September 23 2024
University life moves fast. One minute you’re settling into halls; the next you’ve got a van booked, a storage unit to empty, and summer on your doorstep all before you’ve had your last exam result. It’s a lot.
Whether you’re heading home between terms, taking a gap year before your next chapter, or packing up after graduation day, student storage in the UK doesn’t have to be another thing to worry about. With the right storage unit, you can leave your belongings somewhere safe, secure and easy to access.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about storage whilst at uni, like:
- What you can store
- How much space you’ll need
- Why Ready Steady Store is the best option
Let’s get started.
Why And When Students Need Storage
Students need to think about storage whilst at uni.
Here are the most common situations where a storage unit becomes your best option:
- Summer breaks: Most student accommodation requires you to move out at the end of the academic year. If you’re not heading home, or if home is far away and moving everything isn’t practical, student summer storage is the answer
- Between-term gaps: Studying abroad? Taking a short break? Changing accommodation? Ready Steady Store’s flexible storage units give you flexibility without pressure
- Gap years: Heading off to travel, work or volunteer before or after your degree? Gap year storage means your belongings stay safe while you explore the world
- Graduation moves: Moving out of student accommodation and into your first job in a new city? A storage unit bridges the gap between leaving ni and settling somewhere permanently
- Downsizing during your degree: Moving to a smaller room or halls partway through uni? Instead of getting rid of your things, store them.
All these situations have one thing in common: they’re temporary. And that’s exactly what flexible student storage is designed for.
What Can Students Store?
Pretty much everything from a typical student room or flat and probably more than you think. Students commonly store:
- Clothes and bedding: vacuum-packed bags make this far more space-efficient
- Kitchen equipment: pots, pans, small appliances, crockery
- Furniture: desks, chairs, shelving units, lamps
- Books and course materials: particularly useful if you’re returning to the same course next year
- Electronics: monitors, printers, gaming setups, speakers
- Sports equipment: bikes, gym gear, skis, rackets
Top Tip: Not sure what fits in a storage unit? Use the Ready Steady Store Size Estimator before you book; it takes two minutes and means you only pay for the space you actually need.
What Size Storage Unit Does a Student Need?
Most students are surprised by how much they can comfortably fit into a small unit. Here’s a rough guide:
- 9 sq ft locker: A few boxes of books, clothes and small items
- 16 – 25 sq ft: A full student room’s worth of belongings, including clothes, bedding, a desk, small appliances and boxes. The most popular size for students
- 35 – 50 sq ft: A larger room or studio contents, or if you’re storing furniture as well as boxes
Ready Steady Store has more than 40 different unit sizes across its stores, so you’ll always find something that fits your needs without paying for space you’re not using.
Top Tip: Splitting the cost of a storage unit with a housemate or two is one of the most popular ways students make summer storage more affordable. One unit for two or three rooms is almost always more cost-effective than booking separately.
Storage Unit Size Guide
Quick Reference
9–15
sq ft
Small Storage Unit
Secure storage for documents, boxes and smaller items you need to access occasionally.
25
sq ft
Studio / Small 1-bed
Conveniently fits the contents of a studio or small 1-bedroom flat, without bulky furniture.
⭐ Most popular
50
sq ft
1–2 Bedroom Flat
Reliably fits a sofa, double bed, wardrobe and around 20 boxes - our most-booked size.
75
sq ft
2–3 Bedroom House
Accessible storage for most contents of a family home, including larger furniture pieces.
100
sq ft
3–4 Bedroom House
Friendly, flexible storage for larger homes - white goods, garden furniture and full room sets.
Helpful tip: Most of our storage units are at least 8ft high - stack your items and furniture to make the most of the height and keep your costs down.
Student Storage Made Simple
Students don’t always have time to plan ahead. Besides, arranging your life around move-out days can be tight.
Here’s why Ready Steady Store is the right choice for student storage in the UK.
