If you’re in college you know that sharing space with a roommate is part of the deal. That includes dorms and off-campus apartments, and makes learning to live in close quarters with another person a must. Of course, dorm rooms and even apartments can quickly become cramped with all sorts of stuff. When that happens, many roomies decide to share a storage unit to ease the congestion. Some roommates rent a storage unit together during breaks, too, or when they go overseas to study.

If that sounds like your situation, the info below will definitely be helpful. It’s a quick, easy-to-follow guide on how to share a storage unit with a roommate. Read on to find out more and make sharing a storage unit a pleasure instead of a pain.

Why Would You Want to Share a Storage Unit with Your College Roomie?

Before we take a closer look at how to share a storage unit with your roommate, let’s look at why. Some of the best reasons to share a storage unit include:

• Saving money thanks to splitting the monthly unit cost
• Having more space to live and relax in your dorm or off-campus apartment
• Getting that extra space without needing a bigger, more expensive place
• Having a place to store bulky stuff like bikes, seasonal gear, sports equipment, etc.

Best Tips for Stress-Free Storage Unit Sharing

Sharing anything with a roommate can be tricky, it’s true. However, if you use the tips below, you’ll cut down dramatically on any problems or awkward situations.

1. Make an Inventory of All Your Stuff

• Use a pen and paper (or an app) to make a full inventory of everything you store in your unit
• Update your inventory when you add things or take them out

2. Label, Label, Label

Labeling all your things will ensure that, as time passes, there’s no doubt which stuff is yours (and which isn’t). To do that:

• Use magic markers on boxes and containers.
• Use label stickers on large items like furniture, golf bags, and bikes
• Put your name on each label
• Use different colors to make things even easier 

3. Divide the Storage Unit’s Space Equally

Dividing your storage space evenly will nip many problems in the bud. Here are a few tips to do it right:

• Use duct tape to make a dividing line on the storage unit’s floor
• Leave a space down the center of the unit for easy entry and exit

4. Use a Combination Lock (or get Multiple Keys)

One of the biggest stress-creating situations when sharing a storage unit is who gets the key to the lock. To avoid this issue completely:

• Get a combination lock
• If you use a keyed lock, have multiple keys made and make sure all roommates get one
• Never change the lock without updating the key or code with your roomie

How To Fairly Split the Cost of a Storage Unit

The most common point of contention when sharing a storage unit (as you might have already guessed), is the cost. Who pays what, how, and when, need to be addressed up-front. To make this task easier and remove any problems:

• Decide in advance who will sign the rental agreement. (You, your roomie, or even a parent.)
• Use an app to make payments quick, easy, and trackable. (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, etc.)
• Set a reminder on your calendar and share it with your roommate.
• Use a prepaid card that you both deposit money into equally at the beginning of the lease.

When is a Good Time to Share a Storage Unit with Your College Roommate?

You can share a storage unit any time you like, of course. However, there are a few times during the school year that make even more sense, including:

• When college breaks for summer and winter
• Between leases on your off-campus apartment
• When studying abroad for a semester or two
• Right after graduation, so that you don’t have to rush any life-changing decisions 
• During the year if you both feel cramped in your dorm or apartment

How To Stay Friendly While Sharing a Storage Unit with Your College Roommate 

Some of the biggest stress points when sharing a storage unit can be reduced or eliminated by following these tips: 

• Set some basic rules upfront
• Put together a simple agreement and sign it together. It should establish things like when the monthly rent gets paid, who gets what space, how long you’ll keep the unit, etc.
• Keep the unit clean and never leave stuff on your roommate’s side
• Never look through, touch, or move your roommate’s stuff

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Storage Unit

• Pick the correct size. Typically, a 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit will provide more than enough space for 2 college students.

• Look for a storage facility with 24/7 video cameras, a gated entry with keypad, automatic lights, etc.
• If your items are prone to damage by extreme temperatures or humidity, consider renting a climate controlled storage unit.

Split An NSA Storage Unit With Your Roommate this Fall

Sharing a storage unit can make college life easier and more enjoyable, as long as you do it right. The tips and hacks provided today will do that, and help you get the benefits without any added stress.

At NSA Storage, we rent to college students all over the country. Our storage units are safe, very secure, and affordable. Even better, all of our storage facilities use a month-to-month payment plan. That means you can rent as long, or short, as you like, without getting stuck in a long-term contract. 

Reserve your storage unit online today and you can start using it the same day! Until then, study hard, have a great time, and best of luck in school!