Storage options when moving abroad

Making the leap and moving abroad can be such an exciting time – but often, many migrators can get a little stressed when it comes to thinking about the logistics of the move.

If you’re wondering what to do with your current possessions when you move overseas, don’t worry. We’ve put together this short guide to help point you in the right direction when it comes to storage options for moving abroad.

Deciding what to bring along – and what to leave behind

When moving abroad, usually less is more. It’s often cost effective to get rid of, or store, non-essential or cheaper items and avoid the expense and effort of taking it overseas with you.

It’s best to start by thinking about your new home, plan out where your furniture will be, and consider functionality. Think about whether or not you will have the same rooms, garden and storage space as before, and what you genuinely need and would be of value to take with you rather than replace, store or discard.

However, that’s not to say you shouldn’t bring anything along from your old abode – make sure to keep enough homely trinkets that really do make a house a home and have the sentimental value to help you feel settled.

Storage options

If you’re looking for storage options while moving abroad, there are many on the market. Firstly, you might consider whether or not friends and family have space to keep hold of some things for you – but if you have a lot to store, you should realistically consider a more long-term storage solution.

Storage units can be very affordable, and make sure your possessions are kept safe and in good condition for when you need them again. For example, Space Station offer bespoke quotes depending on how many items you’re storing and use PIN access and CCTV to make sure your storage is kept safe and secure. This kind of storage can provide great peace of mind, especially when you’re living far away from your items.

Space Station also sell packing items at stores on-site, such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape, which make moving your items into storage easier, as well as packing up items you’re taking with you.

Choosing a removal company

To move your possessions from your home into storage, the quickest and easiest way to find a suitable removal company is to check out services available near you online – typically, the closer you are to a removal company and the shorter the trip is, the less expensive the removal will be. For example, Space Station offer free removals within a 10-mile radius of their stores.

Some removal companies charge by the hour, so it’s best to have all your possessions and furniture packed up and ready to go into storage for when they arrive. But if you do need help with this step, a lot of companies offer those kind of services – make sure to make a good estimation of how much work there will be to do, and ring round a range of companies to compare their prices.

Shipping items abroad

Once you’ve decided what you’ll be storing, what you’ll be giving up, and how you’ll move it all from your current home: it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll bring the items you’re keeping to your new home abroad.

What can you take in carry on luggage?

What’s permitted in carry on luggage varies from airline to airline, so it’s important to take a look at their terms and conditions when booking the flight, and then again when you pack.

Generally, most airlines allow liquids in clear bottles up to 100ml in quantity, don’t allow any sharp objects, but do allow clothing and material furnishings, ornaments and electronics – but don’t forget, you have to ensure your hand luggage adheres to dimensions and weight outlined by the airline you’re using. This is usually 10kg and around 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

How do you ship bigger items?

For most bigger household items, they will be shipped by either air or sea. Most shipping companies have calculators to provide quotes based on the items you’re shipping and the distance they will be travelling.

Prices can vary depending on how much you’re shipping – for example, it can sometimes be more cost effective to fill a whole shipping container – but in general, sea shipping is less expensive than air. However, sea shipping can take much longer – sometimes weeks longer than by plane.

How to pack items for travel?

When moving your items abroad, it’s important to pack efficiently to make the most of the allotted space you have on your delivery or in your luggage, as well as protecting them from damage.

For example, make sure you cover furniture with wrapping before moving it to avoid scrapes, marks or stains, wrap cords around electrical appliances and bring smaller ones along with you in your luggage, and ensure toiletries are wrapped to avoid any spills spoiling other items packed alongside them.

When you’re all packed up and ready to go, get in touch with a member of our team to see if you can benefit from our storage solutions and packing supplies – we’re always happy to help!