Students Archives | Kangaroo Self Storage

As the final days of school roll around, you will be looking forward to your next steps, and for many, that means moving to a new city to start university. Moving out is one of the most stressful things you will encounter, packing up all your belongings and saying goodbye to your childhood room. It is an emotional time, and there is a lot to think about, including where you’ll put all the belongings you’ve accumulated over the years.

However, if you discover that your new accommodation is smaller than you expected or you brought one too many boxes, we can help. With our student storage, we can help take the load off and function as a central point for all your belongings so you can sit back and relax, secure in the knowledge that your treasured possessions are safe.

Moving Day Tips

We all know that moving away from home can be exciting but stressful. You are packing away all your childhood memories, favourite albums, posters and knick-knacks you collected at home. Anyone who has been to university has been in the same boat, and it’s hard to put those things in boxes.

But what many people discover when packing is how much stuff they own. Anyone who has been a student will know what it is like to transport car loads across cities, wedged in the front seat with your bedding under your legs while your mum or dad drives.

To help lessen the load or the number of trips you need, here are a couple of top tips from our experts:

Get organised from the start and never leave anything until the last minute.
Sort through clothes before moving and organise them into seasons.
Declutter, donate and recycle unwanted things.
Travel light – you can always return more items when you visit home.

Need an Upgrade? Downsize or Upsize Your Storage Unit

Kangaroo Self Storage offers simple, flexible, and affordable student storage options, whether for term-time storage or holiday storage. You might begin a term where the right flat has not appeared. Why not put your belongings into a storage unit until you have found the right place? You can come and go as you please, as often as you need, during Kangaroo Self Storage’s open hours.

We are flexible! Our storage units come in an extensive range of sizes, so there is plenty for you to choose from. Look around our storage unit sizes and discover your perfect fit. Think of a storage unit as that spare room you have always wanted.

Store With Your Friends

Want to spend the cost of a unit? You can share the space with your friends! Allow them to free up some space in their rooms and benefit from splitting the cost of the unit with them at the same time.

As mentioned, travelling across the region with a carload of belongings is stressful and often leads to overpacking. So, be the ultimate best friend by helping your friends declutter or organise their belongings.

Locations Nearby Universities: That’s Convenient!

Is it your first time moving away from home? Or are you travelling to a brand-new city and struggling to find a place to settle? We can help. Students across the North West of England and Scotland have trusted us to keep their belonging safe and secure. Our secure, clean, and modern storage units have 24/7 CCTV coverage, burglar alarms, smoke detectors and fire alarms – all to ensure the safety of your belongings.

Each site is conveniently located, for example, our Edinburgh units are only a 25-minute drive from the University of Edinburgh—five minutes from Heriot-Watt University and on the same road as the Napier University campuses. Similarly, if you are in Glasgow, our self-storage facilities are just a 17-minute drive from the University of Glasgow. And, if you’re heading to Dundee, our storage site is only a six-minute drive from the University of Dundee and Abertay University.

Enquire for Student Storage Today

Kangaroo Self Storage is the ideal choice for student storage across Scotland and the North West of England because our locations are on main arterial routes, making the stores easily accessible from many of the colleges and universities in these cities. We have supported students for many years, and hundreds of students have trusted us to keep their belongings secure and safe.

There are no complicated contracts or penalties for moving storage room should you need to; we want to make the entire process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Check out our location list below:

Or, contact us on 0800 012 1528 and tell us about all the benefits of storing your belongings with Kangaroo.

Kangaroo are thrilled to announce the opening of yet another storage store! This time, Roo and the gang have hopped over to Carlisle, and over the past few weeks, we’ve settled in quite nicely. The city is thriving and proven as a popular place to reside, study, and start a business, which is why we believe we’ll fit in very well.

We’re so excited to widen our reach and be able to help even more people with our storage services. So today, we’re taking a deep dive into our new home and providing you with a guide on living, studying, and owning a business in Carlisle. In addition, we hope to provide some insight into the city and why it’s the ideal place for so many different types of people.

