Common College Storage Mistakes – Tips for Summer Storage
The end of your spring semester leading up to summer break can be a stressful period of time. You’ve just finished your exams, and you’re looking forward to heading home – it is likely that finding storage for your dorm room is one of the last things on your mind. Don’t stress out – Mission Storage is here to help! Find affordable state college storage units this summer in Florida and New Mexico. Read our helpful guide below to learn of some common college storage mistakes you can avoid this summer.
Avoid Overpacking – Donate or Sell Unneeded Items
Your storage unit will offer a finite area of space for storage. Thus, you might want to consider donating or selling some of your bulkier items rather than placing them in storage over break. That uncomfortable second-hand mattress you use, or that sagging sofa your parents gifted you? List them for sale on your campus’ message boards, or post them on an area marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, you can donate them to a local church, or to an area thrift store.
Regardless of your method, the goal is simple – clear out unnecessary items, and only place essential items in storage.
Avoid Downsizing – Pick the Right Size Storage Unit
Look, we get it; as a broke college student you are probably considering saving some money over your break by renting a small sized storage unit. Still, you should know this; there is nothing more frustrating than running out of storage space mid-move. Avoid this headache by renting a larger unit. Moving.com helps highlight the amount of space you might need in their recent article discussing summer storage tips for college students. They note that a 5×5 size storage unit should provide sufficient storage space for a small dorm room; however, you should consider sizing up to a 5×10 unit if you live in a two or three-bedroom apartment. Use their estimates as a starting point when considering storage sizes.
Additionally as useful, Mission Storage provides a free storage calculator online for renters. Simply input what you need to store, and the calculator will provide an estimate in cubic feet as to how much storage space you will need. Subsequently, a storage unit size will be recommended based off of your estimate. Be sure to choose the right size storage unit this summer!
Avoid Clutter – Organize Your Storage Unit Efficiently
Be sure to organize and pack your storage unit efficiently prior to leaving for break. It might seem like extra work at the time, but efficiently organizing your storage unit will save you unnecessary hassle when you’re ready to unpack. Consider creating an overhead map of your storage unit’s layout, and create an inventory spreadsheet taking note of all items placed in storage. Label all boxes and storage bins. Additionally, take advantage of your unit’s “vertical space”- larger bins can be placed on your unit’s floor, whereas smaller and more lightly packed boxes can be stacked on top.
Be strategic with your storage unit layout. Seasonal clothing items and smaller items such as textbooks can be placed close to your storage unit’s entrance for easy access. Likewise, push larger items like mattresses or desks flush against your storage unit’s back wall. Utilize proper packing materials to protect your larger items. Items should be wrapped in plastic wrap, bubble wrap, or furniture blankets. Be sure to visit Mission Storage today for all of your packing and moving supplies!
Mission Storage – Managing Hernando Storage and Zia Stor-All
Mission Storage provides affordable self-storage rental services to Florida and New Mexico. Renters enjoy amenities including temperature-controlled storage units, 24/7 camera monitoring, and the convenience of moving and packing supplies sold on-site. Additionally, each location offers month-to-month rental agreements – this feature is perfect for college students looking for affordable state college storage units over summer break. Visit today, and feel confident avoiding common college storage mistakes this summer!
Come rent with us today!
Hernando Storage FL | Zia Stor-All NM
Tim Glasow
About the Author: Tim is an SEO Strategist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.
