If you’ve recently arrived in Dublin for university, or you’re a seasoned student heading out for the holidays, you’re bound to have the same issue: what do you do with all your stuff?
Chances are, you arrived in Dublin with tons of things, over-prepared to start your student journey. Senior students will tell you that this issue only gets worse as the semester progresses — soon, your new place will be overflowing with textbooks, mementoes, and new clothes for those fun nights out. On top of the stress of tests, assignments, and planning for the holidays, you’ll be forced to tiptoe over your things! Eventually, you’ll get sick of navigating the narrow walkway of your overcrowded apartment, or more urgently, you’ll find yourself between flats before the new semester.
If you’re moving out, leaving for the summer, or simply wanting to declutter, student storage can keep all your precious belongings safe when you need extra space.
What Is Student Storage?
The nature of being a student is moving between temporary living spaces and heading off on semester breaks throughout the year. This means that storage issues are bound to come up often throughout your studies.
You have a plethora of things and not enough space to store them; this is where self storage can come in handy.
Many students turn to self storage when they:
- Move home for the summer
- Study abroad on Erasmus
- Start their J1 adventure
- Find themselves between flats in Dublin
- Want extra security for their things over Christmas and Easter breaks
- Head off for an internship
If you’re faced with any of these situations, it might be time to book your unit!
What To Consider When Renting a Student Storage Unit
Choosing the right self storage unit comes with several considerations. We’ve identified the most important factors to consider to make the best choice for your student needs.
Access
While you may not need your student storage items on a regular basis, emergencies can come up at any time. In these situations, you want access to your things as soon as possible. To ensure your items are accessible, choose a storage facility with lengthy opening hours, so that you can grab your stuff on short notice. You should also look out for a storage facility that provides access 7 days a week.
Unit sizes
Your chosen storage facility should have a wide variety of options and unit sizes to choose from. You shouldn’t be paying for more storage than you need, nor should you be worried about having the right amount of space. To get a good idea of what size unit you’ll need, make a list of all the items you plan to store, and estimate how much space each will take up.
Pricing
As a student, cash can be tight, so you’re always on the lookout for a good deal. Choose a self storage provider that has offerings specifically catered to students. Storage targeted at students is likely to be more affordable than regular self storage prices, as students have more limited storage needs.
Flexible Terms
Not sure when you’re coming and going? Long-term contracts can be unnecessarily intimidating. Prioritise student storage with flexible rental terms — you won’t pay for storage when you don’t need it, but it’s available at a moment’s notice if your plans change. Read over your rental agreement carefully; ideally, you should be able to extend your initial contract should you want to, and upsize and downsize with little hassle.
Security
Leaving your things in someone else’s hands can be stressful. Whether you’re storing high-value items or priceless heirlooms, you deserve the best security for your things. Any decent self storage facility in Dublin will have high-tech security at no additional cost. Some desirable features to look out for include 24-hour CCTV surveillance, individually alarmed units, on-site staff, and unique personal access codes.
What Are the Benefits of Student Storage Lockers?
Many students have embraced self storage solutions to make their lives easier. If you have just a few items you’d like to store and protect, which you don’t need for regular use, then opting for a smaller space makes the most sense. At Nesta, our lockers are especially popular with students returning home at the end of term or travelling after college.
Hassle-Free Summer Holiday Storage
Heading off for your well-deserved summer break is exciting, but trying to fit your entire life into the single suitcase you brought from home can put a damper on things. You’ll probably struggle to fit your bigger items and appliances in your luggage — worse yet, you won’t need them over the holiday. Student summer storage can help! Rent a storage locker on a flexible, straight-forward contract, and enjoy your summer stress-free knowing your belongings are safe.
Extra Space When You’re Between Flats
Hunting for a good student flat is challenging, but this makes finding the right one all the more rewarding. Unfortunately, the stress doesn’t end once you sign your new lease. The transition from one apartment to the next can be difficult. You’ll often end up between apartments because one lease ends and the other only begins days or weeks later. You could be staying in temporary accommodation or crashing with friends in the meantime; either way, it’s inconvenient to keep all your things with you when you’re between flats — and you might not have the space to. Not to mention, you could be staying far from university for the time being, and temporarily moving your things from Dublin could be a huge hassle. For these reasons, we recommend investing in a self storage locker while you’re between flats.
Studying Abroad Solution
Are you starting your J1 adventure or studying abroad on Erasmus soon? It’s time to leave your life — and your things — behind for a while. Depending on how long you’ll be studying abroad, you might not see your things for a long time. You can leave them behind in an empty apartment or at the mercy of family and friends, but let’s be honest; neither option inspires confidence. Student storage is the most secure solution for storing your things while you’re away. By renting a storage unit, you won’t have to worry about home intruders or friends and family “borrowing” your things while you’re gone.
