What To Do With Your Stuff When Moving Out for the Summer
#Too Much Stuff?

Moving out for the summer? Whether you’re a college student heading home, a renter between leases, or just decluttering, deciding what to do with your belongings can be stressful. Without a plan, you might struggle to pack, transport, or store everything efficiently.
However, with proper preparation and a little hard work, you can make your move go off without a hitch. To make your transition smoother, here’s a quick guide from the moving experts at Acorn Mini Storage® that will help you understand how to store, sell, or donate your belongings so you can enjoy a worry-free summer break and settle into your new home next year.
Taking Inventory of Your Things
Before you start packing, take some time to assess what you own. Keeping a detailed inventory list of what you’re moving will help you determine what’s essential, what can be moved into student storage, and what can be sold or donated. Sorting your belongings in advance allows you to make smarter decisions and avoid last-minute packing stress.
Ultimate Packing Checklist for Summer Break
Once you’ve sorted your belongings, it’s time to pack up what you’ll be transporting home. Use our ultimate packing checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important you’ll need over the next few months.
- Clothes and shoes
- Important documents such as passports, student IDs, and driver’s licenses
- Electronics like laptops, phones, and chargers
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Any textbooks or materials for summer courses
- Bedding and linens
- Kitchen essentials like pots, pans, and utensils
- Home decor or personal items
- Medications and health supplies
- Cleaning supplies and household items
- Sentimental items such as photos, gifts, and keepsakes
- Small furniture
For items you’re leaving behind, ensure everything is properly packed and protected for summer storage. Label boxes clearly so you can find things in a pinch, and use durable packing materials to keep fragile items on your moving packing checklist safe as you move them into summer storage for college students.
Tips for Decluttering
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings. As you pack, consider how often you use an item, if it’s on next year’s college dorm checklist, or if it can be easily replaced. If not, it might be time to let it go. While many things can just be thrown out, donating clothes, books, and furniture to local charities is a great way to open up space while helping others.
Items You Can Easily Sell
If you have items that aren’t making the move into storage, consider selling any that can fetch a decent chunk of change. In today’s world, you can easily list things for sale on online marketplaces, campus bulletin boards, or social media groups for quick cash. Here are some ideas:
- Textbooks from completed courses
- Small appliances such as mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers
- Furniture like desks, chairs, and shelving units
- Electronics like gaming consoles, speakers, and headphones
How To Store College Dorm Stuff During the Summer
When storing your college dorm belongings for the summer, it’s important to take the right precautions. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for better protection against moisture and pests, and disassemble furniture to save space and prevent damage. You should also label everything, as this will make unpacking in the fall much easier.
If you don’t have room for storage wherever you’re spending the summer, renting a self storage unit is a convenient solution. Acorn Mini Storage® offers climate controlled college storage in Minneapolis and throughout the state, which is a stable and secure place to keep your belongings tucked away until fall rolls around. Use our size guide and space calculator tools to figure out what to rent.
Rent Storage Units for College Students From Acorn Mini Storage®
If you’re looking for convenient and affordable storage for college students, Acorn Mini Storage® has you covered. Our storage units for college students offer convenient leasing terms, secure facilities, and climate controlled storage technology. Instead of worrying about how to store college dorm stuff during the summer, let Acorn Mini Storage® provide you with an easy and stress-free student storage solution.
Find a Minnesota storage facility near you today to get started! You can also contact us or explore our FAQ and storage tips page for more information.