If your student attends University of Miami, one of the biggest challenges at the end of the school year is figuring out what to do with everything in the dorm room over the summer.
Students accumulate a surprising number of items during the school year: mini fridges, rugs, bedding, hangers, under-bed storage, mattress toppers, school supplies, and decorations. When move-out arrives during finals week, many families realize they need a simple plan for University of Miami summer storage.
Whether your student is flying home, studying abroad, or simply doesn’t want to move everything back and forth, this guide will help you plan the easiest solution.
What Items University of Miami Students Usually Store Over the Summer
Most students store items they don’t want to transport home, including:
• Mini refrigerators
• Rugs
• Bedding and pillows (including mattress toppers)
• Clothing
• Under-bed storage storage or storage carts
• Kitchen appliances
• Shoe racks
• School supplies
• TVs
• Decorations and lamps
Parent Tip
When you get your student’s room assignment, check the bed size.
Many first-year dorms use Twin XL beds, but apartments in areas like Lakeside Village or University Village often use Full beds.
If that’s the case, you may not need to bring the Twin XL bedding back in the fall.
Because transporting dorm items home—or to a traditional Miami self-storage unit—can be difficult, many families choose University of Miami summer storage services designed specifically for students.
A Local Summer Storage Option for UM Families
At Stow Simple, we created a storage service designed specifically to make University of Miami move-out simple for students and parents.
Our local family business has been helping UM students store their belongings since 2015, and our focus is on friendly service and reliability.
Instead of asking students to transport everything across Miami during finals week, we provide:
• In-room storage pickups
• Climate-controlled summer storage
• In-room returns
We also deliver eco-friendly heavy-duty storage bins students can use for free.
How the Process Works
1️⃣ Packing supplies are delivered directly to the dorm
2️⃣ Students pack their belongings
3️⃣ Our team picks up items directly from the room
4️⃣ Everything is stored safely for the summer
5️⃣ Items are returned inside the student’s room before fall move-in
Students do not need to be present for delivery, which makes fall move-in much easier.
Packing Tips for University of Miami Summer Storage
Packing properly can prevent damage and make fall move-in much easier.
You can see our full packing guidelines here:
https://www.stowsimple.com/packing-guidelines/#packing
Use Strong Containers
Choose durable options such as:
• Heavy-duty plastic bins
• Double-wall cardboard boxes
• Suitcases
Avoid weak boxes or trash bags.
Pro Tip
If using Stow Simple heavy-duty bins, you only pay for the bins you fill.
For example:
If you order 8 bins but only fill 6, you are only charged for the 6 used.
We simply collect the empty bins. Because storage is billed after pickup, you only pay for what is actually stored.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap fragile belongings such as:
• Glassware
• Lamps
• Mirrors (boxed)
• Electronics (Tv’s/Monitors must be boxed)
Use bubble wrap, towels, or clothing for extra padding.
Avoid Storing These Items
For safety reasons, students should not store:
• Perishable food
• Liquids that could leak
• Cleaning chemicals
• Aerosol cans
These items can damage other belongings during storage.
When Students Should Schedule University of Miami Summer Storage
Move-out week at the University of Miami is extremely busy.
The best time to reserve University of Miami summer storage is before mid-April.
Booking early provides several advantages:
• More pickup time options
• Guaranteed availability
• Less stress during finals week
Our storage services have been sold out 10 of the past 11 years, so reserving early is the best way to ensure your student has a spot.
Pro Tip for Parents
You don’t need to know exactly what your student will store when reserving.
You can add or remove items without penalty up until the day of pickup.
When items are listed during booking:
• Our team creates bar-coded labels
• We reserve truck space for pickup
If your student ultimately decides not to store an item, you simply won’t be charged for it.
Why Many UM Families Choose Student Storage Services
For many students, traditional storage units require:
• Renting a car or truck
• Carrying heavy items down from the dorm
• Transporting items across Miami
• Moving everything again in the fall
With student storage services like Stow Simple, everything is handled directly from the dorm room, making the process much easier for students, especially those flying home.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Planning ahead for University of Miami summer storage can make move-out week far less stressful.
The most important steps are:
✔ Start packing early
✔ Decide what will be stored vs taken home
✔ Use strong containers and label everything
✔ Schedule storage before finals week
With the right plan in place, your student can focus on finishing the semester and heading home for the summer.
FAQ: University of Miami Summer Storage
How much is summer storage for University of Miami students?
Our plans begin at $250 per summer which includes supply drop off, on-campus pickup and return + 3 months of climate-controlled storage. Get started HERE.
When should students reserve summer storage?
Ideally 4–6 weeks before move-out, as services often reach capacity before finals week.
Does my student need to be present for their storage delivery?
No. We work with University of Miami Housing and Residential Life to deliver items shortly before students arrive. All items will be waiting for students in their assigned dorm room or apartment. Off campus delivery is also available.