Carlisle’s Rich History

One of the main reasons Carlisle is so popular is its incredible history, which is still visible throughout the city. Many of Carlisle’s famous landmarks have a rich history and, upon visiting, provide you with insightful knowledge of the city’s past. Here are a few of the most famous historic spots in Carlisle:

Carlisle Castle. First built in 1093 and then rebuilt in stone in 1122, the castle is over 900 years old and is the perfect site for learning about the city’s past.
Carlisle Cathedral. Located in the centre of Carlisle, the famous cathedral is home to England’s largest flowing decorated Gothic-style window.
Wetheral Priory Gatehouse. Founded in the early 12^th century, this picturesque stone fortification is a stunning piece of Carlisle’s history.

It’s clear that great history is found around every corner in Carlisle, making it a fascinating place to live, work, or study. We couldn’t be prouder to make Kangaroo history by bringing our storage stores to the beautiful city.

Things to Do in Carlisle

For those residing in Carlisle, you can be sure you’ll never get bored of the many things to do and see in the city centre and slightly further afield. Here are some of the top things to do:

Walk along Hadrian’s Wall. Providing stunning views and the best picnic spots, this walk can be as short or as long as you wish, and you can start at multiple different viewing points in Carlisle.
Shop at the Lanes Shopping Centre. Whether you need to grab a last-minute birthday present, have some time to kill on your lunch break, or are looking to treat yourself, the Lanes Shopping Centre has everything you need.
Take a stroll in Rickerby Park. Rickerby Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Carlisle city centre.
Visit the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. With both evergreen and seasonal exhibitions, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye in the city’s most famous museum.
Store with Kangaroo Self Storage! Of course, Kangaroo Self Storage has recently made Carlisle our new home, so you’re more than welcome to visit us. If you’re local to the area, our household storage in Carlisle is exactly what you need to provide breathing space while you reorganise, redecorate, or renovate your home.

Studying in Carlisle

Carlisle is a fantastic, bustling place for students to enjoy their university years. As discussed above, there are plenty of things to do and see, meaning you’ll never be bored during your downtime away from your studies.

The city boasts several high-quality educational facilities, such as the University of Cumbria, which offers an incredibly diverse range of courses.

In addition, Carlisle has been noted for its fantastic career prospects. Studying in the Cumbrian city opens up a variety of career opportunities, particularly in the tourism industry. This is because the university is surrounded by the stunning Lake District, which welcomes over 15.5 million visitors annually.

We offer student storage in Carlisle, so if you are studying in the city, please don’t hesitate to enquire about storing with us. We offer plenty of deals, offers, and discounts for students so you can save while you store!

Starting a Business in Carlisle

Running a business in Carlisle provides a long list of benefits, including:

Growing economy. Carlisle’s economy provides ample opportunities for new businesses to thrive.
Strategic location. As well as being a thriving city, Carlisle is brilliantly located close to major cities such as Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Supportive workforce. The local government and business community support entrepreneurship and provide resources and assistance to help new businesses succeed.
Growing tourism industry. Carlisle’s growing tourism industry presents business opportunities in the hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors.

If you’re looking for business storage in Carlisle, we’re here for you. We now have first-hand experience running a business in Carlisle and can vouch for all of the above, so if you’re considering starting a company in the Cumbrian city, this is your sign.

Don’t forget, we also have locations across the rest of North West England Scotland, including:

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team or visit one of our stores in person to discover how we can help you, whether you’re a local resident, student, or business owner.

Now that we’re into 2023 and the lull of January has hit, you might still be thinking about how to tackle the year and achieve your goals. For some people, setting goals for the new year means losing weight, reading more, or giving up smoking. But goals don’t have to be about stopping or starting habits, particularly as most of these well-meaning ideas are abandoned by February. Trying to make 2023 the best year it can be is about more than self-improvement; it can be about finally making steps to get to where you want to be in life.

Whether you’ve always wanted to own a business, take the plunge into a brand-new career sector, or move to a new area, make 2023 the year you stop hoping and start doing.

Think About Where You Want to Be

The first step to making 2023 your year is establishing where you are now and where you want to be. How do you want your year to look? Are you hoping to found your start-up business, go to university to finally get the degree you need to switch up your career or move out of your hometown to a brand-new area? Whatever it is, deciding your goals is the first step in ensuring your dreams become a reality.

Once you have a clear idea of your destination, you can begin planning your journey and deciding the best route to make sure you get to where you want to be by the end of the year.

