You've got two weeks to move out of your dorm. Your summer internship is across the country. You're studying abroad for a semester. Or you're graduating and need temporary space while you figure out your next move. All your textbooks, clothes, furniture, and personal stuff can't come with you, and your parents' basement is already full.
Student storage is built for exactly this. Affordable month to month pricing, close to Madison and the UW Madison campus, and the flexibility to move out anytime without penalties.
When students actually use storage
Summer break move out
You're done with the dorm or rental apartment in May, but you're not coming back to Madison until August or September. Store everything for the summer, move back in when the semester starts.
Off campus internship
Your summer internship is in another state, and your Madison apartment lease ends before you leave. Store your stuff for three months instead of breaking the lease early or paying for storage you don't need.
Study abroad semester
You're going to Europe or Asia for a semester. Store your belongings in Madison while you're gone, then move back when you return.
Graduation transition
You're graduating, but you're not sure where you'll be living next. Store your stuff for a couple of months while you figure out your next job, apartment, or move.
Between semesters or breaks
Some students store for intersession or winter break instead of dragging everything home. Cheaper and easier than packing everything.
Why student storage is different
Most storage units are expensive and require year long leases. Student storage is month to month and priced for tight budgets. You pay only for the months you need it, and you can cancel anytime. That's the whole point.
What fits in a student storage unit
Furniture from your dorm or apartment
Desk, chair, bed frame, dresser, shelving. Take it out, store it, move it back in next semester.
Clothes, textbooks, and personal items
Winter clothes you won't need over summer; textbooks you might resell; boxes of stuff that don't fit in your parents' house.
Electronics and small appliances
Laptop, TV, microwave, coffee maker. Anything you use in your rental that you want to keep safe instead of selling.
Sports equipment and recreational gear
Snowboards, skis, bikes, roller blades, climbing gear. Things you don't need during your time away.
Books, artwork, and collectibles
All the stuff that makes your space feel like home instead of a temporary rental.
Unit size for students
Most students fit everything from a small dorm or one bedroom apartment in a 5x10 or 10x10 unit. If you've got a lot of furniture or multiple people storing together, bump to a 10x15. Not sure? Call (608) 838-1800 and describe what you're storing. We'll recommend the right size.
Temperature control: do you need it?
For most student belongings, clothes, textbooks, furniture, electronics, standard storage is fine. Temperature control is worth considering if you're storing expensive electronics, musical instruments, or anything vintage or collectible that warps or corrodes in temperature swings.
Packing for student storage
Use plastic totes instead of cardboard
They seal, stack, label clearly, and survive moisture better than paper boxes.
Label everything with your name and cell
If you lose track of where something is, you can call ahead and have us help you locate it.
Keep important items accessible
Don't bury your laptop, textbooks, or documents behind heavy furniture. You might need to grab something mid summer.
Protect furniture
Throw a sheet or blanket over couches or chairs so dust doesn't settle while it sits in storage.
Drain fuel from lawn equipment if storing
If you're storing a mower or other gas powered tool, drain it or use stabilizer before you leave.
Affordable pricing for tight budgets
Student storage is month to month, so you're not paying premium rates. A 5x10 unit for three months (May through August) costs far less than you'd pay for a year long lease at a competitor. More importantly, if your internship ends early or you come back early, you're not stuck paying for unused months. Just give us 15 days' notice and move your stuff out.
Store near campus
All four of our Wisconsin facilities are convenient to Madison and the surrounding area. De Forest and Sun Prairie are closest to UW Madison. Cambridge and Stoughton serve the broader Madison area. Find one near you and reserve online in minutes.
FAQ
How much does student storage cost?
Pricing is month to month and affordable for student budgets. A 5x10 unit for three months costs far less than a year long lease. Browse rates online or call (608) 838-1800.
Can I pay for just three months (May through July)?
Yes. Pay for May, June, and July only. No long contracts, no penalty if you move out early.
What if my internship ends early and I need to move out in July?
No problem. Month to month means you give 15 days' notice and move out. You don't lose money on unused months.
Do I need insurance for student storage?
Yes, items must be insured. Check if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers off site storage. If not, we offer affordable coverage.
Can I access my unit mid summer if I need something?
Yes, during gate hours. Forgot an important document? Need a specific textbook? Come grab it.
Where should I store near UW Madison?
De Forest and Sun Prairie are closest to campus. Both offer month to month student friendly rates.