Moving & Storage Guide for University of Florida Students
What UF Students Need to Know About Storage in Gainesville
Moving in and out of Gainesville often follows the University of Florida academic calendar, which creates unique storage needs for students, faculty, and staff. Whether you’re heading home for the summer, studying abroad, or switching apartments, the right storage setup can make the transition far easier.
This guide explains when UF students typically need storage, what to store, and how to choose the right storage option in Gainesville.
📅 When UF Students Typically Need Storage
Most student storage demand in Gainesville happens around predictable points in the academic year:
End of Spring Semester (April–May)
Students move out of dorms and apartments
Some leases end before summer internships begin or students sublease until August
Common for students leaving Gainesville temporarily
Summer Break (May–August)
Students storing belongings between leases
Study-abroad and internship storage
International students storing items short-term
Fall Move-In (August)
Students switching apartments must be out by August 1st
New apartment leases don’t start until August 15th
Expect very high demand for small and mid-sized units during this time.
December Graduations & Semester Break
Graduating students downsizing
Short-term winter storage needs
Because of these cycles, month-to-month storage is ideal for UF students.
📦 What UF Students Commonly Store
Students in Gainesville typically store:
Furniture (beds, desks, dressers)
Mattresses
Textbooks and class materials
Electronics (TVs, monitors, gaming systems)
Kitchenware
Bicycles and scooters
Seasonal clothing
These items are often stored for 2–4 months, making protection from heat and humidity especially important.
🌡️ Why Climate-Controlled Storage Matters in Gainesville
Gainesville’s climate creates challenges for stored belongings:
High humidity year-round
Heat spikes during summer months
Increased risk of mold and mildew
Climate-controlled storage helps protect:
Electronics and laptops
Paper materials and books
Upholstered furniture
Musical instruments
Clothing and shoes
For most UF students, indoor climate-controlled storage is the safest option, particularly for summer storage.
📏 Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size
Here’s a general sizing guide for UF students:
5×5 unit
Dorm room items, boxes, seasonal storage
5×10 unit
Studio apartment or shared bedroom
10×10 unit
One-bedroom apartment
10×15 or larger
Two-bedroom apartment or shared living space
If you’re unsure, choosing slightly larger than you think you need makes loading and access much easier.
📍 Location Matters for UF Students
When choosing storage in Gainesville, consider:
Proximity to campus or student housing corridors
Access from major roads like Archer Road
Ease of access during peak move-out weeks
Facility cleanliness and security
📦 Package Acceptance: A Helpful Bonus for Students
Some storage facilities offer package acceptance, allowing students to:
Ship Amazon or online orders directly to storage
Store items before arriving back in Gainesville
Avoid missed deliveries during travel
This can be especially helpful for:
Fall move-in preparation
International students
Summer apartment transitions
🔁 Month-to-Month Storage = Student-Friendly Storage
Most UF students benefit from:
No long-term contracts
Flexible move-in and move-out timing
Short-term summer storage options
Month-to-month rentals allow students to store only as long as needed, without paying for unused time.
🎓 Storage Tips for UF Students
Reserve storage early for May and August
Label boxes clearly by room
Store frequently used items near the front
Use shelving inside the unit for better organization
Protect mattresses with covers
Keep important documents elevated
📍 Storage Options Near the University of Florida
Gainesville offers several storage facilities serving the UF community, with differences in access type, location, and climate control. Students typically benefit most from indoor, climate-controlled facilities that cater to short-term and academic-year storage needs.
⭐ Best All-Around Self Storage
CubeSmart Self Storage of Gainesville
📍 3701 SW 42nd St, Gainesville, FL 32608
CubeSmart’s Gainesville location offers one of the most complete storage solutions in the area, particularly for University of Florida students, faculty, and apartment renters.
Why it stands out:
Brand-new, modern facility
All units are indoor and climate controlled
Package acceptance available (send Amazon or other deliveries directly to your unit)
Month-to-month rentals
Convenient access just off Archer Road and I-75
Close to Butler Plaza shopping and student housing corridors
Best for: Students, faculty, and residents who want clean, secure, climate-controlled storage in a central Gainesville location.
👉 Check Availability in Gainesville
For real-time pricing and available unit sizes, you can view availability and reserve a unit online through CubeSmart.