Take SMART Steps

You may have heard of the SMART technique before. If not, it’s an acronym that sets out a way to create, well, smart goals:

Specific – The goal needs to be clear and precise. What is it you want to accomplish? Why do you want to achieve it? What or who is involved, and what resources do you need? Set out your goal as clearly and with as much detail as possible.
Measurable – How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal? Set your own benchmarks to accomplish as you go along, as well as the overall completed goal at the end. Track your progress to help you stay motivated and meet your deadlines.
Achievable – Goals need to be attainable, so you must be honest about what is realistically possible, especially within the period you’ve set yourself. Think about how you will achieve your goal and whether it’s realistic based on constraints, such as financial factors.
Relevant – Is your goal relevant to you? Does it seem worthwhile and match your other needs? This step ensures your goal matters to you and fits into your broader wants and needs.
Time-Based – Every goal should have a target date; a deadline to focus on to help you move forward. When do you want to complete your goal? What can you do in the next six months to work towards this? What can you do right now? Remembering this step helps to prevent every day, mundane tasks from getting in the way of your long-term goals.

Using the SMART method makes goals more manageable and easier to set out. As you follow each letter of SMART, you are forced to think carefully about the dream, allowing you to make sure that goal is realistic and attainable. For example, if you’re planning on moving to a new house, write that goal down and apply the SMART method so you can start to see your action plan come to life.

S: Where do you want to move to? What’s your budget?

M: When should you have your deposit by? How long until you can start viewings?

A: Realistically, can you afford to move home this year?

R: Will the stress of moving house be worthwhile?

T: What should you do in the next week, month, or six months to stay on track?

We recommend pinning your SMART list to your fridge or sticking a note to your laptop so you can always see it and be aware of the next step.

Take Initiative

Take the initiative with your goals. For example, if you want to begin studying for your degree, spend some time researching which course is right for you, the best universities for your course, and where you want to study. Once the initial research is done, you can start conversations to find out how to apply, when to apply, and what you need to do to prepare and make the transition to a student as stress-free as possible.

Additionally, if you want to start your own business, start your research. There is so much information available online, so even if you have no clue how to set up a business, set aside time to find out. Message small business owners through sites like LinkedIn and see if any would be willing to have a chat with you about the process. Don’t just collapse on the couch when you get home from work, do the right thing and begin your journey.

One of the main factors to consider is where your business will be based. Choosing home-based work is an excellent idea if you’re looking to keep costs low. At the same time, it can be challenging to separate work from home, so ensuring you don’t overwhelm yourself with business belongings taking over your home is key. Our business self-storage is the best choice, as it provides you with the space you need to store business items, so you don’t lose or damage documents or fall over stock in your spare room. We have storage sites across Scotland and North West England, including:

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Setbacks and failures happen to everyone; what sets apart the people who succeed and those who don’t is how they handle that failure. Don’t let a bad day or a bad week sour your motivation. Instead, take some time to shake it off, return to your SMART goal and pick up where you left off.

And don’t forget to share your goal with your friends and family; celebrate your wins with them, no matter how small. Their support will help you keep that positive energy focused on your goals.

Evaluate and Re-Adjust

A year is a long time to plan for, and it will go by in a flash. If you find yourself struggling or you think your wants may have changed, there’s no shame in adjusting your goal accordingly. After six months or so, evaluate your progress by looking at where you started in 2023 and what you’ve achieved so far. Maybe you’ll have already completed your goal, or perhaps you didn’t manage to get started. Either way, take some time to reflect on your progress and re-adjust if necessary.

We hope you feel inspired to make the change you’re looking for in 2023. From everyone at Kangaroo Self Storage, we hope this year brings you what you’re looking for. As always, we’re here to provide support in the form of extra space whether you need domestic self-storage when moving home, student self-storage when going to university, or business self-storage when starting your own company.

Self-storage is advantageous no matter what time of year. It allows us to make space during renovations and redecorations, store bulky and expensive items, and shield outdoor belongings from the elements. But is this more useful during the winter when the weather is harsher and protecting items becomes a necessity?

We’re helping to answer this by looking into whether winter is the best time of year to take advantage of self-storage. We’ll be exploring all the benefits of self-storage during the colder months and how Kangaroo Self Storage can help you store through winter.

Is Storing Items During Winter More Important Than Other Times of the Year?

In short, it depends on the items and where they are stored when they are not in self-storage. If you have belongings, such as outdoor furniture, which require protection from the elements during the brutal British wintertime, then yes, their storage is more important than during summer.

