The exams are done, the lease is ending, and you need to be out of your accommodation by a specific date. For thousands of Irish college students every May, move-out day is a scramble of packing, cleaning, and figuring out where on earth to put everything until September. If you're heading home to another county (or country), you can't exactly bring a desk, a mattress, and 15 boxes on the train.

This checklist makes move-out day smoother and helps you find affordable storage for the summer.

The Move-Out Timeline: Start 2 Weeks Before

2 Weeks Before Move-Out

  • Book your storage space. Don't leave this to the last minute — spaces near universities fill fast in May. Search Packhood by your campus area and book now.
  • Sort your belongings into three piles: Taking home, Storing for summer, Donating/binning.
  • Start collecting boxes. Ask local shops (Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi) for free boxes. Or buy flat-packs from Woodies for about €2 each.
  • Book transport. Man-with-van, a friend's car, or GoCar — whatever works. Book early.

1 Week Before Move-Out

  • Pack non-essentials. Books, off-season clothes, decorations, extra bedding — anything you won't need this week.
  • Take photos of your room. Document the condition for your deposit return.
  • Arrange cleaning. Whether you're doing it yourself or splitting a professional cleaner with housemates, schedule it.
  • Confirm storage access time. Message your Packhood host to confirm when you can drop off.

Move-Out Day

  • Final pack. Bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies go last.
  • Clean your room. Hoover, wipe surfaces, check drawers and wardrobes are empty.
  • Load up. Heavy boxes first, fragile items on top or wrapped carefully.
  • Drop to storage. Unload, stack neatly, take a photo of your stored items for reference.
  • Return keys. Take a photo of meter readings if required for your lease.

What to Store vs. What to Bring Home

Store for summer (too bulky or heavy to transport home):

  • Desk and desk chair
  • Mattress or mattress topper
  • Bookshelves and storage units
  • Kitchen items (pots, pans, plates, cutlery)
  • Lamps and small appliances
  • Sports equipment (bikes, hurls, gym gear)

Bring home (small enough and needed over summer):

  • Laptop, phone, chargers
  • Important documents (passport, PPSN, bank cards)
  • Seasonal clothes
  • Valuables (jewellery, expensive electronics)
  • Sentimental items

How Much Does Student Summer Storage Cost?

On Packhood, student storage for the summer (3 months) typically costs:

  • A few boxes and bags: €90–€150 total (€30–€50/month)
  • Half a room's contents: €150–€270 total (€50–€90/month)
  • Full room with furniture: €240–€390 total (€80–€130/month)

Compare that to summer rent on an empty room: €2,500–€4,000+ in Dublin. Even with storage and transport costs, you save thousands.

Where to Find Storage Near Irish Universities

  • Trinity / TCD: Rathmines, Ranelagh, Drumcondra, Stoneybatter
  • UCD: Donnybrook, Stillorgan, Dundrum, Goatstown
  • DCU: Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Whitehall, Santry
  • UCC: Bishopstown, Wilton, Douglas, Togher
  • University of Galway: Knocknacarra, Renmore, Salthill, Newcastle
  • UL: Castletroy, Annacotty, Monaleen
  • Maynooth University: Maynooth village, Leixlip, Celbridge

Splitting Storage with Housemates

If your whole house is moving out, renting one larger space between you is almost always cheaper per person. A single garage (€70–€100/month) split four ways is just €17–€25 per person per month for the summer. Coordinate your drop-off together, label everything clearly, and designate one person as the contact for the host.

Packing Tips for Students

  • Label every box on two sides. You'll forget what's in them by September.
  • Use clothes as padding. Wrap fragile items in jumpers and towels instead of buying bubble wrap.
  • Don't store food. Nothing perishable. It attracts mice and goes off.
  • Take photos. Photograph the contents of each box before sealing. Saves time in September.
  • Keep a master list. A simple note on your phone listing which box contains what.

The Bottom Line

College move-out day doesn't have to be chaotic. Start planning two weeks ahead, book affordable local storage early, and you'll save thousands compared to keeping an empty room all summer. Your September self will thank you for the organisation.

Find student storage near your campus on Packhood and book before the May rush.