From the otherworldly landscape of the Australian outback to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, there’s so much to explore. And taking a gap year is the perfect way to experience it all.
There’s just one question: what do you do with all your stuff?
If you’ve been living at home or in student accommodation, you may not have big, bulky items like refrigerators or sofas to worry about. But what you will have are piles and piles of study materials, and plenty of memories from your student life that you’re simply not ready to part with just yet.
Many people considering a gap year look at two main options:
1. Leaving belongings in a low-cost, rented flat: While an easy and convenient choice if you can find a cheap flat, this means you’re paying for accommodation you don’t need, and leaving unattended items at risk of theft.
2. Leaving belongings with friends or family: Again a very easy option, but this can place a burden on your loved ones, and it may require some effort to transport items if your family live far away.
Luckily, there is a third option: self-storage. And it’s this option that’s going to give you one less thing to worry about when planning your exhilarating gap year adventures.
Why self-storage?
Self-storage facilities offer individual, lockable units where you can safely and securely store your belongings locally while you’re on your travels. Self-storage is preferred for gap years because of…
1. Flexibility
A gap year means different things to different people. Your own ‘gap year’ may not last for 12 months. Perhaps you’re taking an extended break to relax after exams. Maybe you have a year-long working visa. Perhaps you’re open to the idea of an even longer trip, depending on where you end up. The great thing about self-storage is that there are flexible options to suit all gap year needs.
2. Security
Not only are self-storage units lockable, but they’re also heavily monitored. The best facilities will, of course, offer round-the-clock CCTV monitoring, as well as strong in-person security during standard opening hours. This gives you complete peace of mind that your belongings will remain safe and secure while you’re gone, and massively reduces the risk of your items being lost or stolen.
3. Capacity
How much stuff do you have? With a self-storage unit, it doesn’t matter. You could have nothing but a pile of textbooks, which means a small locker-sized unit will be more than adequate. Or you could be looking at storing artwork, small kitchen appliances, clothing, and more. Self-storage facilities typically offer a wide range of differently sized units, so you can store everything you need safely.
4. Cost
Did you know that you can secure a self-storage unit for as little as £7 per week? That’s just £28 per month, or less than £200 for a full year. If you’re keen to save as much money as possible to fund your adventures and really enjoy your travels, self-storage can work out to be one of the most cost-effective ways to store belongings you’re not taking with you. And it’s much cheaper than rent! If you’re considering a self-storage unit while you head off on your gap year, consider Clear Space.
Our Clear Space self-storage units in Somerset are conveniently located close to many of the UK’s top educational institutions, including the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of West England, and Strode College. We’re close to Bournemouth University, University of Wales Cardiff, and the Cardiff Metropolitan University, too. So wherever you’re studying in the south, we’re nearby.