Additionally, winter is often when home renovations take place, whether in time for Christmas or as a New Year’s resolution, and this is a perfect reason for using self-storage during the colder months.

On the contrary, people need self-storage all year round, whether for storing surplus stock, protecting their vehicles, or keeping confidential documents, so you could argue that just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean storing becomes more important.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

Ensuring you have prepared your home for winter before the cold weather hits is crucial. Here is a checklist of maintenance to consider and how self-storage can assist:

Address roof repairs. Problems with your roof will only worsen during winter, so addressing any issues early on is vital. To help, we can temporarily house and protect your belongings if disruptive or messy work needs to take place in your home.
Book your boiler service. Don’t put it off. Book a boiler service to ensure your home is heated efficiently over winter.
Insulate your loft. Letting heat escape through your roof is a huge mistake. Allow us to look after your items in our secure, dry, and clean household storage units while you get insulated.
Install draught-proofing. Similarly, don’t let the warmth wave goodbye as it finds its way through your doors and windows. Install proper draught-proofing and ensure your heat is efficient and you’re not wasting money.
Tackle damp. Damp and mould only get worse when you ignore it, so clear the room you find it in, move your belongings into self-storage, and get to work before it takes over your home.

Decorating Your Home in Time for Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, so don’t let clutter and a lack of organisation ruin your festive spirit. Self-storage allows you to make room while you decorate for Christmas, providing you with the perfect, secure environment to store everything while you get the fairy lights and tinsel up.

And what’s more? You can use your storage unit to keep your Christmas decorations when the festive season ends, allowing you to make use of your space all year round.

Making Room for Guests During the Festive Season

Winter, specifically Christmas, is a time of year when family and friends gather together. If it’s your turn to host the in-laws, you may look at your home and wonder where you will fit everybody. With self-storage, you can transform your home office or gym into the perfect spare bedroom without worrying about where you will put your desk and chair or running machine during their stay; just give them to us until your relatives have gone home!

Make your guests feel at home this Christmas and give them space to relax with our help.

Storing Expensive or Bulky Outdoor Furniture During Winter

If you enjoy spending time in the garden, you probably have all the furniture and outdoor items to make your garden your paradise. However, many of these items cannot handle the British wintertime and will rust, rot, or grow mould in cold, wet weather.

Self-storage is the answer! Don’t clutter your garage with mountains of outdoor chairs, tables, and parasols; let us take them off you and protect them from the elements until the sun shines again.

Packing Away Your Summer Wardrobe

Shopaholics, come clean – do you have a winter and a summer wardrobe? If the answer is yes, you may have found that your summer clothes become a burden during the winter and vice versa. Use our wardrobe boxes available from the Box Shop and store your seasonal clothing with us leaving your home a sanctuary of calm and relaxation, not overcrowded with clothes.

Here at Kangaroo, we have self-storage stores across the country, so you’re never too far away. Visit our:

Hop over to one of our stores or contact our team today to discuss your storage options.

Moving home is often considered one of the most stressful times in your life. Whether from one accommodation to the next or going back home for the holidays, it is often the bain for most students’ university experience. Being a student, it often feels like you spend much of your year moving to a fro.

Whether your parents are hassling you to pack up your room before you leave for your big adventure to university or you are worried about your personal belongings being safe when you come home, we can help. With our student storage, we can help take the load off and act as a central point for all your belongings so you can relax, knowing they are safe and secure.

Early Preparation is Key

When it comes to jobs you may not look forward to, it often feels like a heavy weight on your shoulders, and you may find yourself procrastinating and leaving everything to the last minute. However, when it comes to moving out of student accommodation, preparing early can offer significant relief.

If you like to be super organised, you could even create a schedule with to-do lists that can be completed throughout this time, leaving the big move day a breeze because most of the jobs will have already been completed in advance.

Lists and Sectioning

Lists are the best way to organise your time and help break the big task of moving down into more manageable chores. Making a list of all your items and ticking them off can give you an incredible sense of gratification. Then, decide whether you intend to take it with you, leave it at home (or your accommodation), and any leftover items could be boxed up and put into a storage unit, keeping both locations tidy and free from clutter. You can book one of our units for term-time storage or holiday storage, and we offer the most competitive prices for all budgets.

