Self Storage for Students 101

College life brings excitement, independence, and more belongings than you ever expect. Textbooks, furniture, seasonal clothing, hobby gear, and the random odd things students collect all start to compete for the same tiny square footage. That is where self storage steps in. A small unit can save money, free up space, and smooth out the constant transition that comes with student life. This guide breaks down how self storage helps students stay organized and how STOR-N-LOCK makes the whole process easy near major colleges in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado.

Why Students Use Self Storage

College life moves quickly, and storage needs shift just as fast. Many students find themselves changing apartments each year, heading home for summer break, or taking advantage of study-abroad programs. A storage unit becomes a practical middle ground. Instead of hauling belongings across cities or states every few months, students can keep everything in one secure spot until they return. It prevents the constant cycle of packing, unpacking, and borrowing a truck from someone who will expect pizza as payment.

Small bedrooms and shared spaces make storage even more useful. Most student housing does not offer much room to spread out, and after squeezing a bed, a desk, and a dresser into one corner, there is rarely space left for anything else. Textbooks from previous semesters, bulky sweaters, seasonal jackets, sports gear, and overflow personal items start stacking up quickly. A small storage unit gives those items a home without overcrowding your everyday living space. It makes a cramped apartment feel manageable again.

Storage also helps students navigate the unpredictable parts of college. Picking up a new hobby, switching majors, moving in with different roommates, or inheriting extra furniture can all happen in a single semester. Plus, hobbies like skiing, biking, camping, or music often require equipment that is far too large for a tiny bedroom. A storage unit keeps these items organized and out of the way while still being easy to access. Instead of clutter filling closets or piling under beds, everything has a designated place, making life feel more streamlined during a time when schedules are rarely calm.

The Most Popular Storage Unit Sizes For Students

Most students do not need a large unit. Two sizes tend to fit nearly every situation.

5x5 storage units

A 5x5 unit is roughly the size of a walk-in closet. It is ideal for

• Seasonal clothing
  
  
• Textbooks and study materials
  
  
• Small shelves or organizers
  
  
• A bike
  
  
• Personal items you want out of the way but close by
  
  

5x10 storage units

A 5x10 unit offers more flexibility. Students choose this size for

• Small couches or chairs
  
  
• Dorm or apartment furniture
  
  
• Multiple boxes and bins
  
  
• Sports equipment
  
  
• Bedroom sets stored during a move or temporary break
  

This size is also popular among students who want to split the cost. Two or three people can easily share a 5x10, creating a budget-friendly way to stay organized.

Sharing A Storage Unit With Friends

College students know how to stretch a dollar, and storage is one of the easiest expenses to split. A shared unit gives everyone space while reducing the monthly cost.

If you plan to share, keep things simple by

• choosing a size that fits everyone’s belongings comfortably
  
  
• dividing costs evenly or based on how much space each person uses
  
  
• making a quick list of each person’s items
  
  
• choosing one person to handle the rental agreement and monthly payment
  
  
• ensuring all roommates have the gate code or key
  
  

Shared storage works because students tend to have overlapping needs. Many use storage during summer break. Many swap apartments at the same time. A shared unit keeps things organized and affordable.

How To Pack A Student Storage Unit Efficiently

Packing well saves time and prevents damage. To make the most of your unit, follow these basics.

• Use sturdy plastic bins instead of cardboard
  
  
• Label each bin clearly on multiple sides
  
  
• Keep heavier items low and lighter items stacked above
  
  
• Leave a walkway so you can reach items in the back
  
  
• Store frequently used items near the front
  
  
• Keep bedding and fabrics sealed to prevent dust
  
  

A little planning turns even a small unit into an efficient, easy-to-navigate space.

Convenient STOR-N-LOCK Locations Near Major Campuses

Students choose STOR-N-LOCK because the locations sit close to the schools they attend and because the units are clean, secure, and available in sizes that work for student needs.

Boise State University

These Boise storage units are minutes from campus. Students often use it to store furniture between semesters or to keep bikes, outdoor gear, and personal belongings safe when living in compact downtown apartments. And if you’re looking for housing near Boise State University, or you and your friends decide you need a 10x10 and want to know what can fit in that unit, we can help with that as well. 

Salt Lake Community College

These Taylorsville storage units are close to the Redwood Campus. Students who live in the many nearby apartments use this location to manage overflow belongings without upgrading to a larger, more expensive apartment. We also have this helpful guide for students considering SLCC to help guide you through what to expect going to college there. Or if you’re looking for an apartment in Taylorsville, we can offer some helpful suggestions for students.

University of Utah 

We have two locations for your Salt Lake storage unit needs. They are right near Capitol Hill and right across the street from one another. We offer everything from climate controlled storage, drive up storage to units that are large enough to store a vehicle like a car or motorcycle. 

Colorado State University

For students attending Colorado State, our Fort Collins storage units at 2103 Joseph Allen Drive is a strong option. It offers a range of unit sizes, climate-controlled space, and flexible access hours. More than just a storage facility, it supports busy student schedules and summer moves with secure, budget-friendly units.

Budgeting For A Storage Unit

Students appreciate that storage is usually more affordable than they expect. It helps to

• choose the right size so you do not overpay
  
  
• split a larger unit with a friend
  
  
• look for month-to-month rentals that match school schedules
  
  
• watch for promotions or student-friendly specials
  
  

A small monthly storage fee is often cheaper than renting a larger apartment or replacing items damaged or lost during frequent moves.

Self Storage For Students in a Nutshell

Self storage simplifies student living. It gives you room to breathe in a small apartment, protects your belongings during moves or travel, and keeps your daily space organized. Many students start with a small unit for summer break and end up keeping it throughout their entire degree because of the convenience it adds.

With the right size, smart packing, and a STOR-N-LOCK location near your campus — whether you’re at CSU in Fort Collins, SLCC in Taylorsville, Boise State, or at the University of Utah — you can stay organized and prepared for whatever your college journey brings next.