Why College Students Love Self Storage (and How to Use It Right)

Admin • August 19, 2025

Why College Students Love Self Storage (and How to Use It Right)

Infographic for college students: why storage, what to look for, and storage hacks.

College life is a mix of independence, constant change, and—let’s be honest—a lot of stuff. Between college moving into dorms, heading home for the summer, studying abroad, or switching apartments, students quickly discover one universal truth: storage space is limited, but life’s belongings aren’t.


That’s why more and more college students are turning to PrimeSpace Storage for their summer storage and academic year solutions. Renting a student-friendly self storage unit makes moving easier, saves money, and keeps valuables secure during school breaks. Whether you’re a freshman, a senior, or somewhere in between, a storage solution from PrimeSpaceStorage.com can save you time, money, and headaches.


In this guide, we’ll explore why students love storage, what to look for in student-friendly storage

facilities, and how to pack a storage unit for college so you get the most value out of it.


Why Self Storage Appeals to College Students


1. Perfect for Summer Breaks


When the semester ends, students often face a dreaded choice:

  • Haul everything back home (which might be hundreds of miles away), or
  • Find a secure storage space near campus for a few months

Many college students opt to store their belongings during the summer months when they are not living on campus.


Summer storage at PrimeSpace Storage provides the perfect middle ground. Instead of packing up your dorm room into your parents’ vehicle or paying for shipping, you can store locally and save on moving costs.


When you return in the fall, everything is right where you left it—safe and climate-controlled.


2. Ideal for Study Abroad or Internship Programs


Studying abroad or interning out of state? Don’t pay rent on a place you're not living in. A short-term storage unit for college students allows you to keep your belongings safe near campus without the hassle of moving trucks or storing items with friends.


Climate controlled storage protects your electronics, books, and delicate furniture from heat and

humidity while you’re away.


3. Helps with Roommate Transitions


Changing roommates mid-year? Dorm rooms can get cluttered fast. A student storage unit offers a

holding area for seasonal clothing, winter clothes, or larger items until the room situation settles.

This avoids crowding your shared living space and keeps things organized.


4. Saves Money Compared to Other Options


Renting a storage unit—especially a 5x5 or 5x10—is far more affordable than paying rent just to keep

your boxes in a room you’re not using.


Storage companies often provide flexible month-to-month leases for college students, eliminating long-term commitments.


Some also offer exclusive discounts, student promotions, or complimentary use of moving carts and

dollies.


5. Provides Security and Peace of Mind


Leaving your items in an unlocked basement, a friend’s garage, or a shared dorm room is risky.

PrimeSpace Storage’s storage facilities are equipped with:

  • Gated keypad access
  • 24/7 video surveillance
  • Climate controlled units
  • Individual unit locks

Many self storage facilities offer 24/7 access, and some even allow delivery acceptance for added

convenience.


What to Look for in a Student-Friendly Storage Facility


Not all storage facilities are created equal. At PrimeSpace Storage, we prioritize the needs of college

students:

  • Close to Campus – Save on travel and time
  • Month-to-month leases – Flexibility around the school year
  • Unit sizes – 5x5, 5x10, and more for dorm room contents
  • Climate control – Ideal for electronics, seasonal clothing, and textbooks
  • Security features – Gated access, cameras, and alarms
  • Student Discounts – Including exclusive promotions during summer break
  • Moving assistance – Carts and dollies available on-site


How to Use Self Storage the Right Way


1. Plan Before You Pack

Students should plan ahead to reserve storage units, especially during peak seasons like summer.

Before packing:

  • Separate what you’ll need next semester
  • Label all storage boxes on multiple sides
  • Use categories like kitchen, books, or clothes to keep things organized


Using boxes of medium size is recommended—they’re easier to carry and stack.


2. Use the Right Supplies


Skip the cardboard boxes from grocery stores. Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and heavy-duty tape. For longer storage, plastic storage bins resist moisture and last longer.


3. Stack Smart


Summer storage units are compact, so space matters.

  • Stack vertically
  • Put heavy boxes on the bottom
  • Leave a small walkway so you can reach the back without unloading everything


4. Disassemble Furniture


Take apart your bed frame or larger items like desks. Put screws in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding piece.


5. Protect Electronics and Furniture


  • Use plastic covers or sheets to avoid dust
  • Remove batteries from electronics
  • Use original packaging if possible
  • Choose climate controlled storage to protect sensitive items


6. Leave a Walkway


Even in a 5x5, a narrow path down the center helps you retrieve things without unstacking everything.


Bonus Storage Hacks for College Students


  • Split a unit with a friend—share the cost
  • Photograph your unit before leaving—it helps with insurance or tracking items
  • Pack clothes in suitcases to save on box usage
  • Store seasonally—rotate winter clothes or decor as needed
  • Storing items with friends short-term? Label everything clearly


Real-Life Examples


Semester Abroad: Samantha stored her dorm room essentials in a 5x5 climate controlled storage unit.


For $65/month, she saved thousands by avoiding off-campus rent during her trip to Spain.

Summer Break: Jason, an out of state student, stored his things near campus instead of paying to ship them home. He avoided moving costs and cross-country logistics.


Internship in Another City: Nina sublet her apartment and stored her items in a short-term unit, giving her peace of mind while she earned income elsewhere.


Why Students Trust PrimeSpace Storage

  • Flexible leases for academic schedules
  • Unit sizes that match dorm room needs
  • Climate-controlled storage for sensitive gear
  • Online reservations and hassle free check-in
  • Reliable staff for advice and assistance
  • Affordable summer storage with student discounts


Whether you're moving out for summer, studying abroad, or just trying to save space, PrimeSpace storage units are a safe, affordable, and reliable solution to make your college journey easier.

Prohibited Items in Self-Storage: What You Can't Store
By Freda Levi August 21, 2025
Wondering what you can’t put in a storage unit? From gas cans and paint to food, plants, and valuables, here’s what facilities ban and why the rules matter.
How to Store Furniture Without Damage
By Freda Levi August 21, 2025
Learn how to store furniture in a storage unit the right way. These tips help protect wood, leather, and upholstery from damage, moisture, and pests.
Business Storage 101: How Small Businesses Use Self-Storage
By Admin August 20, 2025
Discover how small businesses use self storage to cut costs, stay organized, and scale without long-term leases. Flexible, secure storage that works when you need it.
Decluttering? Here's Why a Storage Unit Helps You Stay Organized
By Admin August 19, 2025
Reclaim your space and peace of mind. PrimeSpace Storage helps you clear clutter, store belongings safely, and make your home feel like home again.
ZTop 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Storage Unit
By Admin August 19, 2025
Avoid common storage mistakes before you rent. Discover the top 5 errors people make when choosing a storage unit and learn how to make the right choice the first time.
How to Store
By Freda Levi July 28, 2025
Learn how to pack your storage unit like a pro. From stacking to labeling and using vertical space, this guide helps you stay organized and maximize your space.
What to Store
By Freda Levi July 28, 2025
Wondering what to store in a storage unit and how to keep it safe? This guide breaks down common items people store plus tips to protect them long-term.
Storage Size
By Freda Levi July 28, 2025
Struggling to choose the right storage unit size? Learn how to estimate your space needs, avoid common mistakes, and pick the perfect unit without overthinking it.