Student Storage Units & Self Storage for College Students
Student storage units and student self storage services help college students across Southern California navigate mandatory move-outs, summer breaks, lease gaps, and transitions. Whether you attend USC, UCLA, LMU, UC Irvine, or any of the dozens of colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles and Orange County–or you’re a parent coordinating logistics from out of state–Box-n-Go provides flexible college student storage with pickup and delivery that eliminates the need for trucks, multiple trips, and last-minute travel. Our university student storage solutions are designed specifically for the unique challenges college students face.
We bring & pick up a storage unit, you load it
Storage by the box w/
in-room pick up
Why College Students Need Student Storage Units
Storage isn’t something most students think about until they’re facing a deadline. The reality is that student self storage exists because move-out is required–not optional. Dorm housing contracts end on specific dates, apartment leases expire, and students must vacate whether they have a plan or not. This mandatory timeline creates the demand for student storage units, student storage solutions, and storage units for students that work around academic schedules rather than against them.
Students face storage needs in several common situations. Dorm residents must clear their rooms completely at the end of spring semester, often within 24-48 hours of their last final exam. Off-campus apartment leases frequently end in late May or early June, while fall leases may not begin until August–creating weeks of “gap time” when belongings need somewhere to go. Students heading abroad for a semester or year need student self storage rather than paying rent on an empty room. International student storage needs are particularly common, as students from overseas can’t simply ship everything home between semesters. Internships and summer jobs may take students to different cities temporarily. Roommate changes and transitions between dorms and apartments also create short-term storage needs, as does student luggage storage for those traveling light before moving into new accommodations.
For parents, the situation often feels like a logistics puzzle with too many pieces. Coordinating move-out timing around finals, travel schedules, and housing availability requires planning that many families struggle to manage from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
The Real Challenges Students Face During Move-Out
Transportation is the number one practical barrier for students during move-out. Most students living in dorms or near-campus apartments don’t have vehicles large enough to transport mattresses, mini-fridges, desks, and multiple boxes of belongings. Even students with cars often can’t fit everything in one trip. Truck rentals add complexity: age restrictions, insurance requirements, deposits, and the challenge of driving an unfamiliar vehicle through campus traffic and narrow parking structures. This is why student storage companies that offer pickup services have become essential.
Time pressure compounds the transportation problem. Move-out deadlines typically fall immediately after finals week or during final project submissions. Students find themselves packing boxes while studying for exams, operating on minimal sleep, and facing hard deadlines that housing offices enforce strictly. This rushed timeline leads to common mistakes–boxes packed too heavy, food left in mini-fridges, liquids that leak during storage, and items forgotten in closets and drawers.
Many parents can’t simply fly in to help. Work schedules, other children at home, and the cost of last-minute flights and hotels make parental assistance difficult to arrange. Even local parents may struggle to take time off during the end-of-semester crunch. The most effective student storage services recognize this reality and design solutions that students can manage independently while keeping parents informed.
Student inexperience with storage and moving also creates challenges. Many students have never packed for long-term storage, don’t know what items can or can’t be stored safely, and underestimate how long the process takes. This is their first experience handling logistics that adults typically manage, and the learning curve is steep when time is short.
Schools We Serve Across Southern California
Box-n-Go provides student storage units and student self storage solutions for students at colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the surrounding regions. Our service area includes major research universities, liberal arts colleges, and state university campuses where thousands of students need storage every semester.
In the Los Angeles area, we serve students at USC, UCLA, LMU, Occidental College, Otis College of Art and Design, Caltech, and Pepperdine University. The Claremont Colleges consortium–including Pomona College, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps College, and Pitzer College–represents a significant concentration of students who need summer storage and study abroad solutions.
California State University campuses we serve include CSUN, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal State Fullerton. In Orange County, UC Irvine, Chapman University, and Concordia University Irvine students regularly use our services. Additional schools include Cal Poly Pomona, Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, University of La Verne, and Woodbury University.
This regional coverage means storage for students near me is available regardless of which Southern California campus you call home. Our centralized facility and pickup/delivery model for college student storage eliminates the need to find storage within walking distance of campus.
What Happens Without a Storage Plan
Students and families who don’t arrange storage in advance often find themselves scrambling during the most stressful week of the semester. The typical last-minute scenario involves parents booking expensive flights, reserving hotel rooms near campus, and renting trucks or cargo vans to transport belongings either home or to a hastily-selected storage facility.
