Moving For An Internship: Tips To Make It Easier

Internships are a great way to build your professional resume as an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate student. They can also help you get your foot in the door for entry-level work at more prestigious companies. The downside to internships is that they can require you to move and live somewhere for only a span of a few months. There are a few ways you can make moving for an internship less stressful for you and your family.

1. Sublease or lease out your current place

If you own your home, don't list it for sale. Instead, list it for a temporary lease. If you are renting, talk to your landlord about the possibility of keeping your lease, but allowing someone else to come in and rent it for the time you are gone. Some rental contracts allow this and some don't. If you can keep your home or stay on the lease, you avoid the hassle of having to negotiate the return of damage deposits or worry about finding a buyer (if selling).

2. Find a furnished apartment in your internship city

Next, reduce the hassle of your move by finding a place that is already furnished. This way, you don't have to move couches, shelves, tables, desks, and chairs for such a short term living arrangement. Furnished apartments can even come with appliances and dishes, which means you won't even need to pack plates and bowls. 

3. Put most of your belongings in storage

If you don't want to leave your furniture and personal belongings in your apartment or house when you move away temporarily, then pack everything into a storage unit for easy access. It's much simpler to store things instead of worrying about selling them or taking them with you. Leave seasonal wardrobe items, books, and even canned goods behind in order to make it easier for you to find an apartment that will meet your needs for the short term, without worrying about looking for places that have enough storage space. In high-cost-of-living areas, space comes at a premium, so moving with less can help you get a better deal on a place to stay. 

4. Arrange for professional help ahead of time

Finally, if you are new to the city of your new internship, you might contact a professional real estate agent to help you line up an apartment. Even though you might not have seen the place before, the professional can look for furnished places in your budget and help you find the right fit, especially because they know the area well.