Packing Tips for Students Heading To College: How to Store Your Belongings Over the Summer
Scott Bussiere
June 2nd, 2025
As the semester winds down and the last finals are turned in, college students face one final challenge, packing. For some, it’s a temporary goodbye to the dorms; for others, it’s just a few months away before fall move-in. Either way, figuring out how to store belongings for summer break can turn into a last-minute scramble if you're not prepared.With the right approach, summer packing doesn’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming. Whether you’re heading home, traveling, or starting a summer internship, these practical packing tips for students will help you organize your things and make sure they’re safe until the new semester begins.Let’s dive into what to keep, how to pack it, and why Ravens Nest Self Storage is a trusted solution for college summer storage in the Hooksett area.
Decide What Goes, What Stays, and What Gets Stored
The first step in packing isn’t packing—it’s sorting. Before you tape up a single box or pull out a storage bin, take inventory of what you have and what you’ll actually need over the summer.Will you need your heavy winter coats in July? Probably not. What about that mini fridge, your comforter set, or the spare desk lamp? Those items are perfect candidates for summer storage. On the flip side, pack essentials like laptops, medications, and personal documents to take with you.Be ruthless with what you toss. Expired toiletries, dead batteries, and last semester’s ramen stash don’t need to come home—or go into storage. The less you keep, the less you’ll have to move again later.To keep things even simpler when you return to campus, consider grouping items by function. Put all bedding in one container, kitchen tools in another, and decor in a third. When it’s time to unpack in the fall, you’ll thank yourself for the structure.
Choose the Right Containers for the Job
Your future self will not appreciate opening a soggy, crushed cardboard box in August. One of the most overlooked packing tips for students is investing in the right containers from the start.Plastic storage bins with secure lids are ideal for summer storage. They stack neatly, resist moisture, and are far more durable than their cardboard counterparts. Clear bins can also help you see what’s inside at a glance. If you’re sticking with boxes, reinforce the bottoms with packing tape and avoid overloading them.Label each container clearly. Go beyond “Stuff” or “Room” and get specific: “Kitchen – Pans & Utensils,” “Bedding – Twin XL,” etc. Some students even color-code their boxes by category—totally optional, but it makes unpacking far easier.Inside the bins, cushion fragile items with towels or clothing to prevent damage. Pack heavier items on the bottom, lighter ones on top; balance is key for both protection and ease of lifting.
Space-Saving Hacks for Smarter Packing
Packing isn’t just about what goes where—it’s about how it fits. To store belongings for summer effectively, it helps to get creative with space.Roll clothing instead of folding to reduce bulk. For sweaters, jackets, and extra linens, vacuum-seal bags can significantly compress items and keep them clean. Make sure to keep sealed items off the floor of any unit to avoid moisture exposure.Use hollow spaces wisely. Fill dresser drawers with lightweight items or pack socks inside shoes. Nest small containers inside larger ones when possible. Creating a quick inventory list for each box—either on paper or in your phone—can save you the headache of digging through bins later.And remember: if it’s something you didn’t touch all semester, it’s probably not worth dragging into next year.
Look for Storage That’s Safe, Flexible, and Student-Friendly
Once you’ve packed up your dorm room, you need somewhere reliable to keep your things. Not all storage solutions are created equal. When looking for college summer storage, prioritize places that offer safety, flexibility, and ease of use.At Ravens Nest Self Storage, students get access to secure indoor units with gated entry and 24/7 video surveillance. It’s the kind of peace of mind you need when your belongings are sitting in storage for weeks—or even months.Plus, the setup is easy. Ravens Nest offers online bill pay and handles everything digitally, so you can get started without ever stepping into an office. Appointments are available for access, allowing for personalized and secure service.Whether you're storing a couple of boxes or an entire dorm room, Ravens Nest has options like 10x20 and 10x30 units with high ceilings and wide doors—perfect for larger items and easy loading.
Make Fall Move-In a Breeze
Come August, you’ll have enough on your plate. New classes, housing logistics, and catching up with friends will be top of mind. Knowing that your things are safe, clean, and easy to retrieve takes a big weight off your shoulders.One of the best packing tips for students is to pack with your return in mind. By organizing your items well and storing them properly now, move-in will be less of a chore and more of a fresh start.With Ravens Nest handling the storage part, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your break, prepping for next semester, and not worrying about where your stuff is or whether it’s in good condition.Ready to simplify your summer move-out? Visit Ravens Nest Self Storage online or call today to reserve your summer storage unit. Safe, simple, and student-friendly—everything you need to store belongings for summer with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a unit for summer storage?
Book as early as possible—units tend to fill up quickly during the college move-out rush.
What size storage unit should I get
A 10x20 unit is typically plenty of space for a dorm or small apartment. Reach out to Ravens Nest if you're unsure what size is right for you.
Will I be able to get my stuff during the summer if I need it?
Yes! Access is available by appointment. Just contact the Ravens Nest team to set it up.
Can I rent a unit just for the summer months?
Absolutely. Flexible short-term rentals make it easy for students to store belongings for summer without a long commitment.
How do I pay for my storage unit?
Ravens Nest offers convenient online payments, so you can handle everything from your phone—even if you’re out of town.
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