Student housing during term-time is non-stop. Making a decision to pile onto the chaos with new furniture is not something property managers are keen to do. If not handled well, it can be a source of stress and disruption, which is why the summer period is the ideal window for these essential updates. It provides an opportunity to refresh rooms and ensure quality furnishings are in place before the start of the new academic year.
Discover the benefits of handling student housing furniture replacements during the summer, rather than over term-time.
Why term-time is a no-go for student furniture replacements
Chaos for students
Furniture replacements during term-time is challenging for property managers and students alike. It can be difficult to work around student schedules. Property managers also need to gain access to rooms and properties. This usually requires students to be on their property to allow entry, or at least consent so people can enter when no one is in.
Dealing with students in particular, who most likely treat their rooms as their workspaces, means this will be very difficult to do without disrupting their lives. The potential for negative impact on their studies and overall experience is high.
Strain on staff
Managing furniture replacements while simultaneously handling the routine responsibilities of managing properties for hundreds or thousands of students can place a significant burden on staff. The added workload of sourcing, delivering, and installing replacement items, often at short notice, can detract from other essential tasks, potentially leading to inefficiencies and decreased service quality for tenants.
David Phillips, the leading furniture supplier to the property market in the UK with 11 industry standard accreditations, provides new furniture to a wide range of properties, such as housing developments, student accommodation, social housing, and more. This could be from replacing damaged furniture items in a landlord's properties, to redecorating entire homes, to supplying furniture to entire blocks of flats in a BTR setting. With warehouses in London and Manchester, David Phillips can deliver and install in as little as 72 hours across the UK—keeping properties ready for students. Not only this but it can collect unwanted and used furniture and find new ways to extend its life, whether by placing it in a new home, donating it to charity, or recycling it.
David Phillips, which dressed more than 10,000 student bedrooms in 2024, is available within Fixflo’s Contractor Marketplace.
📽️ Find out more about how David Phillips works with our webinar recording.
Emergency repairs and reactive maintenance
Proactive upgrades versus reactive repairs—there’s no competition. Delaying furniture replacements can lead to more frequent breakdowns and the need for urgent repairs during term. These can be more costly, too.
Minor wear and tear may seem insignificant, but over time, this neglect can lead to more frequent and substantial breakdowns of essential furniture items such as beds, desks, and seating. These unexpected failures often need urgent repair interventions, which are typically more expensive than planned replacements. This is because of factors such as emergency call-out fees and expedited parts delivery.
These disruptions are likely to occur during term time, directly impacting the students' comfort, study environment, and overall living experience. A broken bed or desk can severely hinder a student's ability to rest and study effectively, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and complaints.
Why summer is the smarter solution for student furniture replacements
Minimal disruption
With fewer students in residence during the summer, maintenance and renovations, including furniture replacements, can be done with minimal disruption. The lack of students also creates a less congested environment, making the logistical aspects of removing old furniture and installing new pieces significantly easier and more efficient.
Strategically planning and executing furniture upgrades during the summer months can enhance the overall quality and appeal of student housing, potentially leading to increased student satisfaction and retention rates.
Efficient project management
The quieter period allows for meticulous planning, thorough inventory assessments, careful selection of new furniture that aligns with evolving student needs and design trends, and the establishment of efficient logistical strategies.
Scheduling becomes more flexible, minimising inconvenience to residents and staff, and ensuring timely execution of the replacement process.
Proactive approach
A property manager is never going to replace a perfectly good piece of furniture just because they want to get ahead. However, for furniture that is showing signs of deterioration, summer replacements are a way of staying one step in front of potential issues. This foresight also ensures a more seamless and comfortable transition into the academic year, minimising disruptions and enhancing the overall living experience for residents. By addressing wear and tear, damages, or outdated items during the summer break, property managers can uphold property standards, reduce reactive maintenance requests during term time, and contribute to higher levels of student satisfaction and retention.
Want to get started with David Phillips on Contractor Marketplace? Here’s how.
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