Storage Tips for Students: Preparing, Storing & Moving

25 October 2024

Storage Tips for Students: Preparing, Storing & Moving

If you’re a student facing the end of term, moving out of a shared house, or heading off on a gap year, then you probably have one big question: What do I do with all my stuff? Blue Bear Self Storage is here to help with this handy guide of essential tips self-storage and beyond, so you can keep your belongings safe and get on with what matters.

As a student, managing your belongings can be tricky. Whether you’re gearing up for the end of term, planning an exciting gap year, or figuring out where to stash everything between shared house moves, dealing with “stuff” is an inevitable part of student life. With limited space in halls, shared accommodation, or short-term rentals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the logistics involved. That’s where student storage comes in handy, offering a simple solution to keep your things safe, accessible, and ready for whenever you need them next.

At Blue Bear Self Storage, we understand the unique challenges students face, and we’re here to make storage hassle-free and affordable. Not only do we offer secure, drive-up storage options across convenient locations, but our units are also tailored to fit everything from a few boxes of books to full-size furniture. Plus, our flexible terms and special student discounts mean that storing with us won’t break the bank.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential storage tips designed just for students – covering everything from preparing furniture for storage, to storing your things while you travel on a gap year, to making sure you get your deposit back when moving out of shared accommodation. With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on enjoying your time off and planning your next adventure. Let’s dive in!

Top Tip #1 – Preparing Your Furniture for Storage

Planning to store furniture during a break or while on a term break or traveling? getting it prepped for storage will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. From keeping items like desks, beds, and sofas dust-free to making sure they’re secure and scratch-free, a little effort now goes a long way. Follow these quick tips to make sure it stays in top shape while it’s stored away.

Clean Before You Pack: Dust, dirt, and stains can lead to damage if left unattended. Clean each item thoroughly before packing, and make sure everything is dry. This helps prevent mold and mildew while in storage.
Disassemble Large Furniture: Whenever possible, break down big items like bed frames, tables, and bookshelves. Not only will it save space, but it’ll also make transporting items easier. Keep screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled baggies and tape them to the main piece or keep them in a separate storage box.
Wrap It Up: Use moving blankets, bubble wrap, or old blankets to wrap each item and protect it from scratches and dust. Avoid plastic directly on wood or fabric furniture to avoid moisture build-up, which can damage the material.
Arrange Your Storage Unit for Protection: Place heavier items in the back and stack lighter ones on top, leaving room for airflow. If you’re storing for an extended period, consider placing items on pallets to keep them off the ground and allow for circulation.

Top Tip #2 – Transport & Unloading

We understand moving large items can be a pain and in some cases impossible. Fitting a bed into a mini takes a magician, not a budding law degree. The more proactive members of the student community or the frustrated mum and dad will find bring items to site a squeeze. In other cases, we have trusted partners who we can recommend to collect your items at an agreed time and place.

Student Self Storage Transport | Blue Bear Self Storage

At Blue Bear, we have made it our mission to provide a simple service for a simple price. Unloading could not be easier. Drive up to your unit, follow the instructions that have been sent to you and once everything is out the car and in your unit, you add your padlock and head off for a hassle-free summer holiday. Remember, if you leave anything behind don’t worry – our sites are open seven days a week!

Top Tip #3 – Storing Belongings While Traveling on a Gap Year

Heading off on a gap year is an exciting time, but figuring out what to do with your stuff while you’re gone can be a challenge. Storing your belongings safely will keep them secure and ready for when you return when you’re done travelling. Whether it’s clothes, books, or furniture, getting your items properly stored will help you focus on your adventures, knowing everything’s taken care of back home. Here’s our quick tips to make organising your belongings a breeze.

Declutter First: Packing light makes storage affordable. Go through your items and decide what you want to keep, donate, or toss. Reducing the load saves you time and money, especially for a long-term gap year stay.
Pick the Right Unit Size: From storing a few boxes to everything you own, Blue Bear offers various unit sizes. Our student rates also make it easy to find something affordable, whether you’re storing just the essentials or need space for larger items like furniture.
Label Boxes Clearly: Avoid the guesswork when you come back by labeling boxes with details on the contents, like “kitchen,” “books,” or “clothes.” This way, you can find what you need right away.
Think Security: Security is key, especially when you’re away. While Blue Bear sites have 24/7 monitored CCTV, a high-quality lock and high exterior fencing with gated acces by app or code. All of this can give you some extra peace of mind while you’re exploring.
Consider Insurance Options: We offer an affordable goods protection policy to cover belongings, or you can opt to use your own coverage. With insurance, you’ll have added security even while you’re off enjoying your travels.

