College Students: How to Take Care of Your Personal Items When You Are Out of School for the Summer

A group of young people on moving day. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Setting off for summer break is an exciting time for internships, summer fun and a break from the rigors of school. When it’s time to clear out of your dorm or campus housing, you may need to take all of your belongings with you. Since this can be difficult if you’re traveling across the country, the best option for most students is to get a small storage unit for their goods. The added advantage to a storage unit is that you can keep the unit during the year to store more valuable items. However, not all storage units are created equal, and you’re going to want to select one that can handle your needs.

Check the Facilities

There is nothing worse than getting a storage unit located at the bottom of a hill, and finding out after the first time it floods that you’re unit is actually a water reservoir. Things like this can and do happen, but if you choose a reliable storage unit like The Storage Center you shouldn’t have to concern yourself with these issues. Choose a unit that has computer-controlled gate access, perimeter fencing, well-lit access, on-site managers and climate-controlled rooms. These features should be basic to any good storage unit.

Specialization Matters

Not all storage units are the same. Look for a storage center that excels at storing seasonal furniture, appliances, clothing, books and equipment that needs the right humidity levels and environmental conditions. Clothes should be in a climate-controlled room that is sealed off from potential insects and other critters that might ruin your items. Electronics needs to be free from humidity to prevent rust and corrosion from setting in. Make sure to take note of all their items, and make sure they know the current market value of any items. This can help you to recover your damages in case something happens with your unit.

Preparing to Move

Prepare your clothing items by packing everything into boxes, and sealing any moisture-sensitive items inside plastic bags. Documents should be secured in a portable filing cabinet, and for added protection consider placing your important documents inside plastic sheets. On move-out day, you should have everything you plan to leave in your college town ready to move into the storage unit. Many companies offer promotions for college students, and you may get your first month free. This can help you out by allowing you more time to move into your unit.

Aim for Convenience

It’s important that when you select a unit, you choose a company with online payment. You don’t want to have to deal with sending your invoices across the country while you’re away for the summer. Additionally, your storage center should post its hours conspicuously. Be honest about your schedule, and make sure to choose a unit that’s open 24 hours, 7 days a week if you’re the type of person who might need to pull an item out of their storage unit at 2 a.m. There is nothing worse than needing an important item from your unit and having to wait until the next morning to go and retrieve it.

Use Your Storage Center Year Round

If you like camping, have an expensive bicycle or have expensive electronics you don’t want to leave lying around your dorm, consider keeping your unit year-round. You can keep your valuables safe and relatively easily accessible, without having to take up valuable space in your dorm or worry about your roommates.

A storage unit is the best way to prepare to go home for the summer. Many companies have competitive rates that won’t break the bank, and you may find a storage unit to be useful in a wide variety of situations. Choose a unit that has low-cost insurance, a dedicated staff and high-quality locks to keep your items safe.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.