If you are a University of Guelph student, you know the drill. The spring semester ends, your sublet wraps up, and suddenly everything you own has to go somewhere. Maybe you are heading back home for the summer. Maybe you are off on a co-op placement in another city, or spending a semester studying abroad. Either way, hauling a full apartment’s worth of stuff across the province for a few months makes no sense.
That is where student storage comes in. A small storage unit lets you leave the bulky stuff behind, travel light, and come back to everything right where you left it. And for most students, the best value in the building is the humble 5×5.
Why a 5×5 Is the Student Favourite
A 5×5 storage unit gives you 25 square feet of floor space, roughly the size of a small walk-in closet. It is the smallest, most affordable unit size we offer, which makes it perfect for students who only need to store a few months’ worth of dorm or apartment life. You get 24/7 coded access, video surveillance, and a well-lit building, so your belongings are secure while you are away.
Even better, our rentals are month to month. You only pay for the months you actually need, whether that is a four-month summer, a single co-op term, or a full semester abroad. No long-term lease, no paying for space you are not using.
Exactly What Fits in a 5×5
Here is a realistic packing list for a 5×5 storage unit. Think of it as a typical student bedroom, stacked smartly from floor to ceiling:
- 20 to 30 medium-sized moving boxes (clothes, books, kitchenware, decor)
- A twin or twin XL mattress set, stood on end to save floor space
- A mini fridge
- A bicycle
- A desk chair
- A floor lamp and a small rug
- Seasonal items like a winter coat bin, skis, or hockey gear
The trick is packing vertically. Stand your mattress against the wall, stack boxes high, and nest smaller items inside larger ones. If you are organised about it, a single 5×5 can swallow an entire dorm room. We sell moving supplies on site, so you can grab sturdy boxes, packing tape, and mattress covers when you move in.
When to Size Up to a 5×10
Not every student can squeeze into a 5×5. If you are storing the contents of a full one-bedroom apartment rather than a dorm room, consider stepping up to a 5×10 storage unit. A 5×10 gives you 50 square feet, which comfortably holds a full bedroom set: queen mattress, bed frame, dresser, desk, bookshelf, and your boxes on top.
A good rule of thumb: if your list includes a couch, a full-size bed frame, or more than about 35 boxes, you will be happier in a 5×10. If you are still unsure, our storage size guide walks through every unit size with visuals so you can picture what fits.
Built for Student Budgets
We know student budgets are tight, which is why we offer student discounts on top of our already affordable rates. And our price match guarantee means if you find a lower advertised rate at another Guelph storage facility, we will match it.
Another classic student move: share a unit with a roommate. A 5×5 is often just right for two people storing dorm rooms over the summer, and splitting the cost makes it even more affordable. Just label your boxes clearly so move-out day is painless.
Convenient Locations Across Guelph
Our 70 Kirkby Court location is a quick drive from the University of Guelph campus and the student neighbourhoods around Old University, making move-out day easy. With drive-up access, you can load straight from your car into your unit without hauling boxes down long hallways. We also have facilities at 56 Kirkby Court and 375 Southgate Drive, so there is a location that works wherever you live in Guelph.
Ready for Summer?
Our student storage page has everything you need to get started, from current rates to unit availability. Whether you are heading home for four months or leaving for a year abroad, a 5×5 storage unit keeps your stuff safe, secure, and waiting for you when you get back.
FAQ
How long can I rent a student storage unit?
Our rentals are month to month, so you can rent for exactly as long as you need. Store for one co-op term, a four-month summer, or longer, with no long-term commitment.
Can I share a storage unit with a roommate?
Yes. Many students share a unit to split the cost. A 5×5 works well for two dorm rooms, and you can both have access with your own codes.
Is there a student discount on storage?
Yes, we offer student discounts. Mention it when you book, and our price match guarantee also applies to advertised Guelph competitor rates.
What size unit do I need for a full bedroom set?
A 5×5 fits a twin bed, dresser, and boxes. If you have a queen bed, couch, or a full apartment’s worth of furniture, step up to a 5×10.