Student life in Manchester is full of moving around, from halls to private housing, summer breaks, and sometimes study abroad placements. Finding a place to keep your things between moves can be stressful, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable ways to store your belongings without breaking the bank. These ten tips will help you save money, stay organised, and make moving easier.
1. Plan Ahead Before Term Ends
The best storage deals go quickly once exam season ends. Book your unit early to secure the right size and take advantage of student discounts.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we recommend booking at least two weeks before your move-out date, especially in June and July.
2. Share a Unit with Friends
If you and your flatmates all need storage, share a unit. Splitting the cost makes it much cheaper for everyone.
Just make sure you label your boxes clearly, so no one accidentally takes home the wrong items later.
You can compare unit sizes on our Prices page to see what fits your group best.
3. Use Student Discounts and Offers
Look out for student offers and seasonal promotions. We offer 50% off your first 9 weeks, plus no deposit storage, so you only pay for the time you use.
It’s one of the easiest ways to save money during the summer or between tenancies.
4. Pack Smart to Save Space
The better you pack, the smaller the storage unit you’ll need. Use boxes of the same size to stack easily, and fill every corner to avoid wasted space.
Packing efficiently means you might get away with a smaller unit, cutting costs instantly.
We also offer free packing boxes to help you get started.
5. Don’t Store What You Don’t Need
Storage is only as affordable as what you put inside it. Be realistic about what you actually need to keep.
Sell, donate, or recycle anything you no longer use before packing. The fewer items you store, the less you’ll pay each month.
If you’re downsizing, you can temporarily use our home storage units to hold furniture until you decide what to do with it.
6. Choose the Right Size Unit
Most students only need a small 25 sq ft unit, which fits several boxes, clothes, and small furniture. Bigger isn’t always better, the right fit saves money.
As a guide:
- 25 sq ft = boxes, clothes, and study equipment
- 50 sq ft = one-bedroom flat contents
- 75 sq ft = two-bedroom flat contents
You can always upgrade later if needed. See our Prices for details.
7. Use Free Transport Options
Hiring a van or removal service can quickly add extra costs, but we make transport easy.
With Free Van Hire or Free Collection and Removals, you can move your belongings into storage without spending a penny on transport.
It’s a simple way to make storage even more affordable.
8. Keep an Inventory of What You Store
Knowing exactly what you’ve put into storage saves time later and helps you avoid repurchasing items you already own.
Make a quick list on your phone or take photos before closing your unit. It’ll also help if you share a space with friends.
9. Use Storage Between Tenancies
If your tenancy ends before your new one starts, storage can bridge the gap. Instead of dragging belongings home, you can store them for a few weeks at a low cost.
It’s especially helpful for international students or anyone staying in Manchester for summer work or internships.
You can book short-term storage on our Student Storage page with flexible weekly options.
10. Collect Early to Avoid Extra Costs
Most students collect their items at the same time before the new term starts. Avoid last-minute fees or scheduling delays by collecting early if possible.
Our facilities are open 7 days a week, so you can access your things when it suits you.
If you plan ahead, you’ll never have to pay for an extra week you don’t need.
Final Thoughts
Student life is busy enough without worrying about where to keep your stuff. With a little planning and the right approach, self storage can be simple, secure, and affordable.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we specialise in student-friendly storage that saves you time and money. Whether you’re heading home, changing flats, or studying abroad, we’ve got a space for you.
Visit our Prices page or Contact us to book your student storage today.
