The end of the spring semester at Missouri Southern State University is always a whirlwind. Between final exams, graduation ceremonies, and saying goodbye to friends for the season, the last thing you want to worry about is what to do with your dorm furniture, mini-fridge, and stacks of textbooks. Dragging everything back to your parents’ house—only to haul it all back in August—is a logistical headache that most students would rather avoid.
At Neighborhood Storage, we are located right here on Newman Road, just a stone’s throw from the MSSU campus. We’ve helped countless Lions simplify their move-out process so they can focus on their summer plans instead of a moving truck. Here is how you can make your summer transition as smooth as possible.
Declutter Before You Pack
It is tempting to throw everything into boxes the moment your last final is over, but taking a day to sort through your belongings will save you both time and money. Storage units come in various sizes, and you don’t want to pay for space you aren’t using.
Go through your wardrobe and pull out items you didn’t wear this year. If you have textbooks you won’t need for upper-division courses, consider selling them back to the bookstore or online. By narrowing your belongings down to the essentials you actually need for next semester, you’ll find that a smaller, more affordable unit might be all you need to bridge the gap between May and August.
Proper Packing for the Joplin Climate
Joplin summers are famous for their heat and humidity. When you are packing your items for a few months of storage, it is important to prepare them for the environment. Electronics, musical instruments, and important documents are sensitive to extreme temperature shifts. For these items, we highly recommend looking into our climate-controlled units. These units maintain a consistent environment, protecting your sensitive belongings from the Missouri summer swelter.
For your standard items, use sturdy plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes whenever possible. Bins stack more securely and provide an extra layer of protection against dust. Be sure to defrost your mini-fridge at least 24 hours before moving it and leave the door slightly cracked while it’s in storage to prevent any musty odors from developing.
Make the Most of Your Storage Space
Since our facility is located right off Highway 249, getting in and out is incredibly easy. However, you still want to organize your unit for maximum efficiency. Place the items you might need first—like your fall bedding or early-semester textbooks—near the front of the unit.
If you are sharing a unit with a roommate to split the costs, be sure to clearly label every box with your name. Using masking tape to “section off” halves of the unit can also help keep things organized so there is no confusion when it’s time to move back into the dorms or an off-campus apartment.
Reserve Your Unit Near MSSU Today
The best time to secure your summer storage is before the finals week rush begins. Because of our proximity to campus, our smaller, student-friendly units tend to fill up fast as the semester winds down.
At Neighborhood Storage, we pride ourselves on being a local, family-owned business that understands the needs of the Joplin community. We offer a variety of unit sizes and easy access to ensure your move-out day is the easiest part of your week.