Sic'em Storage
Book Now
Back to blog
April 8, 20267 min read

Athens GA Student Storage Options Compared (2026)

There are a lot of ways to store your stuff over summer at UGA. Some are cheap, some are easy, and some are both. Here's an honest breakdown of every option — with real prices and the pros and cons of each.

1. Self-Storage Units

Examples: Extra Space Storage, CubeSmart, StorageMart

Price: $60–$150/month · Summer total: $180–$450 for 3 months

Pros

  • 24/7 access to your stuff
  • Choose your own unit size
  • Climate-controlled options available

Cons

  • You rent a truck and haul everything yourself
  • Requires a vehicle — hard without a car
  • Move-in and move-out labor is all on you
  • No boxes or packing supplies included
  • Most require 2-3 month minimum lease

Best for: Students with a car and large items (furniture, mini-fridge) who want 24/7 access.

2. Door-to-Door Storage

Best Value

Examples: Sic'em Storage, Collegeboxes

Price: $199–$299 flat · Summer total: $199–$299 total (includes everything)

Pros

  • Boxes and packing supplies delivered to you
  • Pickup from your dorm room — no car needed
  • Climate-controlled storage included
  • Delivery back to your door in August
  • QR-coded tracking on every box (Sic'em Storage)
  • No hidden fees — one flat price

Cons

  • Items must fit in provided boxes
  • Can't access boxes during summer (early retrieval available with notice)
  • Large items may need custom quote

Best for: Most UGA students — especially those without a car, in dorms, or who want zero hassle.

3. Ship from Home (Ship & Store)

Examples: Sic'em Storage Ship & Store, Collegeboxes

Price: $199–$299+ (plus shipping costs) · Summer total: $199–$500+ depending on # of boxes + shipping

Pros

  • Perfect for out-of-state students
  • Ship from anywhere in the US
  • Storage + delivery to dorm on move-in day
  • No need to be in Athens to store

Cons

  • Shipping costs are extra (UPS/FedEx)
  • Must ship early enough to arrive before move-in
  • Can be expensive for heavy items

Best for: Out-of-state UGA students and parents shipping items ahead of fall move-in.

4. Ask a Friend / Leave at Apartment

Examples: Your friend's closet, your landlord's garage

Price: Free · Summer total: $0 (but risky)

Pros

  • Free
  • Flexible

Cons

  • No insurance — if it's damaged or stolen, you're out of luck
  • Not climate-controlled — Athens humidity ruins things
  • Relies on someone else's goodwill and space
  • Awkward if something goes wrong
  • No tracking, no accountability

Best for: Small, low-value items you wouldn't mind losing. Not recommended for electronics or valuables.

The Bottom Line

For most UGA students, door-to-door storageis the best option. It's the same price or cheaper than renting a self-storage unit once you factor in truck rental, gas, boxes, tape, and your time — and you don't need a car.

If you have large furniture or need 24/7 access to your stuff, a self-storage unit makes more sense. But for clothes, books, electronics, bedding, and shoes? A flat-rate service that picks up from your room and delivers back in August is hard to beat.

Whatever you choose, book early. Athens storage options fill up fast in April and May, and prices only go up as move-out gets closer.

The easiest storage option at UGA

Boxes delivered. Pickup from your room. Climate-controlled storage. Delivery in August. From $199.

Reserve Your Spot