Ah, social media: a perfect escape when you'd rather watch trending videos of cats and babies than study all night! Also a sweet distraction from final exams and facing the fact that you've got to move out of college in a few weeks and figure out what to do with all your stuff until next semester starts. But did you know that social media can provide an unexpected solution to your summer storage stress? It can answer your questions about moving and storing your belongings while you're enjoying the sun. We aren't talking about the latest TikTok dance trend or Instagram makeup reel.

In this blog post, we'll explore five ways social media can improve your summer storage experience, so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about your belongings. So, get ready to take notes and discover how social media can make your summer storage as smooth as possible!

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Score free moving boxes

Hop on to the Facebook Marketplace anytime, and you may see an ad for free moving/storage boxes. People are always moving, and boxes are constantly up for grabs. The key is being first to claim the boxes and being able to pick them up. Students don't always have transportation, so that part could be tricky. It can't hurt to ask if the giver would be willing to meet you somewhere near campus with the free boxes, knowing they'll be put to good use. If you score some free boxes, recycle them or pay it forward if they're still in good shape when you're done with them. 

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Sell or donate items that aren't worth storing  

When packing up for summer, inventory all your items that will go into storage. If you don't use it now, don't take up precious space by hauling it to storage. Instead, donate or sell it. Consider platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. Always be safe when meeting up with strangers on the internet to sell or donate goods. Meet in public locations or police station parking lots, and always take a friend. Ask for cash and never offer up personal information.

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Read reviews on local companies

Before renting a moving truck or storage unit locally or hiring a moving company to haul away your things, take a moment to check the social media presence of the companies that you are looking to use this summer. Chances are they have a social media page, and you are likely to find reviews on that page. There's no better place to read an honest view of a company than on a reviews page. However, take the reviews with an air of caution: people often flock to social media when service is bad and rarely when it is good. Don't completely rule out using a company if there are a few negative reviews. Research and read between the lines to see if the company is worth your business. If you are still unsure, pick up the phone and call to ask a few basic questions. See if you can find one person on campus who would recommend them, and then make your decision.

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Get some easy packing tips

Social media is notorious for providing users with the ultimate life hacks. Student storage is no different. A simple hashtag search or storage company blog search will likely find a plethora of inspiration, tips, videos, and hacks for packing, organizing, moving, and storing your belongings. Social media influencers or bloggers in the home improvement or lifestyle niche will have an abundance of helpful content to make your storage experience smoother. 

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Tell others about your experience 

Was your storage unit exceptionally impressive? Did your movers go the extra mile and carefully handle your belongings? Was your rental truck shiny and clean at pick-up? Often people go out of their way to leave a bad review and forget to share their positive experiences. Businesses (especially local) thrive on positive feedback from their customers. If you had a great experience, go out of your way to share it on social media! Leave a review on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or wherever reviews can be left. 

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Earn a referral Bonus

Piggybacking off our last point, telling others about your experience could earn you some money towards your storage expenses! Many companies offer referral bonuses if you spread the word and refer your friends. Sometimes this comes as a code, but most times, it comes in the form of a unique link that the company will send you after you sign up for the service. Share that unique link on your social media pages or send it privately to friends who you think might benefit from the service. It's a great way to share a great company and get a discount at the same time. 

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Write a blog about your experience

Moving and storage for college students involves a lot of planning and resources. Consider documenting the whole process from start to finish in your own blog. Provide tips and hacks for packing, moving out, storage, and moving in. Share advice on what to do, what not to do, and what you'd do differently next year. Share which companies you used and provide links and contact information. Post affiliate links to any storage-related purchases and earn a small commission if your blog is a hit. Then share it! Tag your campus and locals so that others can benefit from your experience. Repost it each year before move-out. 

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Mental Health Support

Moving out of college is a stressful time for many. Usually, it coincides with final exams, which adds to the stress tenfold. Joining online support groups or forums for college students dealing with mental health challenges or anxiety related to the whole college experience has become increasingly popular. It's comforting to know that others are in your situation and that you aren't in it alone. Sometimes joining an online support group is a way to dip your toe into the mental health pool and get some help when needed. Getting that support can remove some burdens and make those final weeks more manageable. 

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Final Thoughts

Social media doesn't just have to be a distraction from the real world; it can be an essential tool and, surprisingly, a game-changer to help with your summer storage experience. Using it to your advantage can help you make the most of your summer moving and storage experience. 

At Storage Scholars, we are dedicated to providing top-notch storage solutions for college students. We have a strong social media presence not only as a company, but also each of our campus branches is active on social media too. You can visit our individual campus pages on Instagram to read up on our latest news, get tips for storage and moving, get your free moving boxes, and even meet your Campus Co-Founders who will be overseeing your move-in and move-out. 

We encourage you to follow us on social media to stay connected on our latest offers and promotions. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about student storage – we're here to make your storage experience as seamless as possible!

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