The traditional self-storage experience requires students to find a facility, drive there to sign paperwork and view units, rent a truck, load belongings, drive to the facility, unload into the unit, return the truck, and then reverse the entire process months later for move-in. For students without vehicles, each step requires borrowing cars, coordinating with friends, or paying for rides–all while managing the stress of finals and move-out deadlines.
Parents who fly in face their own challenges: navigating unfamiliar campuses, dealing with elevator wait times and narrow hallways in residence halls, loading vehicles in parking structures with height restrictions, and managing the physical labor of carrying boxes and furniture. What sounds manageable in planning often becomes exhausting in execution, especially when temperatures climb during late spring move-out season.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Move-Out
When parents fly in to help with move-out, the costs add up quickly. Round-trip flights booked close to the travel date often run several hundred dollars or more. Hotels near campus during graduation and move-out season charge premium rates. Rental trucks require deposits, insurance, and fuel. Traditional student storage units charge monthly rent plus administrative fees, and the most affordable units often lack climate control or convenient access. college student storage with pickup and delivery eliminates most of these expenses.
Beyond direct expenses, there’s the cost of time away from work and other responsibilities. Parents may need to take multiple days off–time for travel, the actual move-out process, and return travel. For families with other children or demanding work schedules, this time simply may not be available.
Students who try to manage traditional storage independently face different cost pressures. Truck rental companies often charge higher rates or require additional deposits for drivers under 25. Making multiple trips between campus and a storage facility consumes hours that could be spent studying for finals or saying goodbye to friends. The stress and exhaustion of handling logistics alone can impact academic performance during the most important week of the semester. university student storage services eliminate these burdens.
How Box-n-Go Solves the Student Self Storage Problem
Box-n-Go designed its college student storage services specifically around the realities of college move-out. Rather than requiring students to transport belongings to a facility, we bring storage to them. This fundamental difference eliminates the need for trucks, reduces physical labor, and allows students to focus on finals while knowing their belongings will be handled professionally.
Our approach works for both students and parents. Students can manage the entire process independently when needed–scheduling pickup, preparing belongings, and arranging delivery for fall move-in. Parents don’t need to fly in–they can coordinate remotely, receive updates, and have confidence that their student’s possessions are stored securely without requiring a cross-country trip. Finding the best student storage means choosing a service that offers both convenience and secure student storage facilities.
We offer two distinct service options because student situations vary significantly. A first-year dorm resident with boxes and a mini-fridge has different needs than a senior moving out of a furnished apartment. By providing both by-the-box valet service and portable container options, we can match the right solution to each student’s specific circumstances.
Student Self Storage Options: Two Service Types
Box-n-Go offers two university student storage options designed for different volumes of belongings and different levels of involvement. Understanding which student storage units option fits your situation helps ensure a smooth experience from pickup through delivery.
A La Carte Valet Storage works on a by-the-box model, ideal for dorm residents and students with primarily boxes and small items. Self-Load Flex Container Storage provides a portable storage unit for student self storage needs involving furniture and larger volumes of belongings, or for roommates who want to share storage space and costs. Both options include pickup from your location and delivery when you’re ready to move back in.
Self-Load Flex Container Storage
Self-Load Flex Container Storage uses Box-n-Go’s portable storage units–8-foot by 5-foot by 7-foot containers that we deliver directly to your location. The container is placed as close to your residence as building and parking rules allow, typically in a parking space or driveway area. You have several days to load the container at your own pace, at ground level, without needing ramps or lifting items overhead.
Once loaded, you schedule pickup. Box-n-Go retrieves the sealed container and transports it to our secure indoor storage facility, where it remains until you request delivery. When fall semester approaches or your new housing is ready, we deliver the container to your new address for unloading.
This service works particularly well for students moving out of apartments who have furniture–couches, desks, bed frames, dressers–along with boxes and personal items. The container provides enough space for a furnished studio or one-bedroom apartment’s worth of belongings. Roommates often share a single container, splitting the cost and simplifying coordination.
For students who prefer not to handle the physical loading themselves, third-party loading assistance is available. Campus restrictions on container placement vary by school and housing type, so confirming logistics with your housing office before scheduling delivery is always recommended.
A La Carte Valet Storage: By-the-Box College Student Storage
A La Carte Valet Storage offers college student storage pricing based on what you actually store rather than renting a fixed-size space. This by-the-box approach means you pay for 8 boxes if you have 8 boxes, not for a 5×10 unit that’s half empty.
The process begins before pickup day. Box-n-Go mails you a customizable box kit to your campus address. The standard kit includes five Box-n-Go U Boxes–specialty boxes designed specifically for student self storage–along with packing tape and a marker for labeling. You can request additional boxes, different sizes, or skip the kit entirely and use your own boxes and containers.
