Transitioning from the school year to summer break for a college student can be exhausting. Exams, moving out, and figuring out what to do with all that stuff is not for the faint of heart. It requires a bit of research and some planning ahead. Some may tell you it's easier to do it all by yourself, and others will say to enlist the help of others. We're here to clear up some common misconceptions about summer storage for college students so you go into the summer informed and ready to make your own decision. 

Here are the top 9 misconceptions college students make when it comes to summer storage:

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1. "I can leave everything in my dorm room over the summer."

First-year students learn early in the school year that students are required to move out after finals. Universities shut down operations for the summer, including a place to live! You won't be able to live in your on-campus housing, let alone store your belongings there. You'll need to be out after exams so the college can make room for the incoming undergraduates. Often college dorms are used for sports camps, special events, or to house prospective students considering attending the university. Typically students do not even stay in the same dorm from one year to the next. You might live in the same building but will likely be assigned to a different dorm room.  

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2. "I can move it all by myself."

It takes a big person to know when to ask for help. By the end of this blog, you'll see that moving your belongings into summer storage is not a one-person job in most cases. Moving large items alone can be a challenging task, if not impossible. Consider the oversized items you have and ask yourself if you could carry those items down stairwells, on and off a vehicle, and into storage...twice!

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3. "My parents will help me move."

While your parents will likely help if you ask, consider what it will take for them to help you out. They will need to take some time off work, drive or fly to you, and possibly rent a moving truck to do it all. It's a lot to ask. Also, can they move more oversized items like furniture and TVs down several flights of stairs? Consider taking a bit of the burden off of them if you can.

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4. "My friends will be available to help."

Moving heavy boxes and furniture into storage is not an easy task. Chances are high that there are plenty of capable friends living in your dorm that can easily help! Unfortunately for you, everyone is moving at almost the exact same time. They are probably studying for or taking their final exams if they aren't moving too. The last week of college is the busiest time of year for college students. You won't find many friends just hanging around looking for something to do. In fact, you probably won't find many friends that week at all. Most will be hiding out, studying for exams, taking the exams, or long gone for the summer. Please don't depend on your college friends to help because they'll be busy too.  

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5. "My stuff will all fit in my car."

Unless you're a college student driving a large SUV or pickup, you may have underestimated how much you have and the space it takes up. College students are notorious for acquiring lots of new stuff throughout the year, which can add up quickly. One small shelving unit can easily fill up an entire car back seat if it even fits at all. Have some measuring tape if you plan to fit everything inside your car. Otherwise, be prepared to take multiple trips or rent a moving truck.  

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6. "I don't have that much stuff."

Don't let your dorm size make you believe you don't have much to move. Living in a small space makes you good at organizing and making a lot fit. But when it comes to moving, all that small stuff adds up fast. Most college students have a microwave, minifridge, books, bedding, shelves, drawers, clothes, shoes, essentials, and more. Trust us; you have more than you think!

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7. "I can decide later what to do about summer storage."

If you're on the fence about what to do with your belongings in the summer, make a decision long before the end of the school year arrives. Moving trucks, storage units, and reserved spots with moving companies can fill up fast, leaving you without a way to move your belongings out of the dorm. You want to avoid leaving yourself in a situation where you are strapped for time or resources. You will have so much to worry about with exams during that last week, and you don't need to shift your focus to something that could have been avoided with some simple planning. Even the purchase of moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can become an issue in a busy college town. Take a stroll down the storage aisle at Walmart during the month of May, and you'll see what I am talking about! So decide what to do, make your deposits, and be ready.  

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8. "I'll have plenty of time during the last week of school to get everything done."

The last week of school is hands down the busiest of the year for a college student! If you think otherwise, you've likely never lived through one. Trust me when I tell you it can be a stressful and consuming week. Studying for exams will take up any extra time you thought you had and can leave you both mentally and physically exhausted. Planning in advance for the big move is a wise decision. Have your boxes and moving supplies ready to go. Box up what you don't think you will need for that last week and leave out just the things you'll need. Have a plan so you know who will help, how you'll move it, and where it will go. 

9. "Hiring a company is too expensive."

I'll be honest; I used to be one of those people who thought that DIY was the cheaper option. One time I saw a beautiful Christmas wreath and thought, "I can make this myself and for much less!" So I went to three different stores, spent two hours rummaging the aisles for supplies, and when I had everything I needed, I realized that the total amount I had spent for supplies was much more than if I had just purchased the wreath I saw in the first place. The wreath took me close to five hours to complete from start to finish, and while it was nice, it wasn't nearly as lovely as the one I saw at the store. I had spent more money, time, and energy than I had planned for a wreath that was only sub-par (and I can't forget the glitter mess that was left behind for me to clean).  

The moral of my story here is that sometimes doing it yourself doesn't save you anything. Sometimes it's more expensive and time-consuming to attempt it yourself than have someone do it for you and do a better job of it at that. 

The same is true for summer storage for college students. The price of doing it yourself adds up fast. The costs to consider are:

• Boxes
• Packing supplies (bubble wrap, tape)
• Renting a moving truck (two times)
• Gas
• Taking time off work (two times)
• Hiring movers (two times)
• Renting a storage unit (4 months)

If saving money is your end goal, there are far more effective ways to do that. Aside from the actual costs are the time and energy it takes to transport your belongings. And keep in mind that you'll be doing it all twice and during the hot summer months when the rest of campus will be doing the exact same thing. The convenience of having someone do it all for you can save you cash and a headache. 

At Storage Scholars, we are experts in summer storage. We have perfected the art of both moving and storage. Students everywhere tell us that we've solved this common storage problem uncommonly well! We make it convenient and affordable. In fact, our average customer spends between $416-$575 for four months of storage. If you add up the cost of all the small tasks to do it yourself, you'll see that our total cost can often be far less. Summer storage and moving do not have to be complicated. 

There are many misconceptions about this topic, but after hearing us out, we think you'll agree that calling on Storage Scholars is a decision you can make early on and feel confident about. If you have questions about summer storage for college students or are ready to reserve your spot today, visit our website or email us. 

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