StoreProtect solution. And, if you don’t want to use this option, for complete peace of mind, we ask that you provide proof of any insurance arrangements you have secured before moving in.
FAQs
Can I book student storage for a short term, like a Christmas break?
Yes, we offer storage solutions that work for you and all of our services and storage periods are tailored to meet your needs and will be created as part of your sign-up process.
Can my parents collect my belongings?
Yes, all we need is their name on your account and we can provide individual access codes to them so you can see who had access and when.
Can I access my storage unit during the break?
Yes, you can access your items at Titan as many times as you need to. Access to our stores is available to customers 5am–11pm, 7 days a week.
What is the process for booking and moving in?
At Titan, once you’ve chosen your location, we can have your belongings in storage in just three simple steps: choose your size, review your quote and secure your storage.
Looking to book student storage?
To help meet your student needs, we offer student storage areas ranging from a large locker that can take a couple of suitcases, to our variety of storage units to help you store clothing, books, sports equipment and personal items. We offer simple, affordable prices, making those summer storage months less stressful – get your quote today!
