Whether you’ve decided to take a gap year for the trip of a lifetime, you need to travel for work, or you’re considering making a permanent move and want to test the waters before leaping, there are many reasons why long-term travel might be on your radar. But, of course, you can’t take everything with you, so where do you store your belongings so they’re safe for your return?
Long-term storage solutions make the process easy and give you peace of mind that your beloved items won’t be damaged or stolen while you’re gone. Here’s how to choose the right storage for your needs and additional tips for keeping your belongings protected for a successful move.
Secure your home
First, you must ensure your home is secure for anything you leave on the property. This involves more than just keeping the doors locked. For example, you may want to install remote monitoring to keep an eye on the property when you’re away and be alerted to any intrusions quickly. If you have a manual garage door, for added security consider upgrading to an electric option, whilst existing automatic doors should be serviced to overcome any possible issues.
Choose the right storage facility.
There are different storage options for various needs, including self-storage and full-service storage. To determine the right choice for you, you first need to figure out how much you have to store—if you’re taking a more extended trip, a larger unit might be necessary and could offer you a better rate, too. It’s also important to check the security features of the unit you choose, such as 24/7 video recording, fire and waterproof units, and access codes that will keep your belongings as safe as possible while you’re out of the country.
Pack belongings carefully
Whether you know how long your items will be in storage or not, packing them carefully so they’re protected will ensure you don’t come back to boxes of damaged goods. Use sturdy boxes and strong tape to keep your items safe for longer, and clearly label them so you can find them if you need them later on. It’s also worth adding moisture-absorbent packs to the boxes to minimise mould from moisture in the air.
Make the most of your space by using vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and bedding, and put heavier items at the bottom of boxes and more fragile items at the top. Lastly, a commonly overlooked tip is to write down everything you put in storage. It’s useful for insurance purposes and means you won’t have to search in multiple locations if you need to find something urgently later.
Prepare items for long-term storage.
Proper preparation is the cornerstone of successful long-term storage. Start by creating a comprehensive inventory list where you can document each item’s condition and value, along with detailed photographs and written descriptions. Clothing and fabrics require special attention when being stored for months at a time. Ensure the clothing is clean and fully dry before being stored in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent pest damage.
Equally important is the decision-making process of what to store, sell, or donate, which can help minimise storage costs and complexity. If you don’t think you’ll need it when you return, now is the time to get rid of it so you’re not paying for a larger storage unit than you need.
Get insurance and financial protection.
Insurance is a critical safeguard for your belongings. While storage facilities often provide basic coverage, these policies frequently may have limitations, so supplemental personal property insurance can help offer more comprehensive protection. You want to look for a policy covering potential losses from theft, natural disasters, or accidental damage. However, some homeowners or renters’ insurance policies might extend coverage to stored items, presenting an opportunity for cost-effective protection, so check any existing policies first.
Protect high-value items
Protecting high-value and sensitive items requires a multifaceted approach. Valuable physical items like jewellery might be best stored in bank safe deposit boxes or home safes with advanced security features. Delicate equipment such as cameras should be placed in a purposed hard case to limit their vulnerability through packing. Digital documents should be securely backed up using encrypted cloud storage and maintained in physical form through archival-quality prints.
You might consider using digital inventory management tools that allow remote tracking and provide an additional layer of documentation for insurance purposes. Emerging technologies are revolutionising personal storage management, too. Mobile applications now offer sophisticated inventory tracking, allowing travellers to catalogue and monitor their stored items remotely, while QR code systems enable instant item identification.
Maximise space in your storage unit
While storage units come in various sizes, making the most of your available space could help you save money. Utilise vertical space as much as possible by stacking boxes and disassembling large furniture pieces to store them more easily. You also want to ensure that less essential items are put in the unit first to access those items you might need more quickly without pulling every box out.
Maintenance while you’re away
Lastly, you need to consider maintaining the storage unit while you’re away. Monitor the space regularly, which may require enlisting the help of a friend or relative. Make sure the storage unit has your contact details so they can reach you if need be. Take a proactive approach to maintaining the storage unit to ensure your belongings remain in perfect condition and ready for your return.
While keeping items at home is a budget-friendly option, there are countless benefits to professional storage services that make them worth the investment. From security measures that ensure your belongings are protected 24/7 and comprehensive insurance to secure access and climate-controlled units, if you’re planning a more extended trip, it’s worth the peace of mind to have everything in one secure place.
