If you’re an exchange student welcoming a semester break it’s not uncommon to find that you’re in need of additional storage space, especially if you’re planning to leave your accommodation over the break or if you simply find that you’ve accumulated too many things over the semester. Self-storage rentals are becoming increasingly popular among exchange students to facilitate such storage needs. If you’re also considering your own self-storage unit, here are 7 tips that can be helpful.

Plan Ahead

Before renting a storage unit it’s important to make sure you have the right information in hand to plan ahead. Try to gather proper details on when your current accommodation contract ends? What date do you have to move out of your current lodging? Knowing these will help you avoid renting storage units earlier than you need it and gives you enough time to search for ones that suit your budget.

Choose Convenient Locations

Nowadays there are self-storage units in almost all major cities. Always remember to choose a facility that is located convenient to your moving needs. For instance, as an exchange student, you may have plans to move out to different locations as semester transfers, or for training or internship programs.

If you have entered into a contract that has a self-storage facility far away from where you’re planning to relocate, then it will be inconvenient for you to move back and forth to get something from the unit. You will also have to keep paying for the unit until the contract ends, whether you use it or not.

Select Appropriate Unit Sizes

With the increasing demand for self-storage facilities, you now have access to storage units in many sizes. The cost of a unit also depends on the size, so make sure you’re renting one that suits your storage needs, not too big or too small.

A 9ft space is ideal if you’re looking to store small boxes or suitcases. Or if you’re an exchange student moving from a flat to shared accommodation for some time, then a 50 sq ft space is a good size as it can comfortably fit in furniture and other large household items.

Know What You Can And Cannot Store

While self-storage is the perfect way for an exchange student to store extra goods and belongings, you cant store all the things here. Make it a practice to first read the contract terms and understand what you can and cannot store. Then decide how much storage space you will need for the things you can legally keep here.

In most cases, you can store clothing, furniture, computer equipment to general clutter. Animals or pets, explosives or flammables, illegal items, firearms, and other perishable items are not allowed to be stored for safety reasons.

Read The Contract Terms

Before you rent a self-storage space it’s very important to check minimum conditions. Some storage unit providers will have a minimum stay period. In case you’re planning to move to other parts of the country, then you likely wouldn’t want to be committed to a long-term agreement that comes with a pre-agreed cost.

While most self-storage units are rodent, dust and damp free, not all have the option of climate control. if you need a special temperature for your goods then see if you have climate control options. If the terms don’t guarantee the safety of temperature-sensitive goods, then it’s best to try elsewhere.

Don’t Forget About The Packaging

As much as storing can keep your goods extra safe, it’s equally important to pack them safely from your end. Get suitable packaging materials to keep your goods away from damages when moving and storing.

Fragile items like glass, artworks or electronics may call for special insulated packaging materials. Most storage companies have these packaging materials and supplies available online for purchase to make the storage process much smoother for their customers

Organise Transport On The Moving Day

When you’re an exchange student the chances are that you’re not fully thorough with roads, routes and the moving process. The best way to ease things here is to organise transport on a moving day. Most self-storage companies have their own pickup services accompanied by professional staff who will handle your goods with the care they deserve.

The next time you’re choosing a self-storage solution as an exchange student, try these simple tips. You’re sure to notice how much of a hassle-free and peaceful moving and storage experience they can guarantee you.