When the university year ends, thousands of students in Manchester face the same question: what should I do with all my stuff over summer?
Whether you’re heading home, travelling, or moving to new accommodation, dragging everything with you isn’t practical. That’s where student storage comes in. It’s a simple, affordable way to keep your belongings safe until you return for the next term.
Here’s how to make summer storage stress-free.
Why Students Use Storage Over the Summer
Most student tenancies in Manchester run from September to June, leaving a gap before the next year begins. Many students don’t want to keep paying rent for a room they’re not living in, but still need somewhere to store their things.
Self storage offers an easy solution. You can pack your items, drop them off (or arrange a free collection), and collect them when you return.
Common reasons students use summer storage:
- Moving out of halls at the end of term
- Travelling or going home for the holidays
- Waiting for new accommodation to become available
- Studying abroad or on placement
- Avoiding the hassle of moving belongings multiple times
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we help hundreds of students every summer store their belongings securely and affordably.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit
The best storage size depends on how much you need to store. A small unit (around 25 sq ft) is usually enough for clothes, books, bedding, and a few boxes. Larger units are ideal if you’re keeping furniture, TVs, or kitchen items.
To help you decide:
- 25 sq ft = small flat contents or 5–8 boxes
- 50 sq ft = one-bedroom flat contents
- 75 sq ft = two-bedroom flat contents
You can check our Prices page to find the right fit for your budget.
All our units are secure, clean, and monitored by 24-hour CCTV. You can access them 7 days a week, giving you complete flexibility when collecting your things.
How to Pack for Summer Storage
Packing properly will help protect your belongings during the summer months. Take your time to pack safely, label boxes, and keep fragile items separate.
Packing checklist for students:
- Use sturdy boxes, not bags
- Label boxes clearly by contents or room
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or clothes
- Stack heavier boxes at the bottom
- Leave a small gap between boxes for airflow
- Keep important documents and valuables with you
We also provide free packing boxes to make preparing for storage easier and more affordable.
Moving Your Items to Storage
If you don’t have access to a car, don’t worry. Our Free Van Hire service makes moving your belongings quick and simple.
Alternatively, you can book our Free Collection and Removals service, and our team will pick up your items directly from your student accommodation.
With no deposit required and 50% off your first 9 weeks, it’s an affordable option for short-term storage between terms.
Storing Safely During Warm Weather
Manchester might not be tropical, but summer heat and humidity can still affect stored items. Make sure you prepare your belongings properly before storing them for several weeks or months.
Tips for summer storage:
- Clean all items before packing to prevent smells or mould
- Leave fridge doors slightly open to avoid odours
- Avoid storing perishable items or food
- Cover furniture with breathable fabric, not plastic
- Use moisture absorbers or silica gel packs inside boxes
Our Safe and Secure Storage facilities are dry, clean, and well-ventilated, keeping your belongings in top condition all summer.
Returning to Manchester After Summer
When it’s time to return to university, you can collect your items whenever it suits you. Simply arrange a pick-up or use our free van hire again to move your belongings into your new accommodation.
Many students choose to keep their unit year-round, using it to store seasonal items, sports gear, or bulky furniture between moves.
If you’re not sure when your next tenancy starts, self storage is a flexible way to bridge the gap without paying unnecessary rent.
Final Thoughts
Summer should be about relaxing, not worrying about where to put your belongings. Using student storage keeps everything safe, clean, and ready for your return in September.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we specialise in affordable student storage with easy access, free transport options, and flexible contracts.
Find out more on our Student Storage page, or contact us to reserve your space before the end-of-term rush.