Another way to break down the big move is to section your space or room into more manageable areas. For example, plan to cover areas in spells; your wardrobe could be task one, your chest of drawers task two, and under your bed could be task three. Having smaller sections can help reduce the overwhelming feelings a move can provide.

Get Help Organised From the Start

Making sure you have the relevant help before beginning to pack will lessen the stress come moving day. Whether you need help moving or dismantling furniture, having the extra hands will help lessen the load and make it a much more enjoyable experience.

It is also a good idea to make sure that when it comes to the big day, you have someone to help with transportation. Even if you use your own vehicle, the extra weight and overloading of your car is not healthy and can cause damage if travelling long distances. Ask friends and family for help or recommendations for someone who can. If there is no other option, many removal companies can offer discounts to students, and it may be worth checking with your university for their suggested removal services.

Labels and Boxes Are a Must

Although using bags for life and bin bags may feel more accessible, unpacking can become challenging when you get to your new accommodation. Searching through miscellaneous bags for items you need immediately can cause settling-in stress.

Boxes offer more protection and better organisation. Unlike a bag, a box will offer a more rigid and stackable structure, preventing your personal belongings from getting broken or damaged in transit. In addition, they provide a perfect surface to ensure correct labelling and itemised content listing. This offers significant ease when unpacking as you can locate the items you wish to put away first. Alternatively, if you plan to put things in storage, it helps remind you of each box’s contents after extended periods.

We offer a broad selection of storage boxes within our box shop. We stock sizes for every item, including conducive wardrobe boxes, protecting your clothes at all stages of the move.

Sort Through Clothes Before Moving

If you are preparing to move and know you will not use an item of clothing until you have moved out, organise a system in which you pack away items after they have been washed and dried. This can help save you time and packing later down the line, reducing the stress and time needed to pack. It can also be applied to bedding and sheets, saving you from needing to wash when you unpack.

If you believe you may have too many clothes or have a significant amount you no longer wear, take the opportunity to reduce what you need to take with you. You could organise three piles, clothes to donate, seasonal clothing, and clothes to take. If you have a considerable amount of seasonal clothing, we have a selection of storage sizes that you can use to rotate your wardrobe without cluttering your room.

Suppose you need any additional storage help whilst at university or returning home. In that case, we have competitive prices across all our storage unit locations and offer storage across various locations in the North West and Scotland, ideal for students.

Our Dundee student storage, for example, is a quick 6 minutes from the University of Dundee and Abertay university. So, where ever you are studying, see if we have a unit close to you and book a storage space online.

student getting ready to move out of accommodation

As the university year comes to a close, many student accommodation tenancies will be coming to an end. Whether you’re heading home for the summer, going travelling or moving everything to your new digs, moving out of student accommodation can be stressful. Not only do you need to pack up everything you own – including all the things you’ve accumulated over the year, but you’ll want to make sure to leave your accommodation clean and as you found it when you arrived if you want to get your security deposit back.

Get Organised

Before you start packing up your room, it’s good to find out exactly what you need to do ahead of and on moving day. First, check your tenancy agreement and confirm your move out date. With this date in mind, you can start to arrange when you’re going to empty your room, clean, and hand back the keys. If, for example, you’re studying at a university in Glasgow, now is also an excellent time to book your student storage in Glasgow if you need somewhere safe and secure to keep your belongings over the summer.

At this point, it’s also a good idea to talk to your flatmates about their moving out plans to make sure everyone does their fair share of cleaning the communal areas. You may even be able to split the cost of student storage in Edinburgh if their plans align with your own.

Check Your Inventory

When you moved into your student accommodation, you will likely have completed an inventory declaring the condition of everything in the property. Before moving out, check the inventory and make sure everything is in the same condition you found it when you arrived. Any damage to the property will be deducted from your initial security deposit, so it pays to do a thorough inspection of the inventory.

If anything is damaged or broken beyond what could be considered general wear and tear, honesty is the best policy. Talk to your landlord or student accommodation provider before moving out and report any maintenance issues. They are likely to be more understanding if you’re honest with them.

Bills, Utilities and Changing Address

Depending on whether your rent includes utilities, you may or may not have final bills to pay and metre readings to provide to energy suppliers. If you’ve been paying utility bills yourself, you’ll need to take final metre readings, settle your final bills, and close your accounts. Keep a record of any metre readings and payments you make for future reference.

