Whether you’re heading off on the Erasmus programme, going travelling on a global adventure, switching accommodation, or just escaping home for the summer, one thing every student in Ireland needs is storage space for all their stuff!

From textbooks and winter coats to guitars, bikes, duvets and kitchen bits… student life comes with more belongings than most bedrooms can handle. That’s where student self-storage swoops in as a total lifesaver. And the best news is that it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.

Top 5 Storage Hacks

Choosing to keep your goods stored, short-term or long-term, in a self-storage unit is not only convenient, but it can be a really affordable option as well. We’ve compiled our 5 favourite tips for saving money on student storage. 

Declutter Before You Store

The biggest mistake students make is simply storing everything. Before you start boxing up your belongings, do a deep declutter. This will not only free up your space, but also save you money as you can now choose a smaller storage unit for your things. 

When you’re decluttering, ask yourself these 3 questions:

• Do I really need this?
• Will I use it in the next semester?
• Could someone else give it a better home?

This is a time for being ruthless – you don’t want to start out as a hoarder in your student years, it’s just going to make life difficult down the line. You can then sort your items into:

• What you need to keep
• What you could donate to charity or friends
• What you can sell
• What must be chucked out or recycled

Packing light is not only freeing and more cost-effective, it also makes moving day faster and far less stressful. If you need packing supplies, StorageWise sells boxes, tapes, locks and bubble wrap, so you can pack properly and protect what you’re keeping.

Sell What You Don’t Need

The more storage you need, the more you pay, so why pay to store clothes you never wear or a kettle you bought in your first year? Instead of just chucking them into storage, make some money off these items – it all adds up! You can try:

• Selling things on Facebook Marketplace or community social groups 
• Listing electronics and furniture on DoneDeal
• Advertising books to other students on Instagram Stories or WhatsApp groups

Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Not all storage units are created equal, and you don’t want to get stuck paying for more than you need. If you’re just looking to store a suitcase, two boxes and your winter duvet, then a mini locker will do. If you need to store all your stuff, then you might need a small unit. Most students can comfortably fit everything into 25–50 sq. ft., which is about the size of a garden shed or large walk-in wardrobe. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to guess; you can just ask the experts. The team at StorageWise can recommend the right size and even help you upgrade or downsize later if your plans change.

Pack Smart to Save Space

Packing efficiently is a huge space (and money) saver. If you’re someone who leaves everything to the last minute and just throws it all into a black bag, these packing hacks are for you!

• Roll your clothes instead of folding
• Stack small boxes inside larger boxes
• Use every gap: inside shoes, drawers, and empty containers
• Put heavier items at the bottom, lighter items on top
• Break down furniture so it packs flat
• Wrap electronics so they’re protected but compact

Share a Unit with a Friend

One of the smartest student hacks is also the simplest: split the cost. If you and a housemate or student friend are both heading home for the summer, then you can go in on the storage fee. Some tips include:

• Rent one slightly larger unit instead of two smaller ones
• Divide the space and use tape on the floor if you want a boundary
• Label everything clearly
• Stack boxes safely and leave a walkway down the middle

BONUS SAVINGS TIP: Choose StorageWise

Let’s face it: student life is chaotic enough without dragging your belongings up and down the country every few months. With StorageWise, you get hassle-free storage designed specifically around student life – which means we help you save! Students benefit from:

• Free move-in service (game changer!)
• Expert guidance on unit sizes and change sizes if needed
• Covered trailer delivered to your accommodation
• Return collection when you’re ready
• Dry, heated, clean units
• Insurance included
• Secure facility
• Flexible dates
• 24/7 access available on request

StorageWise is here to help you plan, pack, store and save. Book your student unit today and start your next adventure the clutter-free way!