Shout out to all the college students in the Tri-Cities area! Whether attending schools like Columbia Basin College and WSU Tri-Cities, we understand that you are working hard to get your education while staying on budget. However, there is a high chance you will need some extra storage! So, you should be researching “cheapest storage units near me.” At Larsen Transfer, we offer short- and long-term storage that is simple, secure, and stress-free. That’s why today, we are sharing tips on finding affordable “storage units near me” that students like you can take advantage of!
Why Students Need Storage:
Students live active lives, often with weeks or even months that can be up in the air on where to live. With moving between dorms, summer housing gaps, or studying abroad, there is an endless array of reasons why you may need some extra space. Here are the most common reasons our college students use our storage facility.
- Needing a space to store belongings for between-semester or summer breaks
- Studying abroad or living in a new location temporarily
- Having limited space in dorms or student apartments
- Wanting to safely store bikes, sports equipment, furniture, books, and seasonal items
- Keeping non-essentials in storage to reduce clutter and distractions.
What Makes a Storage Unit Affordable for Students?
No matter the reason behind why you need storage, storage units can be an affordable solution for extra space. Rather than upsizing a living space at an extreme cost just for extra storage space, storage units offer students the following:
- Flexible month-to-month rental options
- No hidden fees or long-term commitments
- Unit size options that match student needs
Comparing Local Storage Prices – How To Find the Cheapest Storage Units Near Me
As a student needing extra storage, it is up to you to understand how to find affordable, reliable storage units during the school year, over the summer, or while studying abroad. Here is how we suggest finding those “cheapest storage units near me.”
First, researching the “cheapest storage units near me” is a solid start to finding the ideal unit for your items. You can use the top ten companies Google references to you as the beginning of your research.
Second, you will want to do an in-depth comparison. As a student, you will want to compare unit sizes and features, not just the base price. As you do this, look for included security features, climate control, and access hours. Your chosen unit should be a safe, clean, and secure facility with a unit in your price range that can fit everything you need to store.
Third, you will want to consider if you need to upgrade to a climate-controlled unit. While unnecessary for most students, you may want to consider renting one if you plan to store expensive furniture, clothing with lace or leather, musical instruments, sports equipment, make-up, or electronics. We suggest discussing the price difference with your preferred facilities and determining if what you want to store needs climate-controlled solutions.
Then, you will want to factor in its proximity to you and how you will transit to and from. If you have access to a car, you will have a wider area of potential options. However, if you rely on public transport, you will want to consider if any bus routes drop off and pick up close to the storage facility.
Once you’ve narrowed your candidates to 2-3 options, we suggest visiting them in person to get an in-person feel for the location! Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to ask for any available student or seasonal discounts they may be offering.
Tips for Student Storage Success:
If you are gearing up to get a storage unit, there are several things you can do to make the process easier.
First, store early in the season—units can book up fast, especially before summer break. It’s best to get your name in early and reserve your spot!
Second, if price is a concern and you don’t have enough items to fill the smallest available unit fully, you may want to consider sharing it with a friend or roommate. For example, you could split a storage unit with a roommate who is also going home for the summer or a best friend who needs extra space. Just make sure that the person you share with is 100% trustworthy, as you don’t want them stealing your stuff or forgetting to pay their share.
Third, label boxes clearly for easy unpacking. If you’re packing up a dorm or an apartment for summer break, we suggest packing your boxes according to type. For example, cooking pans and utensils should be labeled “kitchen,” books and study materials could be labeled “school supplies,” bedding and rugs could be labeled “bedroom,” and towels and non-perishable toiletries should be labeled “bathroom.”
Lastly, you will want to avoid storing perishables or prohibited items. We suggest talking with the storage facility management team to get their list of non-acceptable items as well as recommendations on what and what not to store. For example, foodstuffs, alcohol, weapons, and other such items are almost always a no!
Why Choose Larsen Transfer for Student Storage:
At Larsen Transfer, we pride ourselves on having a clean, non-smoking, and pest-free facility that is friendly to student budgets. We offer a variety of mini-storage solutions, with the smallest unit being 5×5 for just $45.00 per month.
Our mini storage units are open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week, all year long. With our offer of month-to-month contracts, full access, and fully insulated units with 24-hour security cameras, students can feel safe and secure when visiting and storing at our facility.
So whether you are planning to study abroad for a year in Japan, are taking your summer holiday to backpack through Europe, you need a location to store your sports equipment during off-season, or you want a little extra space to keep your dorm clutter-free, we’ve got you covered! Contact Larsen Transfer today to reserve a student-friendly storage unit near you in the Tri-Cities!
