Student Storage

Items being stored should be safely packed and enclosed into proper storage containers such as cardboard boxes, plastic totes, luggage bags, athletic or duffel bags, or backpacks.

Below is a list of items that will not be accepted into storage. This list is not exhaustive and discretion of whether an item may be accepted will be left to Residential Life professional staff members. If you have questions about a specific item please contact Residential Life prior to visiting storage.

• Bikes & Scooters (including electric scooters/electric skateboards)
• Chairs
• Couches/Sofa Chairs
• Entertainment centers
• Shelving units (3 tier plastic shelves are acceptable as long as they are securely taped closed)
• Tables; including game tables and end tables
• Items in open tote bags/ plastic bags/garbage bags (see “Packing Tips” for exceptions)
• Loose items such as table lamps, fans, etc. must be in a box.
• Liquids (detergent, alcohol, etc.)
• Oddly shaped items such as bedrolls, instruments, athletic gear or equipment, area rugs, and floor lamps should be properly contained. Each item will need a current sticker and stored in designated open space between shelves (see “Packing Tips” for exceptions).

Visit the “Packing Tips” section for helpful strategies on how to prep bulky items for student storage.

Storage sticker sales are directly funneled back into essential maintenance and staffing of available storage facilities. Sticker sales also fund the costs of storage equipment such as carts and shelving.

Stickers can be purchased from the Carleton Bookstore. Stickers cannot be returned or refunded.

There are 5 student storage locations on campus (Myers Storage is reserved for Resident Assistants). Students need to complete a Storage Appointment Request form to gain access to storage or visit storage during posted Open Hours (available only during standard Opening and Closing dates). View the Storage Process Checklist to learn more about the process and how to schedule an appointment.

Open Storage Hours will be available during Reading Days, Exam Days, and Closing given the high volume of students utilizing the program during those dates. Students leaving campus or changing rooms will receive information about available times.

Fall and Winter Term Closing – One single location will be open at various times throughout the days listed above. Only store your items if you are:

1. Participating in OCS
2. Not returning to campus (Leave of Absence, Medical Leave of Absence, Withdrawal)
3. Changing rooms between terms and the room you are moving into is not available prior to Break. 

Spring Term Closing – Spring Term Closing is when the highest number of students store their belongings in campus storage. Therefore, Residential Life staff are strategic in creating a schedule that will ensure each location is properly filled prior to opening the next available location. View the Spring Term Closing Storage Hours to view available storage hours and locations to prepare for your departure.

Summer Break – Space is extremely limited during Summer Break given the high volume of students who store during Spring Term Closing. This will impact availability for students who are approved to depart from campus housing on or after Commencement. Students should submit a storage request to store or retrieve items between Commencement and Fall Term opening.

Each item (box, storage container, bicycle, etc.) being stored MUST have a current storage sticker attached. Storage stickers can be purchased at the Bookstore for $10. Purchase your storage stickers prior to arriving to student storage to store your personal belongings.

You can work with a friend on campus to purchase stickers from the Bookstore and schedule a storage appointment to update the stickers.

Storage Personnel will audit each storage location at various times throughout the year. Items with expired storage stickers or improper labeling will be donated to Lighten Up.

Carts can typically be found in the lobbies or basements where storage locations are housed.

To properly return a cart, please place the cart in the lobby of one of the buildings below. Carts are not to be left outside or stored in houses. Carts must remain on campus at all times.

• Cassat
• Goodhue
• James
• Musser
• Myers
• Watson

Recommended Plastic Tote & Cardboard Box Dimensions
These suggestions are based on average storage shelf sizes as well as ensuring that students can safely transport their items.

Plastic Totes: As large as or smaller than 23X17X17inches (18 Gallon) 

Cardboard Boxes: As large as or smaller than 18x18x18 inches

Staying Organized

• Create a packing plan leading up to your departure date in order to give yourself enough time to pack safely and store your items in a facility prior to departing from campus.
• Number your boxes and/or write a list of what items you’ve stored inside so that you know you’ve packed and/or retrieved all of your belongings.
• Pack similar items in the same box. Toiletries in one, kitchen items in another, room décor, etc.
• Pack boxes/bins/luggage only as heavy as you can carry!

Packing and Storing Bulky Items –Required techniques

• RUGS: roll up the rug and tape each end all the way around so it stays bound. Tape over the storage sticker as it will likely not adhere perfectly to the material. Store the rug upright in a corner or between storage shelves.
• BED ROLLS: roll up the bed roll and tape each end all the way around so it stays bound. Tape over the storage sticker as it will likely not adhere perfectly to the material. Store the bed roll above your boxes if there is extra space.
• SKIS: Tape the ends and middle of the skis so they are securely fastened together. Store the skis upright in a corner or in between storage shelves.

Student Storage is available to students as an optional alternative to taking possessions off campus each year. Carleton College does not insure and is not responsible for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of students (including items in storage). We recommend that students acquire renters insurance.

Step 1: Students who cannot locate all of their items in storage should first notify Residential Life. Storage staff will assist with locating the items by checking storage records and each location during regularly scheduled appointments. Staff may require that the student whose items are missing attend these visits.

Step 2: If the item cannot be located after multiple attempts, the student is encouraged to contact their insurance provider to start a claim. If the student did not secure renters insurance, another option would be to work with their guardian’s homeowners insurance.