University is a time of change and excitement. It means freedom, friendship and new challenges. One of the challenges you might face as a student at Vilnius University is finding enough space in your student dorm!
Dorms are usually small with very limited storage options. This is why more and more Lithuanian students are turning to self storage as a solution. It allows you to not be limited by your student accommodation so that you can fully enjoy your university experience.
In this blog, we will help you plan for your move-in and show you how to make the best use of the space you have available. Finally, we will help you approach settling in after your move. We will also discuss how self storage helps make your student life far more manageable.
Before the Move: Essential Preparation Steps
Before you begin the task of packing and moving out of your home, start with these basic steps to prepare:
- Double-check your move-in date and time with your new accommodation
- Start your packing in advance, remember packing can take longer than you think, especially when you need to declutter first
- Label each packed box clearly so you can easily identify the contents when unpacking
- Pack a separate box of essential items like your phone charger, student ID, toiletries etc.
- Make the final arrangements with your transport, be it a moving company or your friends.
Vilnius has many fantastic universities and regardless of where you are studying, you can always use some extra help with your move. One way to make your move simpler is by using a facility like SPACE24 for luggage storage.
Research Your University Accommodation
Before you move in, find out exactly how much space you will have and what storage options are available to you in your dorm room. Will there be a cupboard, shelving, cabinets etc?
In general, Vilnius University student accommodations will include:
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Some universities may offer limited student storage facilities like a luggage storage area.
Consider Your Storage Needs
With the considerably limited space students have in their accommodations, many turn to self storage to make their lives easier. Self storage facilities, like SPACE24, allow you to live a more comfortable student life by providing affordable and easily accessible solutions for your space problem.
You can easily work out just how much room you will need in a storage facility by using the SPACE 24 space calculator. If you are worried about the costs, why not work together to make your room more spacious and comfortable. You and your roommate can always get a storage unit together and share the cost!
What to Bring vs. What to Store
When using self storage, how do you decide what goes in your unit and what items to keep in your dorm?
An example of items you can keep with you include:
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Basic kitchen supplies
- School supplies
- Essential electronics
Where self storage for students really shines is with:
- Protecting valuable or delicate items by storing them in a secured location
- Storing seasonal clothing and sports equipment until needed
- Moving between dorms and student accommodation
- Storage for international students
Packing Strategies for an Easy Move
You can make your move effortless with these simple strategies:
- Use clear storage bins when moving so you can easily identify items. Clear bins can also be used for storage once you have moved into your dorm
- Vacuum sealing bags of clothing will help you transport more items more easily but do not leave clothes stored like this for long periods of time
- Use backpacks when possible during your move, as they serve a functional purpose, compared to moving boxes that will get thrown away
Move-In Day: Making It Smooth and Stress-Free
Arrive Early and Have a Plan
Arriving early will give you a chance to settle in and get to know your surroundings. This also means that when other students arrive you can help them get settled and in doing so get to know more people.
Earlier we mentioned how important it is to pack a box of essential items. One of the best items a new student can have in this box is of course bedding. Make your bed as early on in your unpacking process as possible. Mentally it is empowering to have your comfortable bed ready and sorted, plus it gives you a place to sit and hang out!
Maximizing Your New Space
Creative Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
As a student in a university dorm, there will be certain restrictions and limitations on what and how you can store things. For example, you won’t be allowed to fit your own wall-mounted cupboards for luggage storage.
Under-bed storage boxes are a simple and problem-free student storage solution. Ideally, you can use the plastic storage boxes that you moved with.
Utilizing Facilities With Storage for Students
Off-campus storage options give you much more room to breathe when it comes to storing your non-essential items. Many students also find that off-campus storage is much more secure than the facilities universities offer. Pricing for student storage is very affordable, and much cheaper than renting larger student accommodation just to fit your extra stuff.
Accessing Your Stored Items
When you pick a student storage facility, make sure it is centrally located to save you time and money when you need to access your items. The student storage facility you choose must also allow you a large window of time to be able to access your items.
This allows you to quickly pick up any stored things between lectures or on your off days. For example, SPACE 24 self storage is open even on weekends. Customers can enter the building and access their storage every day from 6 a.m. to midnight, so you can choose the most convenient time.
Settling In: Beyond Move-In Day
Be Social
One of the best things you can do as a new student is sign up for orientation and student groups so you can quickly meet new people and make new friends. This will help you get more familiar with your surroundings and fellow students.
Organizing Your Academic Life with Your Study Space
You are going to spend a lot of time studying and doing projects so make sure your work space works for you.
- Choose the right location for your study desk with lots of natural light
- Organize your stationery and supplies to best utilize your limited storage space
- Add personal touches like photographs of friends or family or a favourite quote to inspire and motivate you.
SPACE24 Helps Make University More Fun
The last thing any student wants to worry about when starting at a university in Vilnius is “How do I manage my space and luggage storage”. You should be enjoying the moments and magic that come with taking those very first steps towards building your ideal future.
This is why more and more people are using storage for students. It allows you to focus on your studies and making friends, while we at SPACE24 worry about keeping your items safe and secure.
You can get a free quote from SPACE24 to get started on your self storage journey. Visit us today to learn more about how we can help you.