How to Use Storage for College Summer Breaks?

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July 21st, 2025

Every year, college students face the same question at the end of the semester: What do you do with all your stuff during summer break? Dorms and apartments usually don’t let students leave things behind at the end of the semester. That means everything has to go somewhere—either back home or into a storage unit.

If you live far away from your school or don’t have room at home, hauling everything back just doesn’t make sense. That’s where a summer storage unit comes in. It gives you a way to keep your belongings safe and out of the way until it’s time to move back in. Instead of stuffing your car to the roof or paying for college shipping, you can use a self-storage unit near campus and make your life a lot easier.

What Items Are Good to Store During Summer Break?

You might be surprised how quickly your things add up. When it’s time to pack, you’ll probably find yourself with way more than just clothes and a laptop. Some of the most common items students store during summer break include:

Small furniture like futons, nightstands, or shelving
Electronics like TVs, monitors, and game consoles
Kitchen gear like mini fridges, microwaves, and dishes
Packing supplies, bins, and organizers
Out-of-season clothes, coats, or shoes
Extra bedding, pillows, and rugs
School supplies and textbooks

Putting your stuff in a storage unit keeps it safe while giving you a little extra space at home. It’s also helpful if you’re moving to a new place in the fall—you can skip the back-and-forth and have everything waiting nearby.

Choosing the Right Self-Storage Unit Size for College Students

You don’t need a huge unit to store your stuff for the summer. Most college students can fit everything into a smaller self-storage unit, especially if they’re coming from a dorm room or a shared apartment. A 5x5 unit is about the size of a small closet and works well if you’re only storing boxes, a mini fridge, and a few small items.

If you’ve got extra furniture, multiple bins, or large electronics, it might be better to get a slightly larger unit so you’re not cramming things in too tightly. You also want a unit where you can leave a little room to walk or shift things around if needed later. If you plan to share the space with a roommate or friend, keep in mind how much room their stuff will take up too.

Not sure what size to get? A good starting point is to stack your boxes in one corner of your room and measure the space they take up. That can help you picture the space before committing. You’re also welcome to visit our storage facility in person to take a look at the unit sizes before you reserve.

Is Climate-Controlled Summer Storage Worth It?

Not all storage units are the same. Some offer climate control, which means the temperature and humidity stay within a set range all year. This can be especially helpful during our hot, sticky summers here in Columbus. If you’re storing electronics, wooden furniture, musical instruments, or anything else sensitive to moisture, climate control helps protect these things from heat, warping, or mildew.

Think about what you’re putting into storage. Items like laptops, speakers, printers, and even textbooks can be affected by high heat or humidity. Clothes and bedding can also collect odors or mold if the air is too damp for too long. If you're planning on leaving your stuff for more than a couple weeks, or you won’t be back until fall, it might be worth the extra cost to get a climate-controlled unit for peace of mind.

That said, not everyone needs it. A standard unit may work just fine. It really depends on your storage options, what you’re packing away, and how long you’ll be gone. But if you have anything you’d be upset to find damaged when you return, it’s something to think about.

How to Pack and Organize Your Storage Unit for Extra Space

Packing your storage unit the right way can save you a lot of frustration later. A little planning and organization makes it easier to find things when you need them and helps you fit more into a smaller space. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Label Everything

Use a marker or printed labels to clearly mark what’s in each box. List the main items inside so you don’t have to open everything just to find a charger or a pair of shoes.

Use the Same Size Boxes or Bins

Uniform boxes are easier to stack. That means fewer gaps and less tipping.

Put Heavier Items on the Bottom

Start with the heaviest stuff on the bottom, like your mini fridge or large bins. Lighter boxes go on top to keep things from getting crushed.

Create a Walkway

If you’re using a medium or large unit, leave a small path down the middle. This way, you can reach boxes in the back without unpacking your whole unit.

Make a Quick Inventory List

Write down what you packed and save it on your phone. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just enough to jog your memory when fall rolls around.

When to Book and Move into Your Storage Unit During Summer Break

If you wait until the last week of classes, you might have trouble finding a nearby storage facility with space available. A lot of students in Columbus are looking for summer storage at the same time, especially around Ohio State and other campuses. It gets busy fast.

Try to reserve your storage unit at least a few weeks before summer break starts. That gives you more storage options to choose from and helps you avoid paying too much. Once finals are over, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. Moving is already enough of a hassle—no need to add extra stress scrambling at the last minute.

Storing with Friends: Share a Unit with Your Roommates

One way to save money is by sharing a storage unit with your roommate or a few friends. If you’re all moving out at the same time, it makes sense to combine your stuff—especially if none of you need a full unit on your own. A 5x10 or 10x10 unit usually gives two or three college students plenty of storage space.

To keep things simple, try using different colored bins or labels for each person. You can also pick corners or sections so everyone knows where their stuff is. Before you move in, talk about how you’ll split the cost and who will have the key or access code.

What to Look for in a College Storage Facility

If you're a college student looking for a place to store your stuff over the summer, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, pick a storage facility that’s close to campus so you don’t have to haul everything across town. Then look at features like security, access hours, and how easy it is to rent and pay.

Awesome Possum Storage is close to local campuses, we offer flexible storage options, and provide secure, easy-to-access units in a range of sizes. With 24/7 video surveillance, online booking, and simple monthly payments, we make storing easy.

That’s why so many college students trust us for their summer storage needs. Contact us today to find the right unit and get your college storage plan set up before the end-of-semester rush.

Contact Awesome Possum Storage Today

Summer Storage for College Students in Columbus

If you're a college student in Columbus, finding a reliable place to store your stuff over summer breaks can save you time, space, and stress. Whether you're heading home for a few months, moving to a new place, or just need to get things out of the way, a self-storage unit gives you flexibility. If you're looking for a smart way to handle summer storage, now's a good time to start looking at your storage options and renting a unit that works for you.

Need storage near campus? Reach out today to learn more about our available units.