Studying abroad is a dream come true for many college students. Before you board the plane, however, you have to figure out where to store your belongings while you’re out of the country. A storage unit is a great option for keeping your valuables safe. Below are a few tips for getting your stuff ready for storage before the semester begins.

5 Storage Tips for College Students Studying Abroad

1. Find the Right Storage Facility

The best storage facilities provide around-the-clock surveillance, clean spaces, and onsite management to help you with your needs.

Before choosing a storage unit, tour several facilities in your area and look for one that invests in keeping your property safe. You may also want to inspect a unit to make sure it’s large enough for your possessions. 

2. Store Your Extra Clothes

You might be tempted to pack for every situation, but this can make your luggage unnecessarily cumbersome.

Research the weather in the country in which you’ll be studying, pack the appropriate clothing, and place everything else in storage. This is also a good time to decide whether there are pieces you want to give away or donate.

3. Use Suitcases for Storage

Suitcases are stackable, easy to move, and designed to hold clothes and personal items.

Instead of using boxes, pick up some used suitcases at a local thrift store and use them to store your linens, coats, and other belongings.

4. Protect Your Books

Textbooks, important documents, and other papers are especially vulnerable to damage, especially when they’re stored in cardboard boxes.

To protect the papers against moisture, choose plastic containers with lids. You can label the bins using tape and a permanent marker to make your items easy to find when you return in the summer.

5. Get Your Vehicle Ready

Whether you’re putting your vehicle in a storage unit or parking it in your parents’ garage, taking some precautions will ensure it’s ready to drive when you get back.

Top off all the fluids, including the gas, and add some fuel stabilizer to the tank. You might also want to wash your car and add a new coat of wax to protect the paint.
 

If you’re heading abroad next term, you can rely on S&K Self Storage to protect your belongings until you get back. Based in Lake County, MT, this trusted facility serves customers in Central Lake County, Pablo, Ronan, and Polson. They have extensive security features, as well as storage units of every size. Visit their website for an overview of their units, or call (406) 883-4317 to discuss your needs with a helpful manager.