Being an off-campus university student involves a good deal of flexibility, adaptability, and often, not-so-simple organization. Between temporary moves, ERASMUS, internships in another city, and returns home during the holidays, one of the most frequent questions is: “Where do I put all my stuff?” From books to furniture, from study materials to the bicycle, every student accumulates items that, in case of a temporary move, they can’t (or don’t want to) take along or get rid of.
In this article, we’ll see how self storage, in other words temporary storage, offers a smart, safe, and accessible solution for university students in Switzerland (and beyond) who need to free up their home for short or medium periods without stress.
The Logistical Needs of Off-Campus University Students
Off-campus students face recurring situations such as:
- Leaving their apartment or rented room during the summer holidays;
- Taking part in a study period abroad (ERASMUS or similar);
- Doing an internship in another city for a few months;
- Changing accommodation or roommates during the academic year.
All these situations have one thing in common: there’s a need for a safe, temporary place to store personal belongings for a few weeks or months, without having to pay rental costs or ask favors of friends and family.
What Can You Store in a Self Storage Unit?
A temporary storage box is suitable for holding everything a university student might have at home:
- Boxes with books, notes, notebooks, and study materials;
- Dismantled furniture (desk, chair, shelves);
- Linen, dishes, portable appliances;
- Seasonal clothing and accessories;
- Sports or musical equipment;
- Bicycles, scooters, and travel backpacks.
The Concrete Benefits of Self Storage for University Students
Total flexibility
One of the most appreciated aspects of self storage is the possibility to rent space for exactly as long as you need – even just for a few weeks.
Saving money
Compared to keeping up an apartment rental just to store your things, the cost of a box is significantly lower. You pay only for the space and the time you use, avoiding unnecessary costs.
Security
Temporary storage facilities are equipped with video surveillance, access control, and alarm systems. You can safely store even your most valuable items, such as musical instruments or personal mementos, without fear of theft or damage.
Accessibility and convenience
Units are accessible during wide time slots (often 7 days a week), so you can store or collect your items whenever you want. Moreover, many facilities have trolleys and elevators, making even the heaviest moves easy.
No long-term commitment
Unlike a lease, with self storage you have no long-term obligation. This makes it perfect for managing transitional periods.
A Real-Life Example: Laura, a Student in Lugano
Laura F. studies physiotherapy on a campus in Lugano; her dream is to join the medical team of her volleyball club (her lifelong passion).
She decided to spend her second semester on ERASMUS in Barcelona. Not wanting to keep paying rent in the Swiss city for nothing and needing to temporarily vacate her shared apartment, she considered several options. Taking everything back to her parents’ house would have been complicated and expensive. In the end, she chose a Casaforte self storage box in Lugano near the university to store her furniture, clothes, and books. This way she was able to vacate her apartment, save two months’ rent, and on her return, found everything exactly as she had left it. A practical, concrete advantage.
How to Choose the Best Unit for Your Needs
Pick the Right Size
You don’t need a whole warehouse! Casaforte self storage offers very small spaces (even 1–2 m²), enough for boxes, disassembled furniture, and other everyday items.
Check the Location
Pick a facility close to your student residence or easily reached by public transport. Some locations, such as Casaforte’s, are situated in strategic areas all over Switzerland.
Check Included Services
Make sure the unit is clean, accessible, secure, and that useful amenities are available such as trolleys, elevators, nearby parking, or a parcel point service.
Organizing the Move to Your Storage Unit: Practical Tips
- Dismantle furniture carefully and keep screws in labeled bags;
- Use sturdy, stackable boxes;
- Label everything, indicating the contents and the room they belong to;
- Separate items you might need to retrieve urgently (exam books, documents, equipment);
- Make use of vertical space with shelves or safely stacked boxes.
Free Up Space, Free Up Your Mind
Storing your belongings temporarily in a storage unit allows you to live with greater peace of mind. You’ll no longer have to worry about where to put everything or asking for favors, and you’ll be able to devote yourself fully to your studies, abroad or elsewhere, with the reassurance that your belongings are waiting for you, safe and sound.
Self Storage for Students
Self storage is a modern, flexible, and convenient solution for all off-campus university students studying in Switzerland. Whether you’re heading off for ERASMUS, freeing up your place for the summer, or taking on a temporary internship, a temporary storage box lets you keep everything you need tidy and secure, so you can focus on what really matters.