When the school year winds down, college students everywhere face the same daunting task: what to do with all that dorm stuff during summer break. Whether you’re headed home, studying abroad, or just taking a well-earned vacation, lugging everything back and forth isn’t exactly ideal.

That’s where summer storage comes in. Here’s a quick guide to help you store your dorm essentials safely, affordably, and stress-free.


🎯 Why Use a Storage Unit for Dorm Items?

Let’s be honest—cramming your mini fridge, futon, and microwave into your parents’ car isn’t fun (or practical). A storage unit gives you a secure, nearby solution that saves time, space, and your sanity.

Benefits of summer storage for students:

  • No hauling stuff home and back again

  • Less clutter in your family’s garage

  • Convenient for fall move-in

  • Affordable short-term rental options


📋 What to Store (and What to Skip)

Before you toss everything in boxes, take a quick inventory. Ask yourself: Will I need this at home this summer? If not, it’s probably a good candidate for storage.

Ideal items to store:

  • Bedding, pillows, and comforters

  • Small appliances (mini fridge, coffee maker)

  • School supplies and books

  • Desk and chairs

  • Kitchenware

  • Storage bins or drawer units

  • Dorm décor and wall art

  • Seasonal clothing you won’t wear this summer

Items to take home:

  • Valuables or electronics (unless you’re using climate-controlled storage)

  • Important documents

  • Medications or anything perishable


🧼 Prep Tips: Store Smarter, Not Harder

A little prep work now saves a lot of hassle later.

  • Clean everything first. Wipe down surfaces and wash bedding to avoid musty smells or mold.

  • Use plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard (especially in humid climates).

  • Label everything clearly. You’ll thank yourself in August.

  • Stack smart. Heavy items go on the bottom, lighter items on top.


🔐 Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Look for a facility that caters to students with:

  • Flexible month-to-month leases

  • Affordable small unit sizes (5×5 or 5×10 is usually enough)

  • Gated access and security cameras

  • Climate-controlled options (recommended for electronics and books)

Bonus points if the facility is near campus—it’ll make move-in a breeze! Lakeside Storage is conveniently located near BYU and UVU!


✅ Final Checklist Before You Leave

  • Boxes labeled and packed

  • Fragile items cushioned and protected

  • Storage fees paid or scheduled

  • Lock secured (ask your storage facility if they provide one!)

  • Contact info on file with the storage manager


Don’t stress the summer shuffle. With a little planning, you can store your dorm room easily and focus on enjoying your break. Whether you’re going home, interning in a new city, or studying abroad, your stuff will be waiting for you—safe and sound—when school starts again.

Want help finding the perfect unit for your summer storage? Contact Lakeside Storage today or drop by for a tour—we’ve got just the space you need!