Exams are done, your lease is ending, and you're heading home for the summer, whether that's across the island, across the country or overseas. Now what do you do with the mini-fridge, the desk, the bike and three boxes of textbooks? If you're a student at Cape Breton University or another school in the area, a storage unit in Sydney, NS can save you from hauling everything home or paying to replace it in September.
Why students use summer storage
Your lease ends before September. Many students give up their apartment in April and sign a new one for fall. Storage bridges the gap.
You're travelling or working away. If you're doing a co-op term, a summer job or a trip home, you don't want to pack your whole life into a suitcase.
Shipping is expensive. For international and out-of-province students especially, storing your things for a few months often costs less than shipping or rebuying them.
Your roommates are moving too. Storage keeps your things safe while everyone sorts out new places.
Storage in Sydney for CBU students
CoastGuard Self Storage is at 300 Stable Dr, Sydney, NS, in Sydney, the same city as Cape Breton University's campus. Here's what you get:
Insulated drive-up units. Pull your car or a borrowed truck right up to the door, with no hallways or elevators.
24/7 keypad gate access. Moving out at 11 p.m. after your last exam? That works.
Video surveillance and a fenced property.
Month-to-month rentals. Store from April or May until September, then move out with no long-term contract.
Online booking. Rent your unit in a few minutes on our booking page.
What size do you need?
For most students, one of these two sizes does the job:
5x10 (50 sq ft), $139.99/month. About the size of a large walk-in closet. Fits the contents of a typical student room: boxes, a mattress, a desk and chair, a bike, and suitcases.
10x10 (100 sq ft), $174.99/month. Holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, appliances included. A good fit if you have a bed, couch, dresser and fridge.
For a four-month summer (May to August), a 5x10 works out to about $560 in total at the current rate. If friends want to share a unit, give us a call first to talk through how that works.
You can compare all of our sizes and what fits in each on our Storage Unit Sizes & Prices page.
How to pack for summer storage
Use sturdy, same-size boxes. They stack better and protect your things.
Label every box on the top and on one side, so you can find your winter coat in September without opening everything.
Take apart bed frames and desks. Keep the screws in a zip-lock bag taped to the frame.
Clean and dry the mini-fridge and leave the door propped open slightly so it doesn't get musty.
Put the things you'll need first near the door: bedding, kitchen basics, and anything for the first week of classes.
No food or perishables. Food attracts pests and isn't allowed, and neither are flammable or hazardous items. When in doubt, ask.
Make a quick list or take photos of what's in the unit.
How renting works
Choose your size and book online on our booking page.
Bring a valid government-issued ID. A driver's licence, passport or provincial ID all work, which helps if you're an international student.
Sign your lease online and add your payment card. Rent is billed month-to-month and due on the 1st.
Get your unit number and gate code by email, then move in any time, 24/7.
Student storage FAQ
When should I book? Book before the end-of-term rush in April so the size you want is available. Check live availability on the booking page.
Can I get to my stuff over the summer? Yes. The gate is open to you 24/7 with your code.
Do I need a long-term contract? No. Rentals are month-to-month.
Is my stuff insured? You can add contents insurance through our partner, Intact Insurance, when you rent. It's billed monthly.
Book your summer storage in Sydney
Make move-out week easier this year. Learn more about our self storage in Sydney, NS, compare unit sizes and prices, or reserve your unit online. Questions? Call (902) 302-6555 or email coastguardstorage@gmail.com.
CoastGuard Self Storage · 300 Stable Dr, Sydney, NS B1P 0B9 · (902) 302-6555
— Jase Lachowiez, CoastGuard Self Storage