How Much Storage Does a Student Need?

As a university student, you may need extra storage space at some point during your studies. Whether you’re moving into a new accommodation, going home for the summer, or simply need somewhere to store extra belongings, student self storage options can be an essential lifeline.

However, how much storage does a student need? We explore the factors determining student storage needs and provide a step-by-step approach to estimating the ideal storage unit size for your situation.

When to Use Self Storage as a Student

As a student with limited accommodation space, here are some key times to take advantage of self storage:

• Storing seasonal items: Use storage for off-season clothing, winter gear, fans, and other items you only use part of the year.
• Housing bulky possessions: Instruments, sports equipment, and other large items that don’t fit in your current living space can be safely stored.
• Between school years: Store your belongings over summer break instead of transporting everything back home.
• While travelling or studying abroad: Keep your things stowed securely during extended trips or study abroad semesters instead of lugging it all with you.

Factors That Determine How Much Storage Students Need

The amount of space you require depends on several factors:

Size of Your Accommodation 

The size of your living space plays a significant role. A typical uni student accommodation may range from a small single room to a larger studio or one-bedroom flat. Self-storage can provide much-needed additional space if you’re in a compact room with limited storage options. 

Conversely, students residing in spacious flats with ample built-in storage may have less of a need for external storage solutions.

How Long You Need to Rent Storage

Do you just need extra storage space over the holidays? Or are you looking for a place to keep your belongings for the full academic year? Short-term storage, like the summer break, may only require a small unit, while year-round student storage will likely call for more substantial square footage.

How Much You Need to Store

This is the most critical factor. Students accumulate a variety of items, including textbooks, course materials, seasonal clothing, sports equipment, and sentimental items. Take a comprehensive inventory of your possessions to gain a clear understanding of the self-storage space you require. 

However, be honest about what you actually need access to on a regular basis. The more you have, the more space you’ll need.

Estimating Your Storage Space Requirements

Here’s a step-by-step approach to estimating your storage needs accurately:

1. Create a Detailed Inventory

List all the items you intend to store and group them into related categories, such as:

• Clothing and bedding
• Books and course materials
• Electronics and appliances
• Sports equipment and hobbies
• Furniture and décor
• Kitchenware and food storage

2. Quantify Your Belongings

Estimate the size and quantity of each category. For instance, you might have:

• 10 medium-sized moving boxes of clothes and bedding
• 8 smaller boxes of textbooks and course materials
• A mini-fridge and microwave
• 3 large boxes filled with sports equipment
• 1 small sofa and a coffee table
• 4 small boxes of kitchen items

3. Use Sizing Guidelines

Once you know exactly what you need to store, you can use online size guidelines and calculator tools to work out the amount of space you’ll need. 

Here is a guide to common storage unit sizes and what they can hold:

• 10 sq ft is a good size for storing a few boxes, a suitcase, and smaller items like books and clothes.
• 25 sq ft can fit a few more boxes and a couple of larger items like a bike or a small piece of furniture.
• 50 sq ft is a good size for storing a lot of boxes, a large desk, and some bigger items like a mattress or a wardrobe. This size unit can comfortably hold the contents of a one-bedroom flat.
• 100 sq ft is great for storing multiple large pieces of furniture, appliances, and other large items like musical instruments. This size is ideal for students sharing storage with friends, as it can hold the contents of a standard three-bedroom house.

4. Consider Additional Factors

Think about any additional needs that might influence the size or type of unit you choose. For example:

• Do you have delicate or fragile items that take up more space due to padding and extra packaging materials?
• Do you have any oddly shaped items that might necessitate special storage arrangements?
• Will you need frequent access to your things throughout the storage period?

Choosing the Right Self Storage Unit

Once you have a good idea of how much self storage you need, it’s time to choose the right storage unit. Here’s what to consider:

Size

Choose a unit large enough to comfortably accommodate all your possessions, with some additional space for easy access and organisation. Opting for a slightly larger unit can prevent the frustration of trying to squeeze everything into a space that’s too small.

Location

Prioritise storage facilities situated near your university or accommodation. Easy access is crucial, especially if you need to retrieve forgotten items or access stored materials for last-minute projects.

Security

Choose a facility with security features, such as gated access and 24/7 surveillance. These features ensure the safety and security of your goods, particularly if they’re valuable. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the facility’s security protocols and measures to prevent theft and vandalism.

Pricing and Student Discounts

Compare storage prices from various facilities to find the most competitive rate. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as you’ll want to ensure that your possessions are safe and easily accessible. 

Look for facilities offering student discounts or promotions, and ask about any additional fees, such as administrative costs or insurance.

Incredible Bulk: Perfect Student Storage Solutions in Bradford

By following these steps and considering the above factors, you can effectively estimate your student self storage needs and select the most suitable unit for your situation.

Incredible Bulk Self Storage offers a variety of storage unit sizes to suit your needs, whether you need a small space for a few boxes or a larger unit to store the contents of your entire flat. Our student storage facilities are conveniently located just a few minutes away from Bradford University, making it easy to store your belongings and access them whenever required.

Need storage for a few weeks or the entire year? We’ve got flexible rental options to suit your needs. Plus, our storage facilities have 24/7 security measures to keep your things safe.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your storage needs and find the perfect unit size. You can also get a quote using our convenient Quick Quote tool. Simply add your requirements and we’ll get back to you shortly.