Cost Saving Tips

• Consolidate as much as possible.
  • The most cost-effective way to store your belongings is to use the boxes we provide for storage.
  • Each item is priced separately, so loose items may significantly increase your storage cost.
  • Example: Small individual plastic drawers cost $40 each to store, so 3 of them stored individually would cost $120. Consider combining a few of them into a large box to bring the total cost to $60.
• Boxes vs. Plastic Containers vs. Bags
  • While you are free to store belongings in bags or containers that you already own, the most cost-effective way to store will be to use the boxes we provide.
  • Example: one Ikea bag is the same price as one of our Medium sized (18″x18″x16″) boxes, but the Ikea bag has approximately 75% of the capacity as one of our medium boxes.
  • DO NOT store empty plastic containers. You will be charged the same amount to store an empty plastic container as a full one.
• Consider the value of each item.
  • Keep in mind that the minimum cost per item is $40 for the summer. If you have an item that costs less to dispose of and buy new the following year, we strongly recommend doing that instead of storing it.
  • Frequently stored low-value items: trash cans, brooms and mops, hampers and laundry baskets, particle board shelves, wire shelves, clothing racks, shoe racks, small decor items, posters, etc.
• Only store what you need.
  • If your item will be unnecessary in your new residence, it is best to dispose of it before going home for the summer instead of paying to store it and disposing of it when you get back to school.
  • Examples: Students often dispose of their headboards if they are changing the size of their bed. Students also may not need their mini fridge or microwave if their new residence has a kitchen.
• Consider the quality of your furniture.
  • If your furniture is not put together well, or is falling apart, it may be better to dispose of it and buy new the following year.
  • Even if a new piece of furniture is more expensive than storing your old furniture, it may be worth it to start fresh when you get back to campus.
• Don’t rush while packing.
  • Take your time while packing your belongings. Rushed packing often leads to storing unnecessary items and poor consolidation.
  • Rushed packing may also cause your boxes to be packed improperly (overweight or under-packed), which can cause your items to become damaged while being moved.
• Communicate!
  • Parents – communicate with your student to get an accurate assessment of everything that will be stored.
  • Often times, items have accumulated throughout the year. Without planning, your storage cost can exceed your budget.
  • Be sure to work together to decide what you can dispose of, and what needs to go into storage.
• Review our Pricing Page!