Packing up or paying up? The storage struggle facing Massey students

As the academic year winds down, hundreds of Massey students face the same annual question: What do I do with all my stuff? 

For students heading home or overseas, moving out of halls or flats often means paying for storage. It’s a hidden expense that can swallow hundreds of dollars over summer.  

“I already struggle with rent and food and now I’m budgeting for a storage locker just so I don't lose my things,” said Vidhi, an international student.  

Storage fees in Palmerston North range from $45 to $400 per month, depending on the size of the unit. For students who don't have the option of leaving belongings at their family home, this cost comes on top of rent, bills and food.  

Halls require students to clear out entirely at the end of the year, leaving international students in particular with few options. 

Some universities overseas offer campus storage for students, but you won’t find this at Massey, or likely anywhere in the country.  

For international students, the challenge is even greater. Most have no family or long-term storage options in New Zealand, meaning they must either pay for private storage or rely on short term arrangements with friends.  

Student Ratu said, “It’s stressful because I can't just go back and check my stuff.”

“I just have to trust that it will still be there when I come back in February.”  

For those who cannot afford the extra cost, the alternatives are not pretty. Every November, Facebook Marketplace and op shops are flooded with student cast offs like clothes, appliances and desks.  

Student Ricky* said, “It’s heartbreaking to see people selling a fridge for $20 because they can't afford to store it.” 

International students are often forced to sell nearly everything before flying home, only to buy it all again the next semester.  

Others gamble by stuffing belongings into friends’ garages or spare rooms. However, that comes with risks too.  

Third year student Anna* said, “I stored my stuff at a mate’s place and came back to find half of it mouldy and some things were missing,”  

Now, she pays for storage, “It’s expensive but at least it’s safe.”  

A Massey University spokesperson said they have no plans to introduce on campus storage services. 

They said the summer holiday is the only time each year when the university’s halls and apartment are vacated, allowing for complete deep cleans refurbishment projects, and large-scale maintenance. 

“As a result, Massey does not have freely available space to safely store residents’ personal belongings,” the spokesperson said.  

The spokesperson said insurance and liability considerations are another factor which prevent Massey from offering storage solutions. The university's business operations and insurance are specific to student accommodation, not storage services.  

As November approaches, units across Palmy are expected to fill up fast. For students, the options are limited — pay the fee, phone a friend, or sell it all.

*Names changed for anonymity.