The Complete Checklist for Students Moving To University in Dublin
So you’re headed off to Dublin for university — lucky you; this is an excellent choice! With its rich history, breathtaking views, and vibrant culture, Dublin has become a highly desirable destination. Here’s how you can prepare for the move before you leave, on the day of departure, and once you arrive:
Before the Big Move
Packing for university is an intimidating task — you might be putting it off, but it’s best to get started sooner rather than later to avoid feeling overwhelmed. We’ve created a detailed checklist to make the task less daunting.
Avoid panic buying
Don’t jump the gun on buying new things that you might need. You’ll find lists of “college must-haves”, but avoid the trap of buying new things for uni only to end up never using them. This approach will cause you to waste money and precious space in your dorm room. You can always stock up on new things once you arrive at university and evaluate what you actually need. You should have no trouble shopping for last-minute items in a city like Dublin.
Organise your things
Start by dividing your items into three groups — pack, store, and donate. Each of these groups should have different piles. This technique will declutter your space and make packing easier. Remember, the more you store and donate, the less you have to take along with you. If your parents plan to convert your room into a study or guest bedroom, you might not be able to store your things at home; so rather start clearing your things before they do it for you!
Create a work station
Before you start packing, ensure you have all the necessary packing materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, markers, and tape. Gather all your supplies into a single corner to create a convenient workstation. With all your things in one place, you’re less likely to misplace your supplies and waste valuable time feeling around for materials. It’s important not to compromise on packing materials if you want to ensure your things are secure.
Prioritise essentials
Identify all of your essentials and pack these first. It’s tempting to pack all the comforts of home, but this will only lead to a cluttered dorm room, so be firm on what qualifies as a need vs a want. Remember, you’re not saying goodbye to your homely comforts forever. You can pack these for storage in Dublin and access them whenever you need without overcrowding your new place.
Read further for more tips on how to pack your things for self storage.
On the Day
Finally, you’ve reached the highly anticipated moving day. Hopefully, you’ve chosen a good day to move and aren’t feeling rushed because you’re well-prepared. That said, there are still a few steps to take before you say goodbye to your home.
Pack Your Carry-On
Depending on where you’re coming from, the journey to Dublin could be anything from a short trip to a long flight. Prepare for your journey by packing everything you need into a carry-on bag. You don’t want to find that your phone charger is out of reach in your boot, or even worse, in cargo. You might want some entertainment, in the form of a book or magazine, and snacks for when you inevitably become peckish. You’ll also want to keep tickets, identification, and some cash on hand.
Final check
Double check that you haven’t left anything behind. There’s nothing more alarming than moving far from home and realising you’ve left behind an item you use daily, or something sentimental. Make sure you have any necessary travel documents to avoid having to rush back home and delay your trip.
Loading boxes
Once your belongings are packed, you’ll need to get them to your chosen self storage facility. You want to be careful loading them into your vehicle to ensure your things are safe en route. Here are a few helpful tips for loading boxes:
- Check that none of your boxes were damaged in the packing process. If any box shows signs of damage, you will need to replace it.
- Start with loading the heaviest boxes to create a stable base. Avoid a stack that is top heavy, and stay away from placing heavy boxes on top of fragile items.
- Avoid leaning or tilting boxes, as these can compromise the stability of your stack.
- Place your boxes on a level and stable surface to avoid shifting and sliding.
- Fill the empty spaces within or between boxes with packing materials, such as bubble wrap or packing paper. This technique helps prevent shifting and provides the stack with additional support.
If you don’t have the time or energy to move your belongings into storage, consider enlisting the help of a reliable moving company.
Saying goodbye
Leaving for university can be a very emotional time. You may have said your goodbyes to friends and family, but don’t forget to give your childhood home a proper farewell too. Being intentional in your goodbye allows you to honour all the memories you have made in this space, so be present in these final moments.
If you’re particularly superstitious, you can look up some of the customs for leaving. In Ireland, for example, it’s said that it’s bad luck to exit the home through a different door than the one you entered; when you enter your new home, you’ll bring along the luck and energy associated with the door you exited.
After Arrival
Assess your space
Before you begin to unpack, give your space a once-over and consider what you have to work with. You may have already visited your new accommodation and gotten a layout plan, but it’s always best to evaluate the space with fresh eyes. Now that you’ve recently packed all your belongings, you have a great mental inventory of all the things that need a home. Develop an idea of where everything should go — you might move things around a bit later, but planning in advance can help you feel less overwhelmed before you start this arduous task.
Functional zones
Once you’ve evaluated your space, it’s time to determine functional zones. This process entails dividing your space into areas for sleep, studying, downtime, and storage. Designated areas will help keep your things organised and give you a sense of order, allowing you to make the most of your available space. This will also help you adjust to living somewhere new, and reduce the risk of misplacing things. Keeping up with sleep, studying, and relaxation can be difficult as a new student, so creating a space conducive to balance is essential.
