The tenancy ends in June. The new one starts in September. And in between sits everything you own.

It’s one of the more annoying puzzles of student life — but it’s a small decision once you break it down. Here’s the honest comparison.

Option 1: Take it all home

The instinct for most people, and sometimes the right call.

It works if: home isn’t far, someone can help with the drive, and you’ve got space at the other end.

It’s harder if: home is a few hours away, your parents have quietly turned your room into an office, or you’ve accumulated a year’s worth of stuff that won’t fit in one car load.

The hidden cost is the double journey. You move it home in June, then move it all back in September. Two trips, twice the effort, twice the fuel.

Option 2: Store it locally over summer

You put your things in a secure unit in Coventry and collect them when term starts.

It works if: you’re coming back to the same city, you’ve got more than a car’s worth of stuff, or you simply want the summer free of it.

It’s less ideal if: you’re going home for good, or you’re only leaving a couple of bags.

The appeal is simple — you deal with it once, not twice. And when September comes, everything’s already in the right city.

Which actually costs less?

Do the maths on the whole picture, not just the storage fee:

• Taking it home: fuel or train costs, both ways, plus your time and someone else’s car.
• Storing it: the weekly unit price, plus one move in and one move out.

If home is close by, taking it home usually wins. If home is a long drive — or you’d need multiple trips — storage often works out easier and cheaper, especially split between housemates.

The housemate trick

Here’s the one worth knowing: share a unit. Three or four of you splitting one storage unit turns a decent monthly cost into a few pounds each.

Just agree in advance who’s collecting what, and label everything clearly by name. It saves a very confusing September afternoon.

What to store (and what not to)

Store: bedding, kitchen bits, books, winter clothes, decorations, furniture you’ve bought yourself.

Don’t store: food of any kind, anything damp, or documents and valuables you’d hate to be without. Take those with you.

Take home: your laptop, passport, and anything irreplaceable. Always.

Make it easy on yourself

Van Hero can collect from your student place, take everything straight to secure storage, and bring it back when term starts. No van hire, no borrowing a car, no carrying boxes down stairs twice in one summer. 10% off for students, as always.

FAQ

Can students store belongings over summer in Coventry? Yes — summer storage is one of the most common student bookings. You can store for a few weeks or the whole break, and collect when term restarts.

Is it cheaper to store or take everything home? If home is nearby, taking it home usually costs less. If home is a long journey or you’d need several trips, storage is often cheaper and far less hassle — especially shared between housemates.

Can I share a storage unit with friends? Yes, and it’s the smartest way to do it. Split one unit between housemates and label everything by name.