The Box-n-Go U Box deserves specific mention because it addresses common student packing problems. Built with thicker cardboard and full overlap flaps, these boxes resist collapse when stacked and protect contents even when students inevitably overpack them. The reinforced construction helps prevent the crushed corners and split seams that plague standard moving boxes during months of storage.
On pickup day, our team comes directly to your residence–dorm room, apartment, or house. We label every item, handle all lifting and carrying, and transport your belongings to our storage facility. You pack; we do everything else. This full-service approach is why A La Carte has become the best student self storage choice for dorm residents and anyone who wants a hands-off experience.
A La Carte can store any items students typically have, including furniture, electronics, bicycles, and bulky items alongside boxes. The by-the-box pricing applies to standard boxes and items, with separate rates for special-care items like furniture pieces that require two people to carry or fragile items needing extra handling.
Self Storage Facilities Across Our Service Area
Students researching storage options will find numerous self-storage facilities throughout Southern California near the schools we serve. While Box-n-Go’s pickup and delivery service eliminates the need to visit these locations, understanding what traditional options exist provides useful context for comparing approaches. Here are facilities near major campuses across our service area:
Near USC: Public Storage – 3625 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Near UCLA: Public Storage – 1606 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Near LMU: StorQuest Self Storage – 12821 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Near UC Irvine: SecurCare Self Storage – 2960 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614
Near Claremont Colleges: Extra Space Storage – 775 S Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Near Cal Poly Pomona: A-American Self Storage – 2157 Murchison Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Near CSUN: Public Storage – 18440 Oxnard St, Tarzana, CA 91356
Near Chapman University: Extra Space Storage – 1722 W Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867
These facilities offer traditional self-storage where customers rent student storage units, transport items themselves, and access the facility during operating hours. Prices vary by unit size, location, and amenities like climate control. Many require minimum rental periods and charge administrative fees at move-in. Box-n-Go’s university student storage serves students at all these schools and more–with pickup and delivery that eliminates the transportation burden of traditional self-storage.
What Students and Parents Say About Student Storage Units
★★★★★
“I needed student self storage for my dorm room at USC during summer break. Box-n-Go’s pickup and delivery service made everything simple–they picked up all my boxes and stored them safely until fall move-in.”
— USC Student
★★★★★
“My apartment lease near UCLA ended before my new place was ready. Box-n-Go delivered a storage container right to my building–I loaded my furniture and they stored it until I needed it back.”
— UCLA Student
★★★★★
“Keeping my belongings locally for the summer made coming back to Claremont Colleges much easier. Box-n-Go handled everything–pickup, storage, and delivery back to my new dorm.”
— Claremont Colleges Student
★★★★★
“We didn’t need to fly in to help with move-out. Box-n-Go coordinated everything directly with our daughter, and we could track it all from home. Huge relief for out-of-state parents.”
— Parent of USC Student
Student Self Storage Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes
Proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth storage experience and problems that surface months later when you unpack. These tips address the most common issues our team sees during student move-outs.
Keep boxes under 50 pounds. Overloaded boxes are dangerous to lift and more likely to collapse when stacked during storage. Use more small boxes rather than fewer heavy ones, especially for books and dishes.
Remove all food–even sealed packages. Food attracts pests regardless of how well it’s sealed. Empty all cabinets, drawers, backpacks, and mini-fridges completely before storage.
Don’t store liquids. Shampoo, soap, drinks, cleaning products, and any other liquids can leak during transportation or temperature changes. Dispose of open containers and take unopened items with you.
Defrost and dry mini-fridges 24 hours before pickup. Unplug the fridge, remove all food, leave the door open, and wipe out any moisture. A wet mini-fridge will develop mold and odors in storage.
Clean microwaves thoroughly. Remove any food residue, spills, or crumbs. Odors trapped inside appliances intensify over months of storage.
Label every box on all sides. Write your name, phone number, and a general description of contents on multiple sides of each box. Boxes get stacked and rotated; a label only on top becomes invisible.
Protect soft items. Roll mattress toppers and wrap them in clean plastic bags. Double-bag clothing and bedding to prevent dust and moisture damage.
Take photos of box contents. A quick phone photo of what goes in each box creates a personal inventory that helps you find items later and documents condition for your records.
Keep essentials with you. Passports, medications, laptops, chargers, and important documents should travel with you, not go into storage. If you need it within the first week of returning to school, don’t store it.
For a comprehensive preparation guide, use our printable move-out checklist to ensure nothing gets overlooked during the busy final days of the semester. Proper preparation makes college student storage stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Self Storage
What do college students do with their belongings over the summer?