Top Tip #4 – Get your Storage Booked ASAP

It’s important to get your self storage booked in with plenty of time. This is to make sure that the storage size you need is available and to get a price sorted. Getting this done early can put your mind at ease before the stress of moving arrives. This also gives you time to find the best deal and what works best for you. Here at Blue Bear, you can reserve your unit for FREE. No holding fees and no deposits, just simple and straight forward storage.

Booking Student Self Storage ASAP | Blue Bear Self Storage

On our online quote form you can get a price in under 1 minute. The below points are what you will be asked while looking for a quick price:

Which location you require
Your choice of unit size
What date you want to start storing
How long you’re looking to store
Reason for storing

When you’ve completed the form, we’ll give you a the quoted price. Following this a member of our team will be in contact to follow up and see if you have any questions, and be able to help you book the right unit for your needs.

Top Tip #5 – Moving Out of a House Share & How to Get Your Deposit Back

Moving out of a shared house comes with plenty of tasks, and making sure you get your security deposit back is key. Between cleaning, repairs, and dealing with your share of the stuff, a little planning can go a long way. From tidying up to sorting out storage for any shared items, here’s what you need to know to leave your place in top shape and make sure that deposit is back in your pocket.

Review Your Lease Agreement: Your lease likely specifies what you need to do upon move-out to get your deposit back. Common requirements include steam-cleaning carpets, repainting walls, and deep cleaning. Make sure you understand what’s expected.
Do a Deep Clean: Go beyond the basics and tackle the whole space. Clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, including inside cabinets and drawers, the oven, and any other appliances. Pay attention to high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and baseboards.
Repair Minor Damages: Fill in nail holes, repaint scuffed walls if required, and check for any other minor repairs. If you’re painting, be sure to match the color exactly, as mismatched patches are noticeable and can lead to extra fees.
Document the Condition: Take photos or videos of the cleaned space after you’re done. This documentation can be helpful if there are any disputes over the deposit.
Return Keys and Cards: Make sure you return everything the landlord provided, such as keys, cards, or remote controls. Consider getting a signed note or email confirming you’ve returned all items to avoid extra charges.
Start Moving Early: Moving items into storage gradually can reduce stress and allow time for any last-minute tasks. With Blue Bear’s convenient drive-up access, you can pop in and out of your storage unit with ease.

Why Choose Blue Bear Self Storage?

Blue Bear Self Storage is ideal for students needing a safe, affordable, and convenient solution. Here’s why students across England love storing with us:

Drive-Up Access: With drive-up access at every site, you can load and unload easily, with no long corridors to navigate.
Top-Level Security: Each of our locations is protected by 24/7 CCTV, gated access, and padlocks for every unit. Store your belongings with peace of mind, knowing they’re safe and secure.
Flexible Options: With student discounts and term-friendly rates, you can choose to store your items for a summer break, a gap year, or as long as you need with flexible pricing and great value.

Whether you’re storing items for the summer, a gap year, or between house shares, Blue Bear Self Storage offers the reliable storage you need. Make life easier by keeping your belongings safe and secure until you need them again.

Bonus Top Tip!

Why not combine storage with one of your friends? Just remember, the booking will need to be made under one name and additional friends just listed as authorised persons on your licence agreement. Our 20ft containers can take the contents of most three bed houses so splitting the cost of this space makes it a really cost-effective solution.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a convenient, secure, and budget-friendly storage option, check out Blue Bear Self Storage. We make it simple to store and retrieve your items, with flexible access and top-notch security. Find out more about our student storage in each location we service below.

Don’t forget that we’re here to help. If you need storage we are confident that Blue Bear is the best option for you! After all, we’re the number 1 rated self-storage company in the UK on Trustpilot! All of our customers can’t be wrong.