If your bills are included in your rent, your landlord or accommodation provider should have this in hand, but do make sure you’ve informed any other companies you receive bills from that you’ve moved to a different address. Nowadays, most companies send bills electronically, but it’s a good idea to set up a redirect with the Royal Mail to make sure any paper bills get forwarded to your new address.

Declutter, Donate and Recycle Unwanted Things

You’ve probably accumulated a lot of unnecessary stuff over the past year, and moving out is the perfect opportunity to declutter and find new homes for the things you no longer need. Set any unwanted clothes, books or anything else you want to be rid of to one side. See if your flatmates want anything you’re giving away and donate anything in good condition to a local charity shop.

For items that are broken or not in a suitable condition to be donated, try to recycle them before throwing them straight in the bin. Your local recycling centres will often accept everything from old clothes to electrical equipment, so it’s best to dispose of things this way rather than in your general waste bins.

Do a Deep Clean

It may not be glamorous, but a thorough clean of your student accommodation is an absolute must if you want to get your full security deposit back (money aside, it’s also the respectful thing to do). Many accommodation providers will offer guidance on their expectations for an end-of-tenancy clean. Still, as a general rule, it should be a thorough, deep clean that covers every nook and cranny of your accommodation.

A deep clean is best performed once you’ve moved everything out and are working with an empty space. This is where student storage in Dundee comes in handy, as you can get all your possessions into a storage unit and out of the way before you start cleaning. Clean everything from the carpets to the walls, insides of the kitchen cupboards and the oven, and you’ll get your deposit back in no time.

Arrange Student Storage

We’ve touched upon using self storage like that available from Kangaroo, but we’re going to mention it again because it really can be a lifesaver for students and parents. Self storage can take the stress out of moving house by giving you a safe, clean and secure place to keep your things for as long as you need.

Whether that’s a few weeks, the whole summer, or years, units like Kangaroo’s self storage in Altrincham, Warrington and Wirral come in a range of different sizes, so you’ll never pay for more space than you need. Moreover, as a student, you’ll likely move house multiple times, between halls of residence, your parents’ house and off-campus house shares. That’s a lot of shifting all your things back and forth. Using self storage whilst you’re between houses is a great way to alleviate some of the stress of moving, so get a quote for self storage in Scotland and the North West today.

Moving into your student accommodation can be daunting. For many, it may be the first time you’ve ever spent any extended time away from home. But fear not, because with some simple decorating tips and tricks, you can make that uni accommodation feel like your very own bedroom in no time!

Beat that homesickness with these ideas:

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Personalised Noticeboard

Your accommodation probably comes with a noticeboard, and if it doesn’t, you can get them pretty cheaply. Noticeboards are great because you can pin anything you need to remind yourself of, or create your very own personalised display to make your room look ten times better.

Pin pictures, tickets, wristbands, leaflets and anything else you gather during your time as a student and add them to the board to create your very own snapshot of your student life. It will act as amazing décor for your room and also serve as a useful visual timetable for upcoming events.

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Display Photos

It goes without saying, but having constant reminders of your friends, family and pets in the form of photos will help keep that homesickness at bay. Forget printing them on paper, get yourself some proper photo prints of your favourite memories and stick them up around the room. Better yet, invest in some beautiful frames and have them displayed on your desk where you can always see them.

There are plenty of creative and unique ways to display photos if your uni is strict about sticking things to walls, like using pegs attached to string lights; you could even add the photos to your noticeboard to make a collage.

Choose Familiar Bedding

Most people buy brand new bedding for their university room, and it makes sense, you’ll still want a made bed at your home for the holidays, after all. However, if you want to make sure your uni room reminds you of home, you could opt to buy identical or very similar looking bedding, so it feels like it’s already your bed.

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Personalised Door

University halls tend to look completely identical with nothing but a number identifying which room is which. So why not personalise your door so everyone knows which room is yours? It’ll allow you to splash a little of your personality and interests on the front of an otherwise dull, boring door.

You can get posters specifically sized for doors, or you could stick some kind of sign on it, inviting people to knock, or you could even opt for a doormat to lay outside, making your room feel like your very own mini house.

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Rearrange Furniture

Uni rooms are ashamedly identical as a result they’re a little characterless. It’s not always possible to do anything about this, as the furniture may be nailed down or because the room is too small to move anything around. But, if possible, you could consider moving stuff around to try and make your room feel more like what you have at home.

