Residential Storage

Student storage units are secure, climate-controlled rental spaces that range from 5’x5′ closet-sized units to 10’x15′ bedroom-sized spaces where students store furniture, textbooks, seasonal items, and dorm belongings. U•STORE•IT offers heated units that start around $50 monthly for small spaces, while most dorm room or one-bedroom apartment contents fit in 5’x10′ or 10’x10′ units that cost $75-$150 monthly with the 25% student discount. Our facilities provide drive-up access, 24/7 surveillance, and password-controlled entry gates.

How Student Storage Units Work

Student storage units work by providing private, lockable spaces within secure facilities where you maintain exclusive access to your belongings between semesters. The rental process requires you to select an appropriate unit size, sign a month-to-month agreement with no long-term commitment, receive your access code, and move items using provided carts and dollies. Most students visit their units during semester breaks or as needed and access them during extended hours (7 AM to 9 PM daily) using personalized gate codes and their own padlocks.

Types of Student Storage Units Available

Climate-controlled student storage units maintain consistent temperatures between 15-25°C year-round and protect electronics, textbooks, musical instruments, and documents from Alberta’s extreme temperature swings. Drive-up storage units offer convenient vehicle access through garage-style doors and suit students moving larger items or furniture. Indoor units provide maximum weather protection through interior hallway access, while our heated-only units prevent freezing but allow some temperature variation and suit less sensitive items at lower costs.

Cost Comparison: Student Storage Units vs Alternatives

Student storage units cost $50-$150 monthly (with the 25% student discount) while keeping items at a friend’s place risks damaged relationships, leaving belongings at home requires parental space and limits access, and portable pod storage costs $200-$500 plus delivery fees. The cost-effectiveness becomes apparent when security features, climate control, and semester flexibility enter the comparison – a 5’x10′ storage unit that costs around $75 monthly with student discount provides superior protection and access control for less than most students spend on textbooks each semester.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Student storage unit rental fees are straightforward, but your budget should include additional expenses such as padlocks ($15-$50), moving supplies ($30-$100 depending on items), truck rental if you don’t use our free service ($50-$150), and optional insurance ($10-$25 monthly). Some facilities charge administration fees or require deposits, though U•STORE•IT eliminates these extra charges.

Student Storage Unit Size Calculator

The right student storage unit size prevents overpaying for unused space or cramming belongings unsafely. Our storage specialists apply these guidelines based on typical student storage needs:

Small Student Storage Units (5’x5′ to 5’x10′)

These closet to walk-in closet sized units hold approximately 10-30 boxes plus small furniture pieces. Small units store dorm room contents, textbooks, mini-fridges, seasonal clothing, sporting equipment, or bedroom overflow perfectly. A 5’x5′ unit equals a hall closet while a 5’x10′ unit matches a large walk-in closet and accommodates most single dorm room contents. Monthly costs range from $50-$100, or $37-$75 with the 25% student discount.

Medium Student Storage Units (10’x10′ to 10’x15′)

These units compare to a small bedroom and accommodate entire one-bedroom apartment contents including sofas, bed frames, desks, appliances, and boxes. A 10’x10′ unit holds a furnished dorm room or studio apartment comfortably, while a 10’x15′ unit fits shared apartment belongings. Climate control costs $125-$200 monthly, or approximately $94-$150 with student discount.

Common Mistakes When Renting Student Storage Units

First-time student renters underestimate space needs and cram items floor-to-ceiling without access paths. This arrangement makes retrieving specific textbooks or winter clothing nearly impossible mid-semester. Other mistakes include storing prohibited items (mini-fridge food, cleaning supplies, plants), using inadequate locks that bolt cutters can defeat, and forgetting to protect furniture with blankets or plastic covers. You can avoid these problems by planning box placement, creating an inventory list on your phone, and leaving a center aisle for access.

Student Storage Unit Alternatives and When to Use Them

You should consider whether alternatives better suit your needs before renting student storage units. Storing items at a friend’s apartment seems convenient but risks losing belongings or straining friendships. Shipping everything home each semester costs $300-$800 in fees and requires family storage space. Leaving items in your car exposes belongings to theft and extreme temperatures. Storage facilities remain the optimal choice when you’re staying in Alberta for the summer, studying year-round, or when your belongings have significant value.

Preparing Items for Student Storage Units

Proper preparation extends stored belongings’ life and prevents damage. You must clean and dry all items thoroughly because even slight moisture causes mold in enclosed spaces. You should disassemble furniture like bed frames to save space, then store hardware in labeled bags taped to furniture pieces. Electronics like laptops and gaming systems perform best in original packaging or anti-static bubble wrap. Pack textbooks in small boxes to prevent excessive weight, and use vacuum-seal bags for bedding and winter clothing to maximize space.

Insurance Options for Student Storage Units

Student storage facilities maintain security, but insurance protects against unforeseen events like fire, flooding, or theft. Parents’ homeowner’s insurance sometimes extends coverage to student belongings in storage, though you should verify this coverage before assuming protection. Dedicated storage insurance costs $10-$25 monthly for typical student belongings and usually offers $2,000-$5,000 protection. You should photograph stored items, especially electronics, musical instruments, and furniture.

Summer Storage Strategies for Students

Alberta students face unique challenges when dorms close for summer or lease agreements end before going home. Summer storage between April and September represents the peak season for student storage needs. Smart students share small storage units ($50-$75 monthly) with roommates to split costs and store multiple dorm rooms worth of belongings. Many students store belongings from May through August, making the total cost $150-$225 for the entire summer – less than shipping items home and back.

International Student Storage Solutions

International students studying in Alberta face particular storage challenges since shipping belongings internationally costs thousands and taking everything home during breaks proves impractical. Storage units provide year-round solutions for students who remain in Canada during holidays or participate in summer programs. Month-to-month agreements accommodate uncertain travel plans, while climate-controlled units protect belongings during extended absences. Many international students maintain storage units throughout their entire degree programs.

Why Students Choose U•STORE•IT

U•STORE•IT has provided student storage solutions to thousands of Alberta students since 1978 and understands unique student needs like budget constraints, semester schedules, and protecting belongings from -40°C winters. Our facilities near major campuses (North Edmonton near NAIT, South Edmonton near University of Alberta, West Edmonton) plus St. Albert and Red Deer locations near Red Deer Polytechnic ensure most students live within 20 minutes of secure storage. We offer true month-to-month billing that saves students hundreds annually, plus 25% off for post-secondary students.

Questions to Ask Any Storage Facility

You should ask about student discount eligibility (U•STORE•IT offers 25% off), actual monthly versus 4-week billing cycles (13 payments yearly), climate control specifics, access hour restrictions during exam periods and holidays, whether you can share a unit with roommates, and insurance requirements or options when comparing student storage units. You should also confirm whether free moving truck rentals are available and if moving supplies are sold on-site. U•STORE•IT provides transparent answers to all these concerns.