With the COVID-19 pandemic still surging in most parts of the country, colleges and universities all across the nation are having to force students out of their dorms in an effort to preserve their health.
Many students had a short time to pack their belongings and get out off campus. Some were able to take all their items back home, while others had to enlist the help of storage and moving companies.
In Tallahassee, moving companies all over the city are working long hours to accommodate these students.
“I have parents calling from New York and other states to get their kids a storage,” said Eva Waters, manager at Saver Self Storage.
Florida A&M University sent out an email instructing students to move out prior to April 6. Florida State University also sent out an email to its students prompting them on their move out. With the news being so sudden, many students didn’t have any options but to use a storage company to house their items until the upcoming semester.
Several storage companies in the area have said that business has increased drastically during this time.
“I’ve reached full capacity on all my units,” Waters said. During the first few weeks that students were notified about virtual classes, Waters said she received an overflow of business from students.
Liam Lopez, manager at Extra Space Storage, says that over the course of the spread of COVID-19, business from college students has decreased. However, they haven’t experienced a financial hit.
With the storage business booming during the pandemic, you’d think moving companies would also see an increase in business from college students — yet, things aren’t that way.
“There hasn’t been many student customers,” says Darriss Stevenson, owner of Experienced Movers LLC, a local moving company.
Many storage companies are offering deals and incentives to also accommodate students during this tough time, including first month free on units and free U-Haul rentals to help with moving.
Due to social distancing, many storage offices are closed However, some are operating over the phone by providing units and answering questions.
Virtual classes have been extended through the summer for all colleges and universities in Tallahassee