Closet Space vs. Storage Space

It can be a challenge to maintain an organized living space that always meets your needs, especially in college. In order to meet high expectations for your room and maybe impress your parents when they stop by for a visit, you will need to have a consistent method for organizing your clothes, books and everything else that you accumulate throughout the year. Sometimes, despite your best organizational plans, closet space can become maxed out. When this happens, self storage may be the best available option to regain order in your lifestyle.

Here are some tips that can help you efficiently organize your closet:

  1. Purchase a closet organizer with divisions that help you separate your professional attire from casual. Many also give you space to hold shoes.
  2. Put shelves in your closet (if allowed).
  3. Purchase a ‘cube’ system that you can customize to fit your closet space. These are great for any clothes you fold up and allow you to easily see what you have.
  4. Keep dirty clothes in a hamper with a lid to help contain odors.
Once you have organized everything, you can better judge whether you need more space. There is a physical limit as to how much stuff can be put into your closet. If you run out of room and cannot spare any more living space for your odds and ends, consider renting a self storage unit.

Below are some benefits of self storage:

  1. A self storage unit provides you with a nearby location to store your extra things where they are out of the way but may be taken out at your convenience.
  2. You can utilize most of the same techniques you used to gain efficient closet space in your storage unit.
  3. Having extra storage allows you to rotate seasonal clothing throughout the year without cluttering your room.
  4. Your roommate will be happy the room is not cluttered and out of control.
  5. You can use the storage unit for the rest of your things when you move out of your dorm room at the beginning of summer break. Already having one rented may ensure that you get a space in your preferred self storage company at this time of your when many students are seeking to rent a limited number of self storage spaces.
Renting self storage space, of course, costs money. Squeezing out any extra funds on a college budget can be a challenge. If this is problem for you, consider renting a space with friends. Be clear on your rules, though, so that all payments get made on time, and you do not fight over space. Check in with the self storage company every so often, even if the unit is in your friend’s name to make sure all bills have been paid. Be careful using credit cards. Signing up for automatic bill payment on a credit card may be convenient, but if the card gets maxed out and the payment does not go through, you may not notice the problem until late fees have been tacked onto your bill or, worse, management at the self storage facility informs you that your belongings are going up for auction unless they get all unpaid bills and fees right away. Do not rely on your friend to tell you if there is a problem, check in with the staff at the self storage company yourself every so often. In addition to traditional self storage units, you may find it useful to use the following alternate types of storage

Alternate types of storage:

  1. Portable storage units may be available in your area. Renting one of these may save you the cost and time of transporting your items to a self storage facility or of shipping them home. When you order a portable storage unit, the storage company will haul a large storage container to your location. You pack your items into it at your convenience. The company then hauls the box back to their facility. You may access your items from there with a little advance notice. If you prefer, you can have the portable storage container left at your dorm (with campus approval), in your friend’s house (if your friend agrees to it) or at some other location of your choice.
  2. In some situations it may be best to send things home to mom and dad. This way you will not have to pay a monthly fee for storage. However, it will be more difficult to get something you need if you send it all the way back home.
  3. Some companies also offer storage by mail. Here, you pay a monthly rate based on the size of each box that you store with the company. You may have shipping charges, also. This storage option helps you avoid the cost of wasted space in a storage unit and protects you from the possibility of family members messing with your personal belongings.
The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. “Storage Tips” are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront’s Terms and Conditions.