Why Students Use Storage in the Netherlands

Heading home for the holidays or studying abroad for a semester? Many students in the Netherlands face the same challenge — what to do with all their stuff. Between short-term subletting rules, tiny rooms, and expensive rent, it’s often smarter to temporarily store your belongings instead of paying for unused housing space.

Self storage lets you safely keep your items nearby, without losing flexibility or worrying about damaged or stolen belongings during your time away.


What to Store vs. What to Take

Before you start packing, make a quick checklist:

Store these:

  • Clothes & shoes you won’t need abroad
  • Bikes (especially if parking is unsafe)
  • Kitchenware like pans, plates, and blenders
  • Textbooks & notebooks from previous semesters
  • Small furniture like chairs, nightstands, or lamps

Take these:

  • Important documents (passport, ID, BSN)
  • Electronics (laptop, tablet, chargers)
  • Daily clothes and a few essentials
  • Sentimental items you don’t want to risk losing

Choosing the Right Storage Size

Not all units are the same — and you don’t want to overpay. Here’s a quick guide to typical student storage sizes:

SizeBest ForExample Items
0.5–2 m² lockerMinimalist studentClothes, small boxes, electronics
3–4 m² unitMost studentsBike, kitchenware, books, and boxes
5–6 m² unitShared or long-term storageSmall furniture, suitcases, monitors

💡 Tip: Splitting a unit with friends can cut your costs in half — just make sure everyone labels their boxes clearly.


Price Overview and What to Expect

Storage prices vary by city and unit size. In most Dutch cities, student-friendly storage starts at around €25–€40 per month for smaller lockers and €50–€100 per month for medium-sized rooms. Facilities near train stations or universities may be slightly higher, but you’ll save on transport costs.


Security and Access

When choosing a facility, make sure to check for:
24/7 access (for flexibility during move-ins)
CCTV and secure locks
Insurance options to cover your belongings
Climate control if storing electronics or furniture


Find and Compare Storage Easily

Instead of visiting every website separately, students can now use The Storage Scanner — the leading independent platform in Europe for comparing self storage providers.

The Storage Scanner is the leading independent platform in Europe for comparing self storage providers. Users can easily find and compare storage units and garage boxes based on location, size, and price.

thestoragescanner logo

Simply enter your city, pick your preferred size, and filter by price or access hours. Once you’ve found the right option, you can book online and coordinate move-in/out dates directly with the provider.


Eco-Friendly Packing Tips

  • Reuse old boxes or suitcases instead of buying new plastic bins.
  • Wrap fragile items in towels or clothes to save materials.
  • Label boxes with a marker and QR code for easy inventory.
  • Share unused space — sustainability meets savings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading home for the holidays or taking a semester abroad, self storage can save you stress, space, and money. By comparing storage providers across the Netherlands, you’ll find secure, affordable, and flexible options near your student city.

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