Summer break is coming fast!
Here is our guide to getting your stuff sorted and stored before summer!
The summer holidays are a time for relaxation and recharging. You may be leaving Portland and heading home or have travel plans for the summer months, but what about all your belongings? If you're like many students and need to vacate your dorm or student housing, you'll want a plan for storing your items. Downtown Self Storage is here to help!
Evaluate What to Store
Get organized—it’ll make your summer so much easier! Take some time to plan ahead by deciding what you’ll need with you and what can be safely stored. Make a list of what you're bringing home and what can stay behind. Winter clothes, textbooks, decorations, and extra furniture are all great candidates for storage. Your travel plans matter too: if you're flying home or don’t have a nearby place to stash your stuff, you might want to consider renting a larger storage unit.
Before You Store
Before renting your storage unit, take time to review the list of everything you plan to store. An inventory can save you major headaches later—especially when you’re trying to remember where you packed something! Label each box using masking tape and a Sharpie for easy identification. Clear bins are great because you can see what’s inside, but if you’re using opaque boxes, labels are a must.
Try a practice run: stack all the things you plan on storing and measure to find out the unit size you need. If you'd rather save yourself a little work, you can measure everything separately and use the size of the largest items to determine what size unit you'll need! And if in doubt, check in with your Downtown Self Storage professionals for tips!
Cleaning, Prep & Storage Tips
Want your stuff to come out of storage just as fresh as it went in? Clean everything before packing it away—especially winter clothes, which should be washed and thoroughly dried to prevent mold, odors, and fabric damage. Now’s also a good time to tackle any small repairs.
Before storing, give all your belongings a good wipe-down, including furniture and electronics. Plastic bins are your best friend for storing clothes and tech, and consider using water-resistant furniture covers for extra protection from humidity.
Need more detailed advice on storing your winter wardrobe? Check out our full guide:
👉 Winter Wardrobe Wrap-Up
Why Downtown Self Storage?
We’ve been helping Portland-area students with smart, stress-free storage for decades! Whether you’re heading home for summer, studying abroad, or just trying to make more space in your dorm, we’ve got your back.
🎓 Need tips? Our blog is packed with student-friendly advice:
Moving Hacks for College Students
Dorm Room Hacks: Make the Most of Your Space
Student Storage Special!
Score major savings:
✅ 75% off your first month
✅ 50% off your second month
✅ 25% off your third month
Hurry—space is limited, and this offer won’t last!
Gear Up with the Right Supplies
If you’re getting ready to move or need to stock up on storage supplies, Downtown Self Storage has you covered. From sturdy boxes and reliable tape to packing materials and expert tips, we’ve got everything you need to make your move stress-free.
💡 Need help planning? Check out our handy guides:
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Rent a U-Haul
Do you need help transporting? Both Downtown Self Storage facilities are certified U-Haul rental locations. Contact your self-storage professionals for reservations.
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - DAVIS STREET
Website: Davis Street
1305 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4060
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - JOHNSON STREET
Website: Johnson Street
1304 NW Johnson Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4061
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