BENEFITS OF SELF-STORAGE FOR GAP YEAR STUDENTS

Embarking on a gap year should be one of the most exciting times in a student’s life but the stress of preparing for it can often be overwhelming. Months of accumulated study materials and belongings quickly build up and pose a big problem when the time comes to move on. The solution may not be as simple as leaving your belongings in a friend’s flat or moving them back to your parents’ house as you might have done over the summer break. A year is a long time for your parents or friends to store your worldly possessions and the cost of shipping them back across the country can often be exorbitant. Self-storage is the best solution for many students planning a gap year, as it is both flexible and affordable. It offers the safest and most flexible alternative to transporting your belongings to friends and relatives in far-flung parts of the country. If you are keen to explore how self-storage can provide maximum convenience while you traverse the globe, this article will outline the specific benefits of using self-storage as a gap year student.

COST EFFECTIVE

Studying at university can be a testing time for many students, not least when it comes to money. The added financial pressures of a gap year can often exacerbate this problem, which is why it is so important to manage your belongings affordably. When you consider the costs of shipping all of your personal items, the stress of moving everything back home and the inconvenience of burdening friends and family with clutter, self-storage is often the most cost-effective solution. Splitting the cost of a storage unit with friends or housemates can further reduce the cost of storing your stuff, especially if you and a friend are travelling together.

FLEXIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Gap years come in all shapes and sizes, which means the storage demands of each individual are different. Whether you plan on volunteering overseas for the full year or you intend to travel intermittently, gap year self-storage can always cater to your time requirements. Most storage companies are flexible when it comes to storage length, with many offering longer term storage discounts. As well as flexibility, self-storage offers maximum accessibility with 24-hour access so your belongings can be accessed at any time.

MAXIMUM SECURITY

Traveling for months on end can be a long time for your personal items to sit in storage. No student wants to return from a trip of a lifetime to find that all of their expensive textbooks have got damp in their parent’s loft. Self-storage offers water and fireproof units so you can rest assured that your items are in the safest possible hands.Likewise, leaving your possessions in the care of university friends also poses its own security concerns. Most students tend to live in shared accommodation with many people coming and going at any given time. This might be great for the social scene but the security and privacy of your belongings may worry you while you’re away. Self-storage helps to put your mind at ease, as you can be sure your items are securely locked in containers under 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

NO BURDEN

Choosing to use self-storage as a gap year student means that you no longer have to clutter your parents’ house. This is not only great for familial harmony but it’s also ideal for students whose parents have opted to downsize or convert their old room into something more useful. It also helps you avoid the expense of paying rent for a flat or room you are not even using.When you’re spending your gap year having the time of your life, the last thing you want to feel like is that you’re burdening a friend or relative in the process. Self-storage allows students to travel with peace of mind knowing their items are safe, secured and not going to cost them a fortune. If you’re in the midst of planning a gap year and would like to know more about self-storage options, please get in touch with one of our professional storage consultants to learn more about our self-storage services and receive a tailored quote.

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Using Self Storage in Chelmsford or Aveley During Life Changes

By James Coxon • August 15, 2025

Discover why our storage facilities in Aveley and Chelmsford are great options for when you are going through life changes like moving home.

Indoor Storage vs Container Storage: What’s the Difference?

By James Coxon • August 3, 2025

When it comes to finding extra space for your belongings, storage units are a reliable and flexible solution, whether you're moving house, renovating, running a business, or simply need to clear a bit of room at home. There are a few different types of storage to choose from, depending on your needs. But one of the first choices you'll come across is whether to go for indoor storage or container storage. You might have seen both options online and wondered what the difference actually is. Do you really need climate control? Is one more secure than the other? And which one offers better value? Let’s take a closer look at how the two compare and why container storage often comes out on top. What is Indoor Storage? Indoor storage units are based inside a large warehouse or purpose-built facility. You usually access them through a main reception or loading bay, then navigate your way through internal corridors (sometimes using lifts or trolleys) to get to your unit. These kinds of facilities are sometimes climate-controlled and can be a good option for anyone storing delicate or temperature-sensitive items, like vintage furniture, valuable artwork, or sensitive electronics that need extra care. They tend to offer a wide range of unit sizes, and security is usually high, with PIN codes, alarms and staff on-site. The trade-off? You’ll often pay more for the added features, and access isn’t always as quick or easy as you might like — especially if you’re trying to move larger items in a hurry or during busy hours. What is Container Storage? Container storage takes a simpler, more practical approach. The units are steel containers set in a secure, outdoor storage location, the same kind you might see on construction sites or at docks, but ours have only ever been used for personal or business storage. The biggest benefit? You can drive straight up to the door of your unit. No trolleys. No tight corridors. No lifts. Whether you’re loading a sofa or unloading stock for your business, the ease of access is a game-changer. Container storage units are also fully weatherproof and incredibly secure. At Flexible Storage, we use CCTV-monitored sites with PIN-coded gates, and all units are lockable with heavy-duty padlocks. Many of our customers also appreciate the extended opening hours or 24/7 access we provide, especially for tradespeople, business owners, or anyone with a busy schedule. How Do You Choose? It all depends on what you’re storing and how you plan to use your space. If you're storing particularly delicate or valuable items, like antiques or anything sensitive to temperature or humidity , some people may consider indoor units. That said, don’t discount container storage; many customers safely store a wide range of items with no issues. It really comes down to what feels right for you. But for most everyday storage needs like furniture, tools, excess stock, seasonal equipment, or items in between moves, container storage is more than up to the task. It’s easier to access, more cost-effective, and gives you plenty of space without the added frills (or fees) of an indoor facility. Why We Offer Container Storage Only We’ve focused entirely on container storage because we believe it gives our customers the best balance of value, convenience, and security. We’ve helped homeowners during renovations, supported students moving between terms, and provided local businesses with extra stock space — all through reliable, easy-to-access container units. You don’t need a fancy building or high-tech climate control to keep your items safe. You just need something that’s clean, dry, secure, and easy to get to. That’s exactly what we offer. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, check out our Unit Size Guide or speak to a member of the team; we’re always happy to help. You can also pop by one of our sites in Aveley , Grays , or Chelmsford to take a look at the units in person. When comparing indoor storage and container storage, it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. But sometimes the most straightforward option is also the most effective, but of course, not all container sites are the same. Flexible storage goes the extra mile. We operate clean, tarmacked or concrete yards. They all have monitored CCTV & lights. They all have PIN-coded gate access. If you want secure, no-fuss storage with the freedom to come and go when it suits you, container storage could be exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today to book a unit or ask us any questions; we’ll help you find the right solution, at the right size, for the right price.