If there is space, you could even get some more furniture for added home comforts, such as a comfy bean bag or a rustic bedside table.

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Cushions, Cushions Everywhere

There’s a reason your parents have cushions in every room and on every chair. Cushions are great for decorating blank spaces as they come in any colour, pattern or design, and unlike ornaments or decorative pictures, you can actually use them in a practical sense. Take a page from your parents’ book and get yourself some jazzy scatter cushions to make your room more decorative, homely and inviting.

A Comfy Throw

Never underestimate what a giant, snuggly throw can do for a room. Tucked onto the end of your bed or draped across a chair, a fluffy throw or a big knitted blanket will give your room a pop of colour and add an extra decorative touch that will make you feel right at home.

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Fairy Lights

It’s a total cliché, but there’s a reason for that. There is just something magical about fairy lights that can transform any dull, boring university accommodation into a sparkling wonderland. Well, maybe not that extreme, but they’re certainly pretty, and they will make the room a million times cosier.

Add Little Touches that Make You Happy

The best way to make sure your uni accommodation feels like home is to take as many reminders as you can. Whether it’s an old teddy you’ve had since you were small, or an ornament from the windowsill which has been there for as long as you can remember, filling your student accommodation with those personal, homely touches will help you transform any space into your very own home away from home.

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When it comes to the end of term or end of year, Kangaroo Self Storage Scotland can help you keep your belongings safe and sound. No need to carry all those homely touches home – you’ll need them when you’re back anyway. If you’re thinking of travelling and don’t have your student accommodation over the holidays, or you need somewhere to store your things moving between digs, we can help. We provide clean, secure and affordable student storage in Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh. We sell boxes and we’ll even pick up – just get in touch.

Being a student means many things: late nights, long lie-ins, plenty of coffee, ramen noodles, and making lifelong friends. Another indicator that you’re a real student is just how much stuff you have.

When it’s time to move, you may think you’ll fit everything into one car load. But surprise! You have more things now than when you first arrived. You’ve got so much stuff that you’re going to need to hire a van to get it all out. Your parents won’t appreciate having to make several trips and let alone having to fill the garage or spare room at home.

As the end of the term finishes, it’s probably best to start some spring cleaning. You will want to make sure that you get rid of all the useless junk before you start packing. It’s time to declutter your life. So, what’s the best way to do that as a student?

Try Out Minimalism

Being a minimalist is a “specific” kind of lifestyle. It’s a way to create a simpler and less cluttered space by getting rid of excess things. People who are thinking about becoming a minimalist generally fall into three categories:

Let’s go! Where are the bin bags?
No way, I don’t have a problem with too much stuff, I have a problem with too little space.
Sounds great, but where do I start?

If you’re a beginner and are looking to simplify your life, here are a few tips for you to get started:

Write down everything you own
Clear away rubbish
Discard any duplicates
Declare a clutter-free zone
Travel light

Living a minimalistic lifestyle brings plenty of benefits. Not only does it help you figure out what you don’t need, but it also allows you to make room for what’s important. With less clutter, your life will be simpler.

Sometimes it’s better to only hold onto the things that spark joy in your life, says lifestyle guru Marie Kondo. Do you really need that tatty notebook you never use? Does that pair of jeans you haven’t ever worn really need a space in your drawers? Toss them! Or better yet, donate them. Keep those joy sparking items and remove the rest; if it doesn’t spark joy, you don’t need it in your life!

But before you commit, why not put everything in storage first to see whether you miss them?

Why not try a 30-day challenge and see how you feel?

Consider Self Storage

A great way to declutter your life is to consider self-storage. Try and be ruthless when you’re clearing out. You will then be able to decide what you want to put in storage more easily. Also, try and think seasonally. Do you really need those snow boots and that huge coat in the middle of July?

Be realistic and think about what you could sell in the future. You may not want that glitter lava lamp anymore, but someone else could be a collector of retro lights (who knows!?). So, put it in self-storage until you’re ready to sell it on eBay. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Rooms and Spaces

There are different areas of a home which need to be separated and organised. You can’t just dive into the clutter headfirst. As a student, you probably have separate spaces which all need organising such as:

Desk/study space
Wardrobe and drawers
Under the bed! (We’re sure there’s stuff under there)
Your bathroom
Your kitchen cupboard/food
The walls (posters and clippings)

We suggest getting three different bags – one for things to bin or donate, one to put in storage and one to take away with you. Another option is to opt for boxes! That way you can slot your boxes easily into your storage unit. Kangaroo Self Storage can even cater to your packing needs and provide you with boxes and packaging!

