Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Storage Scholars | DIY Moving and Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost (Local Student) | $300-$500 | $333-$594 |
| Total Cost (Out-of-State) | $300-$500 | $753-$1,294 |
| Time Required | ~15 minutes to schedule and pack | 6-10 hours |
| Physical Effort | None (pickup from your room) | Significant |
| Finals Week Impact | Zero disruption | Full day of logistics |
| Need a Car? | No | Strongly recommended |
| Need Parent Help? | No | Often yes for out-of-state |
| Insurance on Items | Included | Must purchase separately |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | Included | Extra $20-30/month |
| Photo Documentation | Yes at every step | No |
The Full Breakdown
Why Students Choose Storage Scholars
Zero Time During Finals
Storage Scholars picks up from your dorm room. You schedule online, pack, and go back to studying. DIY means 6-10 hours renting a truck, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck during finals.
Out-of-State Families Save More
If your family lives out of state, DIY means a flight ($250-$400), hotel ($120-$200), and a full day helping. Those travel costs alone often exceed full-service storage.
Everything Included in One Price
DIY requires truck ($50-$200), storage unit ($40-$70/month), supplies ($40-$75), gas ($30-$50), insurance, padlock. Storage Scholars includes everything.
Full Insurance Coverage
Items covered from pickup through delivery. DIY: no coverage in rental truck without SafeMove ($14-$30/day) and storage insurance ($12-$18/month).
What to Know About DIY Moving and Storage
Can Be Cheaper for Very Specific Situations
If you live within 20 minutes, own a car or truck, have only 2-3 boxes, and have free time outside finals, driving them home costs very little. However, most college students do not fit this narrow profile.
Access Your Items Anytime
With a self-storage unit you can visit anytime during facility hours. In practice, most students store over summer and never visit, making this a theoretical benefit rather than a practical one.
Splitting Costs With Friends
Three students sharing a 10x10 unit pay $90-$150 each for summer. However, this requires coordinating schedules during finals, renting a truck, and physically moving everything yourself.
The Bottom Line
Here is what you should know about DIY storage: the advertised costs are misleading. A U-Haul that says $19.95 actually costs $50-$200 after mileage, insurance, and fees. A storage unit adds $160-$280 for four months. Supplies, gas, and insurance push the total to $360-$744 for local students, and $750-$1,300+ when parents fly in. Meanwhile, you lose 6-10 hours during finals week. Storage Scholars runs $300-$500 all-in with zero time commitment, included insurance, and photo documentation. For the vast majority of students, especially those whose families are not local, Storage Scholars saves both money and stress. Get a quote and compare the real numbers.
Ready to skip the stress?
See how much time and money you could save.
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 $50-$200, unit $160-$280, supplies $40-$75, gas $30-$50) 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 for college?
Advertised at $19.95 but after mileage ($0.99-$1.39/mile), SafeMove insurance ($14-$30/day), fees, fuel, and taxes, a typical local move runs $50-$200.
What does a storage unit cost near campus?
5x5 unit: $40-$70/month. 5x10: $60-$100/month. Add $20-$30/month for climate control and $12-$18/month for insurance. Four months: $160-$520.
When does DIY make more sense?
If you live within 30 minutes, have a car or truck, have 5 or fewer boxes, and have free time outside finals. Otherwise, full-service is likely better value.
Can I just ship stuff home instead?
4-5 boxes via UPS Ground: $150-$400 depending on distance. Round trip is $300-$800. Storage Scholars picks up, 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.