- Some lucky students attend universities that offer storage space to students far from home – in the dormitory basements at the University of Puget Sound, for example, or the sorority attics at the University of the Pacific. Have your child check with his R.A. about storage options on campus.
- Hire a pick up and delivery service, such as CollegeBoxes.com or Dorm2Dorm. CollegeBoxes started life as a student run company at Duke University. Now, it serves nearly four dozen universities. It ships your child a starter pack of five boxes and assorted supplies, then picks up the packed boxes, bicycles, TVs and whatever else you need stored on a designated day at the end of finals week. In the fall, it delivers everything to your child’s dorm. It’s convenient and fast, but pricey. In 2009, the rates were $30 for the packing supply kit, then $45 for storing and transporting each 4-cubic ft. box for the summer. Other rates apply for larger objects, mini-fridges, bicycles or televisions. These companies also handle storage for students studying abroad.
- Or, rent a self-storage unit near campus and do the packing and shlepping yourself. It’s certainly more work, but the price is significantly lower: $15-$22 in sign up fees and $19-$60 per month for a 5x5 foot locker that will accommodate at least half a dozen large boxes and a bike. Most of these companies take reservations up to 30 days ahead and offer month-to-month leases. Find a suitable one by Googling self-storage and the city you need, or have your child get recommendations from his R.A. or an upper classman.
In addition to packing supplies, you’ll also need plastic drop cloths to drape and protect any furniture, and a heavy duty, secure lock, usually available from the self-storage company manager for a fee.
