Your new home abroad might be smaller than your current house. Store large furniture and possessions you’re not sure about. Decide later whether to ship, sell, or donate them once you know more about your space and needs.
Storage When Working Abroad
Preparing to move abroad or work overseas temporarily means making decisions about your possessions back home. Your furniture, clothing, valuables, and personal items need a safe place while you’re away.
Leaving your belongings with a friend or family member isn’t always practical. Not everyone has the space. Professional storage gives you a secure solution without imposing on friends or family.
A self storage unit lets you store items safely while travelling abroad. Your stuff stays protected in a facility designed for this purpose. You get peace of mind knowing your possessions are secure, and you focus on your new life abroad without worry.
Why Storage Helps When Travelling Abroad
Moving abroad, even temporarily, creates a gap. You’re leaving your current home but are not yet ready to commit to a new property. Your belongings need somewhere to go during this transition.
No Pressure on Friends or Family
Asking a family member to store your furniture and boxes puts pressure on them. Their house might not have the space. Professional storage means you’re not relying on others to look after your stuff.
Flexibility for Temporary Moves
If you’re working abroad for six months or a year, storage offers a flexible option. You’re not selling everything and starting again when you return to the UK. Your belongings wait safely until you’re back.
Protection for Valuables and Sentimental Items
Photos, heirlooms, and personal possessions deserve better than a damp garage or a friend’s attic. A climate-controlled storage unit protects fragile items from potential damage while you’re away.
Keeping Your Belongings Secure
You’re trusting a storage facility with everything you own. Security matters. Modern self storage units in the UK come with features designed to protect your possessions from theft and damage.
Individual unit locks and access codes
Only you access your storage unit. Each unit has its own lock and key or digital access code.
Secure entry systems
Gates and doors with controlled access keep unauthorised people out.
On-site security
Some facilities have staff on-site during business hours to enhance security.
Climate control
Protects furniture, clothing, and fragile items from temperature and humidity damage.
Insurance options
Most facilities offer insurance to protect your belongings. Check what’s covered, and arrange additional insurance for high-value items if needed.
When Storage Makes Sense for Overseas Moves
When You Are Bound To Come Back
If you’re working abroad for a fixed period, having storage available makes life easier. You’re not selling furniture you’ll need when you return. Store your belongings and collect them when your contract ends.
Testing Life in a New Country
Moving abroad permanently is a big decision. Storage gives you an extra layer of security if things don’t work out. Keep your belongings in the UK while you decide if the move is right for you. If you return, your stuff is waiting.
Preparing a New Home
If you’ve sold your UK property but your new home abroad isn’t ready, storage bridges the gap. Before committing to storage or shipping, reduce the volume of your possessions to save money and hassle. Your furniture and boxes stay secure while you finalise arrangements overseas.
Downsizing Before a Move
Storing Items for Family Back Home
Some people store items that family members in the UK might need access to. Choose a facility with easy access so a trusted family member or friend can collect items if necessary.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit
Unit size
Storage facilities offer various unit sizes. Pick one that fits your belongings without paying for space you don’t need.
Location Matters
Pick a location near your current home or near where a family member lives. If someone needs to access your unit while you’re abroad, choose a facility that’s convenient for them.
Access Requirements
Some facilities offer 24/7 access. Others have limited hours. Decide how often you or a friend might need access before you leave if you’re planning a quick trip back to the UK. Flexible access hours help.
Rental period
How long do you plan on being away? Knowing before you pick a storage is unit is crucial, as the length of your rental will determine your storage contract price.
Climate Control
Aside from knowing how much you need to store, you also need to choose the right type of unit for your belongings. Items such as wooden furniture, electronics, photographs, and other sensitive pieces can warp or suffer damage in extreme temperatures or humidity. A climate-controlled unit helps protect them and keeps everything in good condition while in storage.
Tips for Packing and Protecting Your Possessions
Use Sturdy Boxes
Invest in quality packing boxes. Choosing suitable packing materials protects valuables and sentimental items from damage. Cheap boxes collapse and damage contents. Sturdy boxes stack safely and protect your stuff. Label each box with its contents and room.
Wrap Fragile Items
Use bubble wrap for fragile items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics. Wrap each item individually. Fill gaps in boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent movement.
Protect Furniture
Cover furniture with dust sheets or furniture covers. Disassemble large pieces if possible. This saves space and prevents damage. Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped to the furniture.
Pack Clothes Properly
Use vacuum bags for clothing. This saves space and protects clothes from moisture and dust. Using vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and bedding saves space in storage. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and promote mould growth.
Store Mattresses Upright
Stand mattresses on their side. Use a mattress cover to protect against dust and damage. Never store mattresses flat under heavy items.
Leave Space for Air Circulation
Don’t pack boxes directly against walls. Leave small gaps for air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup and protects your belongings.
Store Heavy Items at the Bottom
Put heavy boxes at the bottom of stacks. Place lighter boxes and fragile items on top. This prevents crushing and damage.
How WhatStorage Helps
Finding storage while preparing to move abroad adds to an already long to-do list. WhatStorage makes this easier.
Enter your location to see nearby storage options. Compare unit sizes, security features, prices, and access hours. Filter results by what matters to you and read reviews from previous users.
Many facilities offer online booking, so you can reserve a unit before leaving the UK and choose a move-in date that fits your schedule. Some even provide collection services if you’re short on time.
You’ll also see which facilities offer climate control, insurance, and 24/7 access. Everything you need to make an informed choice is in one place.
Storage gives you flexibility while you’re abroad. Your belongings stay secure in the UK, and you focus on settling into your new life. When you return, everything is right where you left it.
Start comparing storage options today and cross one more task off your list.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Storage costs typically range from £40 to £ 150 per month, depending on unit size and location. A 50 sq ft unit costs around £50-80 monthly in most UK locations. Larger units for storing household contents cost £100-150 or more. WhatStorage helps you compare prices to find cost-effective storage options near you.
A 50 sq ft unit holds a one-bedroom flat’s furniture. A 75-100 sq ft unit fits the belongings of a two-bedroom home. For a three-bedroom house, consider 150 sq ft or more. Make an inventory list of your furniture and boxes. Compare this against storage facility size guides to choose the right unit.
Yes, when you choose a reputable facility with proper security measures. Look for CCTV surveillance, individual unit locks, secure access codes, and on-site security. Most facilities offer insurance options for extra peace of mind. WhatStorage shows each facility’s security features so you can compare before booking.
Storage contracts are flexible. You can rent for as little as a few weeks or for several years. Many people working abroad rent storage for 6-24 months. If your plans change, you can usually extend or shorten your rental period with notice.
Yes, if you arrange it. You can give your access code or key to a trusted family member or friend. Some facilities let you add authorised users to your account. This is useful if someone needs to check on your belongings or retrieve items while you’re overseas.
Yes. Most storage facilities offer basic insurance, but it might not cover the full value of your possessions. Check what’s included. For valuable items or large amounts of furniture, arrange additional insurance. This protects you if something happens while you’re abroad.
Many people work abroad while preparing for a longer trip, a potential sabbatical, or even a future downsizing move. If you’re navigating multiple transitions, our guides on storage during a gap year or sabbatical and downsizing after retirement can help you plan for changing circumstances.
Ready To Store Your Belongings Before Moving Abroad?
Compare self storage units across the UK with WhatStorage. Find secure storage options, compare prices, and book the perfect unit for your needs. Get peace of mind while you focus on your new life abroad.