So, you're moving, then? Overseas and far, far away. That's a big move!
It's all well and good daydreaming about upcoming adventures, but let's just hold on a moment. Have you thought about all of your stuff and what you're going to do with it? No? Well, lucky for you, we have.
Whether you're heading off for a year, a decade, or forever, figuring out what to do with your belongings will undoubtedly be one of the most complex parts of your international move.
Here's a friendly reminder that storage solutions do, in fact, exist.
Let's break it down.
Why Storage Is Your New Best Mate
Moving overseas isn't just about saying goodbye to your favourite Sushi restaurant; you might also need to say sayonara to a list of cherished items. Prepare yourself. Brutal and cutthroat decisions regarding your belongings will likely be made.
Not everything you own can come along for the ride, especially if you try to cut costs. There are transportation costs and insurance fees, so expect to pay extortionate importation costs.
This is where storage comes in and saves the day. Whether it's furniture that won't fit in your new New York studio or valuable belongings you'd rather not lose, storage gives you options. It allows you to assess what items matter and what can be left behind.
The Storage Solution You Actually Need
Three words: containerised storage units.
So why choose containerised storage? Well, because it's simple, flexible, and it works. Imagine packing up your life, storing what you don't need in a secure, climate-controlled unit, and hopping on your flight. No stress, no clutter, no worries.
When you retrieve your things—whether in six weeks, six months, or six years—they'll be exactly as you left them.
Storage units aren't just for your midcentury furniture collection. You can store just about anything—from Christmas decorations to photo albums and artwork.
What Should You Put in Storage?
This is where the tough decisions start. What will stay? What will travel the world with you? What will be sacrificed to charity?
● Furniture: Unless your new place is unfurnished (and shipping it makes sense financially), it's probably staying behind unless they are of substantial value to you for sentimental reasons.
● Sentimental Keepsakes: Think Nan's knitted blanket or your childhood photo albums (before you grew into your ears). You'd want to bring those along on your international voyage.
● Seasonal Stuff: If you're exceptionally lucky and moving to a tropical paradise, your snow boots and wool coats will likely not be making the cut. Of course, you could put seasonal clothing into storage, but to lighten your load, you could also give clothing to charity.
A Few Storage Fails to Avoid
Before we wrap this up, let's discuss what not to do.
The "I'll Remember What's in That Box" Lie.
● Don’t believe the lies we all tell ourselves; label everything. Trust us, you'll be so glad you did.
The Pack-It-and-Forget-It Move
● Out of sight, out of mind? Until you realise your wedding album is buried under a triple tier of super-stacked vinyl records and game consoles. Ensure you don't misplace your valuable possessions by remembering where you put them.
The Too-Cheap-to-Care Mistake
● That bargain storage unit with no security cameras might save you a few pennies—until your stuff magically vanishes to never be seen again. Spend the extra money on security, quality and peace of mind. It's worth it.
With That Being Said…
Moving overseas is a massive commitment, and feeling overwhelmed is entirely normal. If there's one thing that can limit the stress of an international move, it will be long-term storage. Knowing what to do with your possessions will honestly make all the difference.
So, declutter, pack smart, and invest in a storage solution that offers you time and flexibility—both are invaluable. When you're sitting in your new home halfway across the world, you'll pat yourself on the back for getting your storage sorted.
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