Moving abroad is one of life’s biggest decisions, but it also involves complex decisions about what to do with your belongings. Self-storage when moving abroad provides a practical solution that bridges the gap between your old life and a new beginning. 

Below, we cover everything you need to know about using storage during this relocation.

What to Store vs What to Take With You

Making smart decisions about what to store versus what to ship internationally can save thousands of pounds and considerable stress. Some essential items to take include:

  • Pack important documents like passports, birth certificates, and medical records in your carry-on luggage
  • Bring electronics and devices you use daily, since replacing them abroad can be expensive
  • Include essential clothing for your first few weeks to avoid urgent shopping in unfamiliar locations
  • Carry prescription medications and medical supplies, as these may be difficult to obtain quickly abroad
  • Take items with high sentimental value that cannot be replaced if lost during shipping

Ideal Items for Self Storage

  • Store seasonal clothing and equipment that won’t be needed immediately in your new climate
  • Keep furniture that doesn’t suit temporary accommodation, but will be valuable for permanent housing
  • Preserve books, photo albums, and memory collections that hold personal significance but take up shipping space
  • Store kitchen appliances and speciality cooking equipment that are expensive to replace but not essential
  • Keep costly sports equipment and hobby supplies that may not suit immediate needs

Our home storage solutions accommodate everything from single rooms of furniture to entire household contents, giving you flexibility to store exactly what you need.

Why Self Storage Makes Sense When Moving Abroad

International relocation involves countless decisions, and self storage can simplify many of them by giving you flexibility during this transition.

1. Avoid Hasty Disposal Decisions

When facing international shipping costs and weight restrictions, some people hastily sell or discard belongings they later regret losing. Storage gives you breathing space to make thoughtful decisions without departure date pressure.

2. Bridge Temporary Accommodation Gaps

Some international moves involve temporary accommodation periods where you cannot immediately bring your belongings. Storage keeps possessions safe during these transition phases.

3. Test Your New Location

Some international moves are experimental. Storage allows you to keep your UK-based life intact while exploring new opportunities abroad.

4. Manage Visa and Residency Uncertainties

Visa applications can face unexpected delays. Having belongings safely stored means you are not committed to expensive international shipping until your legal status is confirmed.

How to Prepare Your Belongings for Storage

Preparation protects your belongings during extended storage periods and makes retrieval easier when you return. Here are some ways to prepare.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Wash and dry all clothing completely to prevent mould, mildew, and pest attraction during storage
  • Clean appliances inside and out to remove food residue and prevent odours
  • Wipe down furniture with appropriate cleaners to remove dust and dirt
  • Remove all food traces from kitchen items to prevent pest infestations

Protective Packing Methods

  • Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and textiles to save space while protecting from moisture
  • Wrap fragile items and electronics in bubble wrap to prevent damage from movement or temperature changes
  • Cover furniture with breathable covers to prevent dust while allowing air circulation
  • Choose plastic bins over cardboard boxes for better protection against moisture and pests
  • Add silica gel packets to sealed containers to control moisture levels

Smart Organisation Strategies

  • Label all containers with detailed contents lists for quick item location when accessing your unit
  • Take photos of packed boxes before sealing for visual records and insurance purposes
  • Create a master inventory with box numbers and locations to maintain organised records
  • Keep frequently needed items accessible near the front to avoid reorganising the entire space
  • Group similar items together in designated areas to create logical zones

Special Storage Applications

Different types of international moves create unique storage requirements, including the following:

Student Programs

Students studying abroad can benefit from our student storage solutions for university term breaks, accommodation gaps, and cost-effective storage during study abroad periods.

Business Relocations

Corporate moves create complex storage needs for personal and professional items. Consider business storage for important documents, equipment, marketing materials, or office rental solutions for UK businesses specifically.

The Self Storage Company: Your Storage Partner for International Adventures

Moving abroad involves several important decisions, but storing your belongings should not add unneeded stress. The Self Storage Company provides  flexible month-to-month contracts that adapt to your changing plans, giving you peace of mind to focus on your new adventure.

Contact us to explore how our storage solutions can support your move abroad with confidence and security.