Start with essentials
Let’s face it: you might not get all your unpacking done in one go. This is perfectly understandable; it can be a long, tiring, and tedious task. For this reason, it’s best to start with unpacking and organising your essentials. These include bedding, toiletries, chargers, and clothes you’ll need immediately. Once these items are out of the way, you’re bound to feel more settled in. Ensure that your essentials are easily accessible and not hiding behind a pile of stuff in your closet. Having the things you need within easy reach will make your transition smoother.
Consider storage hacks
If your space is still cramped after unpacking, there are some simple solutions to consider within your dorm room. You can make use of vertical space with shelves, racks, and hooks, and make the most of your cupboard space with compartmentalised organisers.
Make the space your own
Your student accommodation is now officially your ‘home away from home’. You’re going to spend a lot of time here over the next few years, so make it as comfortable as possible. Once you’ve got the packing and organising under control, it’s time to make the place your own. You can personalise your space with sentimental items from home, like photos and decorations from your old bedroom; soon enough, you’ll be adding new mementoes as you settle into student life and make new memories. Your storage aids can also double as decorative pieces — an artfully arranged shelf can give your favourite things a home, all while showing them off. Jewellery hangers and shoe racks are great examples of functional and stylish storage solutions.
Packing Your Stuff for Student Storage: Dos & Don’ts
Knowing how to pack for student self storage can save you time, effort, and emotional energy, both before and after you’ve moved things into your storage facility. Pay attention to these Dos and Don’ts before you make the big move.
Create an Inventory List
To keep track of everything you’re packing, create an inventory list. This will help you stay organised as you go. When you’ve finished packing an item, add it to the list. Later, when you aren’t sure if you’ve packed an item or not, you can refer to the list and avoid the dreadful alternative of unpacking an entire box just to be sure.
You can also refer to the inventory list months down the line when your things are in storage and you can’t quite remember which items you’ve packed away. This might sound far-fetched, but out of sight, out of mind. You could easily forget about the great and useful things you own, and your list will be a pleasant reminder.
Sort Items Into Categories
Group your items into separate categories (clothing, kitchenware, electronics, etc.) and assign these to their own boxes. This strategy will make it easier to retrieve specific items from storage when you need them. Be sure to label your boxes — you’re unlikely to remember where you put everything in your storage unit, so this will save you time.
Tidy Up Before Packing
You want your items to come out of storage in the exact same condition they went in. Dust, dirt, and dampness can turn into mould and mildew over months, so give your things a good wash or wipe down before you pack them for storage.
Donate or Sell What You Don’t Need
Donating or selling things you no longer use clears up space for things you actually want or need. Giving old clothes a second home is a sustainable way to make space for yourself — you can donate these to a local hospice, sell them at a market, or try your luck on Depop. The extra cash could come in handy with your moving expenses.
Pack Strategically
Utilise space-saving techniques when you’re packing. Invest in vacuum-sealed storage bags for your clothing and bedding. These bags remove excess air and allow you to pack more efficiently. You can also roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your suitcase or boxes.
You should also consider packing seasonally. If you’re moving during the summer, for example, you won’t need your heavy winter jackets or blankets anytime soon. You can store seasonal items in your storage unit and switch out your things with the seasons.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Packing up your bedroom can easily take hours. Generally, it will take around 4–6 hours to pack up a small to medium-sized bedroom. If you have a bigger room, expect to take as long as 8 hours to pack up your things. The amount of time it will take varies on how many things you have and how organised your belongings are. Either way, it’s a long and laborious task, so give yourself enough time to get it done. Avoid rushing, as this increases your risk of leaving things behind and packing poorly.
Don’t Overpack Boxes
While it might be tempting to cut corners and save on boxes, tape, and space, overpacking boxes can lead to more issues than it solves. An overfilled box is more prone to breaking, either while you’re carrying it or it’s in storage.
Where To Find Cheap Student Storage in Dublin
Now that you know all the benefits of student storage and how to get your things ready for the move, it’s up to you to choose where you’ll store your stuff.
If you’re on the lookout for cheap student storage in Dublin, Nesta Self Storage offers a range of flexible storage solutions in five easy-to-access locations across the city. Our facilities are near every university and college in the county, including Trinity College, UCD, DCU, Dublin Business School, and Maynooth University. You can access our stores via car or public transport, as they’re close to public transport links and boast ample on-site parking.
Choose from our range of secure storage rooms on flexible contracts, which will meet your needs, whether you need space for a few weeks, months or longer. With a wide range of unit sizes and a commitment to excellent customer service, our team of storage experts can help you choose the perfect fit for you and your things.
We offer convenient and cost-effective student storage solutions across Dublin. Embark on this exciting phase of your life, and rest assured that your belongings are secure in our hands.
To learn more, give us a call on 1800 77 22 33, visit your nearest facility for a tour or get a free quote online.