Most college students need to remove belongings when dorms close or leases end. Common options include taking items home, renting a traditional storage unit, or using student self storage services that pick up items, store them during summer break, and deliver them back for fall move-in. For students attending schools far from home, local storage often makes more sense than shipping everything back and forth.
Do dorms allow students to leave belongings over the summer?
Most dorms require students to fully move out at the end of the academic year. Items typically cannot be left behind, even in closets or common areas. This policy is why dorm storage and summer storage for students services exist–to bridge the gap between spring move-out and fall move-in.
Where do students store their stuff between semesters?
Students searching for student storage near me use several options: traditional self-storage facilities near campus, pickup-and-delivery student self storage, shipping items home, or storing with local friends or family. The best choice depends on volume of belongings, budget, whether you have transportation, and how long you need storage.
What is the difference between student storage and self storage?
Traditional self storage requires renting a storage unit for student storage and transporting items yourself–you need a vehicle, make multiple trips, and handle all loading and unloading. student self storage services like Box-n-Go are designed around academic schedules and typically include pickup and delivery, eliminating the transportation burden that makes traditional storage difficult for students without vehicles. This student self storage approach transforms what would be a multi-day project into a simple scheduled pickup.
Is student self storage better than renting a storage unit?
Student storage units near me searches often lead to traditional facilities, but student storage units with pickup and delivery often work better for students who lack vehicles, have limited time during finals, or whose parents can’t travel to help with move-out. Traditional storage units may cost less per month but require transportation logistics that add hidden costs and stress. For most college students, student self storage with pickup and delivery provides better overall value.
Can roommates share college student storage?
Yes. Roommates frequently coordinate shared storage, either by combining items in a single Box-n-Go Flex container or by scheduling A La Carte pickups together. Sharing reduces per-person costs and simplifies coordination when multiple people are moving out from the same location.
How does student self storage with pickup and delivery work?
With pickup-and-delivery student self storage, you schedule a pickup date, prepare your belongings, and our team comes to your location to collect everything. Items are transported to a secure facility and stored until you schedule delivery to your fall housing. You pack; we handle transportation, storage, and redelivery.
Do parents need to fly in to help with university student storage?
With full-service options like A La Carte, parents typically don’t need to travel. Students can manage the entire process independently–our team handles all heavy lifting and transportation. Parents can help coordinate scheduling and stay informed without booking flights or taking time off work.
What items should not be stored in college student storage?
Even with safe student storage facilities, do not store food (including sealed packages), perishable items, liquids (open shampoo, soap, drinks, cleaning products), hazardous materials, and important documents. Keep passports, medications, and irreplaceable items with you rather than placing them in storage.
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Valet
Schools and Services
Box-n-Go provides student storage units access for students throughout Southern California. Visit our school-specific pages for information tailored to your campus:
Los Angeles Area: USC | UCLA | LMU | Occidental College | Otis College | Caltech | Pepperdine
Claremont Colleges: Claremont Colleges | Pomona College | Claremont McKenna | Harvey Mudd | Scripps College | Pitzer College
Cal State Universities: CSUN | Cal State LA | Cal State Long Beach | Cal State Fullerton
Orange County: UC Irvine | Chapman University | Concordia Irvine
Additional Schools: Cal Poly Pomona | Azusa Pacific | Biola University | University of La Verne | Woodbury University
Explore Our Services: Dorm Storage | Summer Storage | Student Discounts | Pickup & Delivery | Study Abroad Storage | FAQs
Before finals week arrives, download our printable move-out checklist to prepare for a stress-free transition.
Box-n-Go has provided portable storage solutions across Southern California since 2006. We are a BBB Accredited Business and proud member of the California Self Storage Association, committed to secure, reliable service for students and families.
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Get Started with Student Storage Units Today
Don’t wait until move-out week to arrange storage. Whether you need full-service A La Carte valet storage or a Self-Load Flex container, Box-n-Go makes student storage units accessible for students across Southern California. Our university student storage services handle pickup, secure indoor storage, and delivery–so you can focus on finals, enjoy summer break, and return to campus ready for a new semester.
Call 877-269-6461 to discuss your storage needs, get pricing, or schedule pickup. You can also visit our Google Business page for reviews, hours, and directions.
Box-n-Go Student Storage Units Service Area
Box-n-Go serves students at colleges and universities throughout the greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Our student storage units service radius covers approximately 45 miles from our central facility, reaching all major campuses from Malibu to Irvine and from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.
