If you have college-age students, chances are they’re out of school for the summer. Some will study abroad, others will come home for their break, and some will continue to live in their dorm room or apartment while they attend summer school or work. No matter what the situation, however, they’ll have multiple options when it comes to what to do with their stuff for the next few months. Let’s take a look at just a few of the choices that are available.
This is a good place to start if your kid is heading back to the same dormitory in the fall. The dorm they just left or the dorm they’re heading to may have an onsite storage option, although it may be limited in space. In some cases, you may be able to arrange to keep their things in the actual room they’ll be occupying when school starts.
If your student lived in an off-campus apartment or a room in a house during the academic year, see if their landlord will extend the lease into the summer and on into the next term. This is one solution that offers continuity for everyone without having to move a thing.
Portable storage containers have become another popular option in recent years. They can be delivered to your location, allowing you to fill it up on your schedule. When it’s full, it can be picked up and stored in a storage facility or transported to the student’s next residential destination. This method offers a lot of size, pricing options and flexibility, although one of the down sides is finding a place on your property to place the container until it’s relocated.
This may be your best option if your student is leaving their dorm or apartment for the summer, but there’s just not enough room at your house to absorb everything. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes, all of which provide a safe and secure location for warehousing their things until the end of summer. Give us a call to discuss your needs.
Regardless of which way you choose to store your child’s belongings, there are a few steps to consider before placing those things in a unit or facility. First, clean all the items so they don’t attract insects or cause damage over time. This especially applies to clothing, furniture, electronics and appliances. Next, pack things in sturdy boxes or plastic bins that can withstand stacking while also protecting the items inside from dust and moisture.
Also when packing, wrap delicate items like glassware and artwork, disassemble larger pieces of furniture, use packing materials like packing peanuts and bubble wrap, and label boxes before placing them in storage. Use a permanent marker to write on the top and sides of each box or bin. Finally, consider creating an inventory list to help you access specific items in specific containers.