If you plan to study abroad, you can avoid logistical stress by arranging temporary storage, notifying your landlord, creating a spreadsheet of belongings, protecting valuables, and covering the logistics of your return in advance. There’s also the question of subletting, which can cover necessary rental payments while you’re away.

Get a head start with these 5 Tips for preparing your apartment for studying abroad.

1. Arrange Temporary Storage for Large Items

Remember when you first moved into a college apartment?

You likely packed up your entire life, including larger items, like computer desks, couches, and coffee tables. Studying abroad requires the same level of packing and moving.

Renting storage units in your current location and destination city will immediately take those large items off your hands, such as:

• Sofas
• Small kitchen tables
• Bookshelves
• Dressers
• Recliner chairs

For example, if you’re currently going to the University of Iowa, but are planning to study abroad at Curtin University in Western Australia, you can rent a monthly storage unit near the UI campus and arrange for short and long-term storage in O’Connor.

2. Create a List of Personal Belongings

Get your spreadsheet app handy. The next step is to take an inventory of all your belongings before packing day.

If you’re packing up an entire apartment, create a spreadsheet tab for each room.

In the first column, itemize every belonging, from lamps to laptops. In the adjacent column, indicate whether the item is traveling with you, staying in the apartment, or going into storage. Create a third column for “sold” or “donated” if you’re lightening your load.

3. Packing Tips

Avoid cardboard boxes, as they can attract moisture and pests within months. Use sturdy, airtight, stackable plastic bins instead.

Clean all of your furniture before moving it into your storage unit. Label packing containers, like “bedroom decor” and “cords and cables.”

Create a column to document the high-value items on your spreadsheet. Pack important valuables and documents in your carry-on luggage, such as:

• Expensive jewelry
• Essential medications
• Passports, wallet, and identification

Store expensive items you aren’t taking with you in a safe deposit box.

4. Notify Your Landlord and Roommates

Notify your landlord and roommates that you’re moving to study abroad. This will provide ample time to find a new roommate or sublet your apartment temporarily while you’re gone.

You’ll need to review your lease and talk to your landlord to see if subleasing is permitted. Some states may have strict laws about subleasing. It’s legal in Iowa, unless your lease terms prohibit it.

If subleasing is allowed, your landlord will still screen the proposed sub-tenant for income verification and criminal history.

5. Plan Your Return

Plan for your return as you prepare to move abroad.

Confirm your return date with your landlord and subtenant at least 30 days in advance. Cancel your mail-forwarding service to start receiving mail again at your home address. You may need to reactivate your internet service if you live alone in a studio apartment.

Study Abroad Without the Stress

Square away logistics with plenty of time to spare. Rent nearby storage units, create an inventory spreadsheet, pack and label your plastic bins, talk to your landlord about sub-leasing, and plan the logistics of your return.

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