Kit Keeper

Kit Keeper: storage and shipping built around the university calendar

Kit Keeper Ltd. is a British company focused on university students, offering storage and shipping of belongings during holidays, placements and other periods away from term-time accommodation. Its model is door-to-door: the company sends out boxes and packing materials, a local driver collects the items from the address or halls of residence chosen by the customer, and the belongings are kept in a secured facility until the customer requests their return.

The company describes itself as award-winning and states that it has been supported by several organisations over the past five years for its work in the storage sector. It also indicates that it is partially funded by Innovate UK, the innovation arm of the UK government, which has backed its efforts to build a sustainable, environmentally friendly storage platform. According to the site, a portion of each purchase contributes to removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

How the booking and collection process works

Bookings are made through the company's online booking page. The customer selects the boxes to be stored and the storage period, and provides collection and return addresses. Kit Keeper then sends the boxes and packing materials on a day chosen by the customer. Once the customer is ready, a local driver collects the items from the house or halls of residence and takes them to a local storage facility.

Returns are managed from the customer's account: the customer logs in and edits the return details. The company states that it can return items anywhere in the UK and, if the team is contacted directly, anywhere in the world. A return requires at least three working days' notice. The booking process includes options for customers who do not yet know their return date or address, which can be completed later.

Storage options and periods

The service covers different student needs:

• Summer holiday storage, for students leaving halls of residence or private accommodation over the summer break.
• Short-term storage, from a few days to a few weeks.
• Longer-term storage, for work placements, gap years or other extended absences.

The site also lists specific storage categories such as bike storage, instrument storage, winter equipment storage, golf equipment storage, and Oxford and Cambridge packages. Items are kept in secured facilities monitored 24/7 by CCTV. Kit Keeper works with local courier and storage partners across the UK, so the exact storage location depends on the area from which the items were collected.

Boxes, packing materials and size limits

Kit Keeper offers five box sizes: small (30x30x30 cm), medium (35x35x35 cm), large (40x40x40 cm), extra large (46x46x46 cm) and a suitcase box (75x55x35 cm). Only approved boxes, other double-walled cardboard boxes or suitcases are accepted into storage. No packed box may weigh 25 kg, and all stored items must not exceed 75x55x55 cm or 25 kg. Overweight boxes may be refused at collection or incur overweight or repacking charges.

The company sells double-walled cardboard boxes, strong packing tape and bubble wrap (5 metres per order) to protect fragile items. It states that it cannot take responsibility for breakages when bubble wrap or other suitable protective packaging is not used and the packing guidelines are not followed. Glass and easily breakable items cannot be stored because of the risk of breakage or injury to couriers and warehouse staff. The booking page includes suggested packages based on room size, and storage fees are adjusted so that customers only pay for the boxes actually in storage.

Collection conditions and doorstep service

Drivers collect from the nominated address, from a ground-floor front door or from reception. Someone must be present to hand over the boxes and sign for the collection or delivery. Kit Keeper states that it is not liable for missing items or issues involving reception between the moment the items are left there and the collection itself. In some areas of the UK, a doorstep service is available for an additional £45, collecting from the entrance to the student apartment on any floor; couriers cannot enter the room, and the service is not available everywhere.

Collections and returns cannot be booked on weekends or Bank Holidays.

Shipping and removals

Alongside storage, the company offers student shipping, luggage shipping and student removals. The site lists shipping destinations including China, the USA, Canada, France, Italy and Germany. The same packing rules and box options apply to shipping services.

Pricing information shown on the site

Kit Keeper states that it aims to be transparent about costs and provides a calculator on its booking page. In addition to storage fees, the site lists a collection fee of £45 and delivery of empty Kit Keeper boxes at £12.99. These figures reflect the information published on the site at the time of writing this profile.

Coverage and locations

The company highlights student storage in Oxford, Cambridge, York, Durham, London and Sheffield, and works with local courier and storage partners across the UK. Customer testimonials published on the site describe repeat use of the service, helpful drivers and responsive communication.