- Flexibility: No long-term commitment. Stay for the summer, a term, a gap year or however long you need. You’re in control
- 50% off for up to 12 weeks: Great value for summer storage. You get the security of a proper storage unit without paying full price while you’re away
- A range of unit sizes: From compact lockers to larger units
- Secure facilities: 24/7 CCTV monitoring across all our stores. Your belongings are looked after while you’re not around
- Extended access hours: Move in at a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends
- Exclusive van hire deal: We’ve teamed up with Enterprise to offer our customers an exclusive discount on van hire. Handy when you’ve got a roomful of stuff to move
- Stores across the UK: Whether your university is in Manchester, Leeds, Northampton or Bournemouth, we’ve got a store nearby
Student Summer Storage: What to Do When Term Ends
The end of the summer term is the busiest time of year for student storage and it can creep up quickly. If you’re planning to store belongings over the summer, here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible:
- Book your storage unit early, ideally a few weeks before move-out day
- Measure your room before you book. It sounds obvious but knowing how much you’re storing saves you from booking a unit that’s too small (or too big)
- Pack smart by labelling every box clearly. You’ll thank yourself if you need to retrieve something mid-summer
- Use vacuum bags for clothes, duvets and pillows
- Disassemble furniture before you store it. Flat-packed beds, shelves and desks take up far less space and protect your furniture from scratches and scuffs
- Check what’s covered under your Contents Protection Plan before you move anything in
Top Tip: Move-out day at university halls is chaotic. Everyone is leaving at once, lifts are full and corridors are packed. If possible, try to move your belongings to storage a few days before the official move-out date to avoid the rush.
Gap Year Storage: Keep Your Belongings Safe While You Travel
Taking a gap year is one of the best decisions you can make. Worrying shouldn’t be part of the experience.
Gap year storage works exactly like regular student storage, but with a longer time frame in mind. Whether you’re away for six months or a full year, a flexible storage means you can leave knowing your things are in good hands and come back whenever you’re ready.
Things to think about before you go:
- Choose a storage unit close to your future accommodation, there’s no point in booking somewhere close to your first-year halls if you’re planning on moving out
- Set up a direct debit so your storage payments continue smoothly while you’re away
- Take out a Contents Protection Plan for added peace of mind over a longer storage period
Graduating? Here’s How Storage Helps With Your Next Move
Graduation is a brilliant milestone, but it also means vacating your student accommodation at the same time as everyone else on your course, often with no fixed destination yet confirmed. A storage unit gives you breathing room.
Instead of trying to move everything in one go from university accommodation to a new city, a new flat or back to your parents’ house, you can move your things into storage and collect them when you’re properly settled. There’s no rush, and no last-minute decisions.
Storage is also useful if you’re relocating for work and your start date is earlier than your move-in date. Keep your belongings safe and accessible while you deal with the practicalities.
Find Your Nearest Ready Steady Store
Ready Steady Store has student-friendly stores across the UK. Find a store near your university or near your family home:
- Manchester – ideal for students at Manchester Metropolitan, University of Manchester and Salford
- Leeds – convenient for Leeds University, Leeds Beckett and Leeds Arts University
- Northampton – close to the University of Northampton
- Bournemouth – well located for Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth
- Coventry – handy for Coventry University and the University of Warwick
Wellingborough, Corby, Doncaster, Aylesbury, Lincoln, Wokingham and many more and you can find your nearest location and get an instant quote online in minutes. No commitment, no fuss.
Student Storage FAQs
How much does student storage cost in the UK?
It depends on the unit size and location. Ready Steady Store offers 50% off for up to 12 weeks, which makes student summer storage very affordable. The best way to find out is to get a quote online — it takes less than two minutes and gives you an instant price.
Storing in Leeds? Read our guide to when Leeds students should book storage to understand how timing affects the price.
How long can I store my belongings as a student?
For as long as you need. Ready Steady Store offers flexibility with no long-term commitment, so whether you’re storing for a summer, a gap year, or the time between graduation and your first flat, you’re never locked in.
Is student storage secure?
Yes, all Ready Steady Store facilities have 24/7 CCTV monitoring and extended access hours. You can also take out a Contents Protection Plan for added peace of mind.
What’s the minimum rental period for student storage?
Ready Steady Store’s minimum rental period starts from four weeks, making it ideal for shorter university breaks as well as longer summers and gap years.
Can I access my storage unit during the summer?
Yes, Ready Steady Store offers extended access hours at its stores, including evenings and weekends. If you need to retrieve something during your break, that’s never a problem.
I’m going on a gap year. Can I store my belongings for that long?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common uses of our storage units. Flexibility means you’re not tied to a fixed end date. Store for as long as your gap year takes and collect your belongings when you’re back and settled.
Find your nearest Ready Steady Store location and get an instant quote online, it takes less than two minutes. Flexibility, great value, and no long-term commitment.
