As the academic year at St Andrews draws to a close, the “Storage Search” begins. With several options available, from national giants to local stalwarts, how do you know which one won’t leave you stranded on North Street with a pile of boxes?
We’ve broken down the key players – Local Student Storage (LSS), Saint Storage, Kinkell Storage, and LOVESPACE – to help you decide which service fits your move-out style and your budget.
The Comparison Table at a Glance
Feature
Local Student Storage (LSS)
Saint Storage
Kinkell Storage
LOVESPACE
Model
Door-to-Door
Door-to-Door
Door-to-Door
Courier / National
St Andrews Roots
Born in DRA (2015)
Based in Manchester
Local
London-based
Box Choice
2 Sizes (Standard & Large)
2 Sizes
1 Size Only
Pay-per-box
Box Cost
FREE
Free
Usually Free
Extra Charge
Collection
FREE
Varies
Included
Extra Charge
Return Fee
FREE
Varies
Included
Extra Charge
Manage and Track Items Online
YES
NO
NO
Yes
Price Point
£ (Cheapest)
££
££
£££ (Most Expensive)
1. Local Student Storage (LSS)
The Verdict: The Best Value & Most Flexible
Founded by a St Andrews student in 2015, LSS is designed to be the most affordable option in the Bubble.
The Pricing: LSS is the most cost-effective choice for St Andrews students. Because we provide two sizes of boxes for free and include collection and return in our straightforward pricing, there are no “invoice shocks” in September.
The Boxes: We are the only local provider offering both Standard (15kg) and Large (20kg) boxes for free, allowing you to pack more efficiently.
The Tech: LSS uses a fully integrated online platform. Our customers get live driver tracking on collection and return days, real-time status updates, and a personal online dashboard to manage every aspect of their order 24/7.
2. Saint Storage
The Verdict: The Local Alternative
Saint Storage is a local competitor offering a similar door-to-door model.
The Comparison: While they offer a solid service, their pricing structure can often sit slightly higher than LSS.
Item Tracking: Saint Storage relies on a manual model that lacks real-time tracking. At Local Student Storage, we use a fully integrated, barcoded tracking system and a dedicated professional team, we ensure you have total visibility over your items from the moment they leave your room. We believe you shouldn’t have to “chase” your storage – our technology handles the tracking so you can focus on your summer.
Student Complaints: While Saint Storage is a well-known name in town, many students have shared frustrating experiences with the company. Independent reports and student forums have frequently pointed to significant issues during peak move-out periods, including lost belongings, dampness and mould damage on returned items, and damaged suitcases—often allegedly caused by improper handling. At Local Student Storage, we utilise strictly purpose-built facilities to eliminate the risk of coastal damp and mould, while our individual barcode scanning system assigns every item to your digital account the moment it’s collected, ensuring zero lost belongings. By combining this real-time tracking with a team trained in expert handling and weight-distribution stacking, we ensure your valuables—from heavy textbooks to fragile suitcases—are protected by a system built for accountability, not just volume.
3. Kinkell Storage
The Verdict: One-Size-Fits-All Collection
Kinkell is a local staple located just outside of town. While many know them for self-storage units, they do offer a collection and return service.
The Comparison: Unlike LSS, Kinkell typically operates with only one box size. This can be frustrating if you have a mix of very heavy items and very light, bulky items. If you use their collection service, you’ll find the pricing is competitive but generally higher than LSS’s student-optimised rates.
4. LOVESPACE
The Verdict: The “Corporate” Price Tag
LOVESPACE is a massive UK-wide company. While they have a slick website, their pricing model is often the most expensive for St Andrews students.
The “Hidden” Costs: Unlike LSS, LOVESPACE often charges you at every stage of the journey. You frequently have to pay extra for the boxes, pay for the collection, and then pay again for the return in September. When you add these “add-ons” to their monthly storage fee, the total cost can be significantly higher than a local, all-in-one provider.
Summary: Why LSS is the Smart Choice
When you are a student, every pound counts. Why pay for a national courier’s overhead or a one-size-fits-all box when you can have a tailored service?
LSS is the cheapest because we don’t charge for boxes, collections, or returns.
LSS is the most flexible with two box sizes (457mm and 508mm) to fit your specific needs.
LSS is the most local, founded in the very dorms you are moving out of.
Save Money for the Summer!
Don’t get stung by corporate “add-on” fees. Choose the service built by St Andrews students, for St Andrews students.
