What’s in store? Top tips for Bristol students preparing the next move

As university students turn their attention to the end of the academic year, many are preparing to head home for the summer or graduating. Whether the relocation is temporary or the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, moving has been cited as one of the most stressful life experiences alongside death, divorce, job loss and major illness. It’s not something to be approached lightly.

With more than 2.5 million students at university in the UK leaving academic life behind – even temporarily – the thought of packing up home can feel very overwhelming. With this in mind, self storage company Vanguard Storage has put together some tips on reducing the emotional and physical burden of moving from home to university. Having helped hundreds of students manage this important life event by providing safe, secure and affordable storage space, the company has plenty of advice to share.

Plan in advance

The sooner you start, the smoother the process will be. Make a checklist of what needs to be packed and give yourself ample time to start sorting through your belongings. Think ahead about what you’ll need to move and what you might need for the next academic year or new job. Panic packing always leads to lost and forgotten items, so give yourself time to avoid unnecessary stress.

Boxing clever

To make your move as efficient as possible, ensure you have enough packaging and materials to secure your items and label boxes clearly so you can find things later. Always remember that heavier items should be placed at the bottom, with lighter items on top to prevent overfilling – ensuring your items stay safe. Also, consider investing in heavy-duty bags that can be vacuum-sealed for the likes of clothing and bedding to maximise and save space

Correct packing means you can reduce the number of trips you need to make and give you more room for your belongings than you originally thought possible.

Documentation and valuables

Whether it’s your passport, graduation certificate, electronics or other essential items like medication and glasses and contact lenses, you don’t want to lose important items that can’t be easily replaced. Store them separately and close to hand in a small bag. This will prevent you from having to open up numerous bags and boxes if you suddenly need to get your hands on them.

Store wisely

For students heading home for the summer – or those needing a place to store belongings before moving into new accommodation – secure, affordable storage solutions are available. Student storage is ideal for seasonal items, extra furniture, or things you won’t immediately have space for (like that traffic cone that’s never been returned!) This helps reduce clutter while keeping your belongings safe.
Man with a van

One of the easiest ways to make a move stress-free is by enlisting a ‘man & van’ service, so look for a supplier that has this option available. Typically, this is an affordable – or even free – and efficient service where all your property can be moved in one hassle-free trip. They can help you load and unload without hiring a van and do all the lifting yourself. Ensure you book this in advance to secure a slot, especially during busy times like the beginning and end of the academic year.

Expert opinion

“Moving out of university can be a bittersweet experience,” says Ben Thilthorpe, Head of Operations at Vanguard.

“Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible, allowing students and recent graduates to focus on the exciting changes ahead – without the headache of the move. That’s why we offer our ‘Man & Van’ service free of charge for students in Bath and Bristol when using our self-storage facilities – no matter the size or complexity of the move. We aim to simplify the transition and remove any unnecessary stress.”

For more information, visit www.vanguardstorage.co.uk/student-storage