5 min read
College Summer Storage — Sizing, Pricing, How It Works
5 min read
College Summer Storage — Sizing, Pricing, How It Works
A 5×10 storage unit (50 sq ft) holds a typical single dorm room over summer break, costing roughly $60-95/month at standard pricing. For shared dorms or apartment storage, step up to a 5×15 or 10×10. Forward Storage offers month-to-month rentals (no long-term contracts), 50% off the first 2 months, and full online rental — so you can sign up from your hometown and your stuff is ready to move in when you arrive back at school.
Sizing for college storage
| Storage need | Unit size | Typical monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single dorm room contents | 5×5 to 5×10 | $40-95/mo |
| Shared dorm (2 students splitting) | 5×10 to 10×10 | $60-150/mo |
| 1-bedroom off-campus apartment | 5×10 to 10×10 | $60-150/mo |
| 2-bedroom apartment (2-3 students) | 10×10 to 10×15 | $90-200/mo |
For most single students with dorm contents, 5×10 is the right pick. Big enough for a mattress + dresser + boxes + minor furniture; small enough that you’re not paying for unused space.
The summer storage workflow
Option 1: Standard summer storage (most common)
- Reserve unit online at the end of spring semester (mid-April to mid-May)
- Move items in during finals week or right after
- Manage account remotely during summer (no need to be in the city)
- Move items out when fall semester starts (late August to early September)
Typical duration: 3-4 months. Forward Storage’s standard month-to-month works well — pay monthly, vacate when ready.
Option 2: Year-round storage with seasonal needs
For students who study abroad in fall/spring, or who keep significant items in storage between dorm transitions, year-round storage often makes sense:
- Pay 12 months of rent vs. 3-4 months
- Don’t worry about hauling items each semester change
- Access whenever needed during the year
For most undergrads, summer-only storage is sufficient. For grad students, study-abroad students, or students with significant furniture, year-round can be worth it.
What to store vs. ship home
Worth storing locally:
- Furniture (futon, desk, chair, mattress) — shipping is expensive, replacement is also expensive
- Books and textbooks — heavy to ship; you’ll need them next semester anyway
- Kitchen items (mini-fridge, microwave, dishes) — moving and replacing each year is wasteful
- Bedding, towels, decor — bulky to ship
- Storage bins of clothes — out-of-season
Worth shipping home or bringing with you:
- Electronics (laptop, phone, tablet) — never leave in storage unmonitored over summer
- Important documents (ID, passport, insurance cards)
- Medications and prescription supplies
- Sentimental items, jewelry
- Clothes you’ll wear over summer
Climate-controlled or standard?
For 3-4 months of summer storage:
- Climate-controlled recommended for: wood furniture, leather, books, electronics if storing them, family photos, anything you’d be sad to find damaged
- Standard is fine for: storage bins, sealed plastic containers, outdoor equipment, items in good packing material
For summer storage in southern states (humidity), climate control is more important. For summer storage in northern states, standard often works for 3-4 months.
Forward Storage student locations
We have facilities convenient to college campuses across our 12 states:
| University | Nearest Forward Storage |
|---|---|
| University of Memphis (TN) | Forward Storage Memphis (10-15 min from campus) |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (AR) | Forward Storage Pine Bluff (5-10 min) |
| University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA) | Forward Storage Waterloo (10-15 min) |
| Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) | Forward Storage Salem (30-40 min) |
| University of Memphis (TN) | Forward Storage Memphis (10-15 min from campus) |
| University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) | Forward Storage HWY 87 or HWY 181 (15-30 min) |
| East Stroudsburg University (PA) | Forward Storage Hamlin (20-30 min) |
| University of Auburn (AL) | Forward Business Park Auburn (5-10 min — note this is FBP, primarily flex bays not dorm-sized units) |
Locations near military bases also serve student populations from associated universities and community colleges.
Pricing for students
Forward Storage’s standard promotions stack well for student summer storage:
- 50% off the first 2 months for new customers (standard)
- 15% off the first 3 months if you have a military-connected family member with ID
- No security deposit at most locations
- No application fee
A 5×10 unit at $75/month standard pricing, with the new-customer promo, comes to roughly $185 for 3 months — meaningfully cheaper than shipping a dorm room’s worth of items home and back.
Frequently asked follow-ups
Can I rent storage before I arrive at the city? Yes — full online rental. Reserve from home, get gate code emailed, your stuff is ready to move in when you arrive.
Can I share a storage unit with a roommate? Yes — many students split a 10×10 between 2 roommates. Each person typically has half the unit. Cost split = each pays $50-75/month for a 10×10.
What if I forget to vacate at the start of school? Standard month-to-month means your rental continues automatically. We’ll continue charging your card. Cancel by giving 30 days’ notice when you actually vacate.
Are there discounts for students? Forward Storage’s standard 50% off first 2 months applies to all new customers (no student-specific discount beyond that). Some operators offer student-specific pricing — comparison-shop your local options.
Ready to set up summer storage?
Find your nearest Forward Storage location → or call 888-684-4933. Best to reserve at least 1-2 weeks before you need to move in.