Looking for the perfect way to declutter your life and start fresh with a minimalist lifestyle? Whether moving back home, or going travelling, we have the perfect storage space to help you.

We have an extensive range of student storage in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow; our unit sizes range from a locker to a 2000 sq ft unit, dependant on how much stuff you have.

Book your student storage with Kangaroo Self Storage Scotland today for the ideal moving solution for all students.

With the weather warming up and the last term of University drawing to a close, it won’t be long until you get to relax and enjoy that long summer holiday. For some of you, you may be thinking about spending those free months travelling.

Travelling is a great way to enrich your knowledge of other cultures, meet new people and experience new things. But travelling can be pricey, especially if you want to go for a significant amount of time.

We know that for many students, every penny is a prisoner, so how are you supposed to take advantage of these long summers and jet off to exciting places? Well, here are a few ways you can travel as a student in 2020 that won’t break the bank balance:

Do a Cultural Exchange

Every year, the Government funds a limited number of undergraduates to go on a three-week cultural exchange programme, such as Study China, so students can fully immerse themselves in another culture. The UK Government funds accommodation, travel, tuition of language courses and activities on the trip. Some Universities also offer additional funding and assistance specifically for these programmes that can be used to help fund flights and visas.

Ask your University if they support any cultural exchange programmes, or have a search online to find out if there are any available that appeal to you.

Teach English Abroad

If you’re an English speaker, you can offer your English language teaching services practically anywhere in the world. And there’s no doubt it can be an incredibly rewarding experience too. Aside from getting to travel to far-flung places and meet lots of new people, many programmes will cover your travel expenses or even pay you for your teaching services.

Some companies you can contact are The Jet Program, for teaching in Japan, EPIK, for South Korea, and CIEE, which has teaching positions in almost every corner of the globe.

Go Couchsurfing

If you don’t mind sleeping in people’s houses, you can take advantage of Couchsurfing, a website that puts travellers in contact with people offering a bed across the globe. You can find a place to stay by browsing couches all over the world, looking through people’s profiles to find someone to stay with and then simply dropping them a message. Staying at a local’s home for free makes travelling far and wide much more feasible when you don’t have to spend money on accommodation. Not to mention you’ll get to meet locals who can no doubt give you hints and tips whilst you explore their hometown area.

Do Some Charity Work

Volunteering is a great way to see the world and do some good at the same time. Companies like STA Travel offer volunteering projects in 22 countries that are authentic, sustainable and responsible. They have all kinds of different projects; from working with children, communities or animals to conservation work. You’ll have the chance to learn a lot from doing the project, pick up new skills and enjoy experiences in places you may never have had the chance to see otherwise. Ask your University if they partner with any volunteer abroad programmes.

Work at Summer Camps

Summer camps are always looking for people to spend a summer teaching and looking after children on camp. With programmes like Camp America and Camp Canada, you’ll have the opportunity to see the North American continent through one of these programmes.

You’ll spend the summer working in one of these countries and on your days off you can explore the towns and cities nearby. And once camp is finished, you’ll also have the opportunity to stay for another 30 days to travel, using the money you earned as a camp counsellor. There are many different roles available, so you’ll be able to spend the summer doing something you enjoy, gain new skills, have something to put on your CV and enjoy the experience of being in a different country.

Put Your Belongings in Self Storage

Whilst you’re off enjoying all these incredible experiences, you’ll want the peace of mind that professional storage can give you. A lot of student accommodation contracts don’t extend over the summer months, so store your belongings securely whilst you’re travelling with student storage in Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh with Kangaroo.

We offer simple, flexible and very affordable student storage options. Our secure storage facilities have 24/7 CCTV coverage, burglar alarms, smoke detectors and fire alarms – all to keep your belongings safe and sound whilst in storage. With our lowest price guarantee and pick up service, it’s no wonder so many students choose to store their belongings with us every summer.

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Go Couchsurfing

Do Some Charity Work

Work at Summer Camps

Put Your Belongings in Self Storage

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