Study Abroad? Here’s What to Do With Your Stuff While You’re Gone

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Studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity. For some students, it means a semester in Italy; for others, a full year in Japan or a summer program in Spain. No matter the destination, the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, connect with people from around the world, and build unforgettable experiences is something truly special.

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But before you hop on that plane, there’s a very real question you need to answer: what happens to all your stuff while you’re gone? Dorm rooms, apartments, and shared housing aren’t precisely known for endless closet space, and if you’re leaving for months at a time, you can’t just leave everything scattered in your room. 

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For a bit of help, here’s a guide to figuring out exactly what to do with your stuff while you’re abroad.

Take Inventory Before You Leave

The first step is knowing what you actually own. Go through your room and make a list of everything you have:

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• Clothing (seasonal and everyday)
• Furniture (small chairs, shelves, rugs, etc.)
• Electronics (laptop, gaming console, speakers)
• School supplies and textbooks
• Sentimental items (photos, keepsakes)
• Kitchen gear (if you’re off-campus)

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You’ll probably be surprised by how much you’ve accumulated since move-in day. 

Decide What’s Worth Bringing

The reality is that you can’t take everything with you when you study abroad. Most programs limit students to one or two suitcases, and it’s smart to leave extra room for souvenirs or clothes you’ll pick up overseas. This means prioritizing the items that will actually make a difference in your daily life.

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Focus on the essentials. Versatile clothing that works in multiple settings, the electronics you truly need for school and communication, and a few comfort items like photos, a favorite hoodie, or a journal. Everything else should be left behind. If you’re unsure about something, ask yourself: “Will I really miss this if I don’t have it for six months?” If the answer is no, it probably doesn’t belong in your suitcase.

Store the Big and Bulky Stuff

Large items like extra bedding, winter coats, small pieces of furniture, or anything too heavy to take home usually need to go into storage. Some students ask friends to hold onto their things, others use on-campus storage if it’s available, and many turn to local storage units. While these options work, they can sometimes be inconvenient or risky—especially if you’re worried about security, climate control, or hauling everything yourself.

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For a stress-free solution, choose Storage Scholars, which specializes in storage and moving explicitly tailored for college life. Their service takes the hassle out of the process by picking up your items, keeping them safe while you’re away, and delivering them back when you return. 

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If you’re storing electronics or fragile items, be sure they’re wrapped carefully. But with a professional service handling the logistics, you can feel confident your belongings will stay protected.

Sell or Donate What You Don’t Need

Studying abroad is the perfect chance to declutter and get rid of items you no longer use. That extra set of plastic drawers, the pile of clothes you never wear, or the old lamp gathering dust probably don’t need to take up storage space while you’re gone. Instead, look for ways to pass them along. You can sell gently used items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or campus buy-and-sell groups to make a little extra spending money. 

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Donating is another excellent option, since local shelters and thrift stores are always looking for clothing, furniture, and household items in good condition. You can also gift useful things to friends who are staying on campus—they’ll appreciate the gesture, and you’ll feel lighter knowing your belongings are being put to good use. Decluttering before you leave means less to store, less to haul back later, and a smoother transition when you return.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a time to explore, learn, and make memories—not to worry about what’s happening to your dorm décor or the pile of textbooks you left behind. Taking a little time to inventory your belongings, declutter what you don’t need, and store the rest wisely can make all the difference. It allows you to step onto that plane with peace of mind, knowing your things will be waiting for you when you return.

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