Why You Should Use a Storage Unit for Your College Student
3G Self Storage
September 2nd, 2025
When your child heads off to college, the excitement of a new chapter often comes with a lot of stuff. Dorm furniture, seasonal clothes, sports equipment, extra bedding, and boxes of personal items can quickly overflow a tiny dorm room or small apartment. If you’re a parent of a student at the University of Kansas in Lawrence or Ottawa University in Ottawa, you might be asking yourself:“Where can we store all this stuff that’s convenient and affordable?”The answer: a local storage unit near you.Below, we’ll cover the top reasons to consider renting a storage unit near Ottawa, Kansas for your college student, answer common questions, and show you why it’s a smart, cheap, and convenient solution.
1. What Problems Do Storage Units Solve for College Students?
Common question:
Why not just bring everything home during breaks?
While hauling everything home is an option, it’s often impractical. Here’s why:
- Limited car space – Most students don’t drive large vehicles.
- Long drives – If you live hours away from Lawrence or Ottawa, multiple trips are expensive and time-consuming.
- Summer sublets – Students often move out for the summer but need a safe place to keep their belongings until fall.
A storage unit near campus eliminates the need for repeated packing, moving, and storing items in cramped family garages or basements.
2. Is It Affordable?
Common question:
Are storage units expensive?
Not at all. Many facilities in Lawrence and Ottawa offer cheap, affordable storage options designed for students. You can often rent small storage units for a fraction of what you’d spend on gas for multiple trips home. Plus, if you split the cost with a roommate, it becomes even more budget-friendly.Look for facilities with month-to-month rentals, so you’re only paying for the months you actually need.
3. How Convenient Is It to Access Items?
Common question:
Will my student be able to get their stuff easily?
Absolutely. Many local self storage facilities near me offer:
- Extended or 24/7 access hours
- Drive-up units for quick loading and unloading
- Online account management so you can pay rent or update information anytime
This means your student can grab a winter coat before a sudden Kansas cold snap or store sports gear between seasons—without needing a complicated pickup schedule.
4. Is It Safe?
Common question:
Will my student’s belongings be secure?
Security is a top priority for reputable storage companies. Look for features such as:
- Gated access with unique codes
- Surveillance cameras
- Well-lit premises
- On-site management
Many Lawrence and Ottawa storage facilities offer these features so you can have peace of mind knowing your student’s belongings are safe while they focus on their studies.
5. What Size Storage Unit Do We Need?
Common question:
How do we choose the right size?
For most students, a 5x5 or 5x10 unit is plenty of space for:
- Small furniture (desk, chairs, shelves)
- Clothing and bedding
- Books and personal items
- Mini-fridge or small appliances
If your student has larger items like a couch or bike, a 10x10 unit might be better. Many local self storage facilities near me have staff who can help estimate the right size based on your list.
6. What About Climate Control?
Common question:
If your student’s belongings include electronics, wooden furniture, musical instruments, or items sensitive to extreme heat or cold, climate-controlled units are worth considering. They maintain consistent temperature and humidity, protecting valuable items from Kansas’ unpredictable weather.
7. Why Choose a Local Facility Near Campus?
A local storage unit near me means your student won’t have to spend hours traveling to retrieve their things. In Lawrence, you’ll find plenty of storage options within minutes of the University of Kansas campus. In Ottawa, there are facilities close to Ottawa University, so students can access their belongings quickly—whether they’re moving into a new apartment or just grabbing a few boxes.
When your college student’s belongings start to take over their dorm—or your home—a storage unit is an affordable, convenient, and secure solution. With options available right in Ottawa and Lawrence, it’s easy to find a cheap local storage facility near me that meets your needs.Instead of stressing over where to put everything, you can rest easy knowing their items are safe, accessible, and out of the way.Final Tip: Start your search early—especially in May and August—because the best affordable storage near me units fill up fast during move-in and move-out season.
Storage Facility Places Near Me in Baldwin City, Serving Douglas and Franklin County
Are you in search of a top-notch storage facility near Baldwin City, Kansas? Look no further than 3G Self Storage - we've got you covered! Our storage units come in three different sizes - 10'x10', 10'x20', and 10'x40' - so no matter how much you need to store, there's a unit that will work for you. Plus, if you're more of the outdoor storage type, we've got you covered with our RV, car, and boat parking options. Most importantly, we take the security of your belongings seriously - our facility is fenced and gated with security cameras, so you can rest easy. And with our convenient online bill pay option, managing your storage unit has never been easier! We're proud to serve the Baldwin City community, as well as Ottawa, Pleasant Grove, Wellsville, Worden, Vinland, Sibleyville, Centropolis, Lawrence, and beyond. So what are you waiting for? Come check us out today!