From dorm room to storage unit - your summer moving guide

🙊 Can you believe all the stuff in your room used to fit into one suitcase? If not... its probably because it didn't.

Realising all the stuff you have accumulated over your time in halls, whether it memorabilia from nights out or souvenirs from trips you went on with your flatmates, is a canon event you simply escape.

But don't worry! There are plenty of ways you can store your stuff in London over the summer and save the zipper seams of your suitcase.

📦 Storage Facilities Around London

This is the most common among students, especially if you're moving into private accommodation. Prices range between 25-50 pounds a week, often with a discount for the first few months. For a summer stay, 5-15 square feet will be perfect to home your boxes over the break. Try to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to guarantee a space and the best price.

‼️ Prices vary significantly even within providers based on storage capacity and location. The prices provided above are market estimates, but ensure to check according to your needs!

Here are some of the most common providers.

1. Shurgard

Locations: Bloomsbury, London Euston, Kennington, Kings Cross, Camden, Southwark (and more!)

Bonus: No minimum stay, many locations offer the first month's rent for just £1, and the website portal shares ground floor storage availability for accessibility!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.shurgard.com/en-gb

2. Big Yellow Self Storage

Locations: Kings Cross, Kennington, Wapping (and more!)

Bonus: 50% off for the first 8 weeks and you can cancel your rolling contract on 14-day notice.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.bigyellow.co.uk/

3. Safestore

Locations: Kings Cross, Paddington, London Euston, Camden (and more!)

Bonus: £1 for the first month of rent or 50% off for 8 weeks, and the website portal shares ground floor storage availability for accessibility!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.safestore.co.uk/

4. Vanguard Storage

Locations: Isle of Dogs, Oxford Circus, Greenford, Soho, Victoria (and more!)

Bonus: 10% off with a valid student ID.

🔗 Learn more:https://www.vanguardstorage.co.uk/

5. HOLD Self Storage

Locations: King's Cross

Bonus: Free move-in van for new customers, 50% off your first 8 weeks

🔗 Learn more: https://www.holdstorage.co.uk/

🧐 Which one should I pick?

Choosing the perfect self-storage location boils down to one question - do you know where you are living next year?

If yes, it may be a good idea to try to book something near your future residence to avoid having to lug it across town come autumn. 

If no, then you can either book one near your current hall of residence so that its easy for you to move your things to storage. Alternatively, you can try to book one central near major transportation hubs like King's Cross or Euston that insures you regarding mobility when you come back to London after the break.

👯 At your friends' house...

If you don't have tons of boxes, but maybe have some miscellaneous stuff that doesn't need to come home with you, you can ask London-based friends to look after it for you.

‼️ Make sure to ask super super nicely and be mindful of how much space your stuff will take up in their home, and don't forget to thank them afterwards! 

Good luck moving your stuff! Happy packing!