The Full Breakdown
Why Students Choose Storage Scholars
Zero Hours During Finals
SS picks up from your room. DIY takes 6-10 hours of logistics during finals week.
Out-of-State Families: Do the Math
Parent flight ($370) plus hotel ($162) plus truck plus labor totals $750-$1,300. SS is $300-$500.
The U-Haul Price Is Not $19.95
After mileage, insurance, and fees, a local cargo van run costs $50-$200 total.
Everything Included in One Price
Pickup, supplies, climate storage, insurance, photo tracking, and delivery. One price.
Contactless Pickup at Partner Schools
Key Access lets SS pick up while you are in finals or already gone.
When DIY Moving and Storage Could Work
Cheapest Option If You Live Nearby
If you live 20 minutes away with a car, driving boxes home costs almost nothing.
24/7 Access to Your Stuff
Self-storage units let you visit anytime during facility hours.
Splitting a Unit With Friends
Three students sharing a 10x10 unit pay about $90-$150 each for summer.
The Bottom Line
Storage Scholars wins for anyone more than 15 minutes from campus.
DIY looks cheap until you add up the truck ($50-$200), storage unit ($160-$280), supplies, gas, and 6-10 hours during finals week.
Local DIY runs $333-$594; add a parent flying in and it jumps to $750-$1,300.
SS is $300-$500 all-in with zero time commitment and no hidden costs.
Only skip SS if you live nearby with a car and a handful of boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIY college storage really cheaper?
For local students with a car and few boxes, yes. For most students the all-in cost (truck, unit, supplies, gas) runs $360-$744. Out-of-state families add $420-$700 in travel. Storage Scholars runs $300-$500 all-in.
How much does a U-Haul actually cost?
U-Haul advertises $19.95 but after mileage ($0.99-$1.39/mile), SafeMove insurance ($14-$30/day), fuel, and taxes a typical local college move runs $50-$200.
What does a storage unit cost near campus?
A 5x5 unit runs $40-$70/month. A 5x10 is $60-$100/month. Climate control adds $20-$30/month. For four summer months budget $160-$520 just for the unit.
When does DIY actually make sense?
If you live within 30 minutes of campus, have a car, have 5 or fewer boxes, and have free time outside finals. Otherwise full-service is likely the better value.
Can I just ship my stuff home?
Shipping 4-5 boxes via UPS Ground costs $150-$400 depending on distance. Round trip is $300-$800. Storage Scholars stores locally and delivers back, often for less.
What if I already booked a storage unit?
Check your lease cancellation policy. Many facilities allow month-to-month cancellation. Then get a quote at storagescholars.com to compare.