3 Tips for Utilizing Self-Storage Facilities as a College Student

The college semester will come to an end before you know it. If you are like most students, you will be moving somewhere else for the summer. You might be moving back home with your parents for a time, or you might be going to a different city to complete an internship. In any event, you need to plan out what you'll do with all of the contents of your dorm or apartment while you're gone. In most cases, renting a storage unit is a better option than trying to cram all your stuff into your parents' spare room or a friend's basement. Here are some tips to ensure your storage experience is successful.

1. Rent a unit near campus.

Instead of renting a storage unit near your home town, rent one near campus. You won't have easy access to your stuff all summer, but you can just be careful not to leave anything in the unit that you might need in the summer. Renting near campus will save you so much time when you return to school. It will also save you from having to drive a moving truck (or even just a truck borrowed from a friend) so far.

2. Consider sharing with a friend.

Does the cost of a storage unit make your head spin? Especially if you don't already have a job lined up, paying $50 to $100 a month for storage may seem steep. You can keep costs down by renting a bigger unit and splitting it with a few other students who are in the same boat. Just make sure the storage facility lets you all sign the lease agreement so you can all legally access your things.

3. Don't skimp on climate control.

You might be tempted to rent a non-climate-controlled unit because it is cheaper, but this is one place where you don't want to skimp. So many items, from clothing to electronics, really need to be kept under climate control, especially in the summer when humidity levels can soar in most areas. Find a way to pay that extra cost for climate control each month, or else you'll be paying to replace a bunch of your things when the new semester starts.

Storage units are excellent for college students, and there are typically a few facilities to choose from near campuses. Learn more about your options by contacting services like Freeport West.