Moving abroad is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, travel plans, and packing, it’s easy to forget about the things you’re leaving behind.
Whether you’re relocating for work, studying overseas, or starting a new adventure, self storage can make the process smoother. It keeps your belongings safe, secure, and ready for your return.
Here’s how to organise, pack, and store your possessions before moving abroad from Manchester or anywhere in the UK.
1. Decide What to Take and What to Leave
Before anything else, take time to go through your belongings. Shipping costs and baggage limits add up quickly, so focus on what you truly need abroad.
Ask yourself:
- Will I use this regularly in my new country?
- Is it cheaper to buy new when I arrive?
- Is it sentimental or irreplaceable?
- Will I regret leaving it behind?
Once you’ve sorted your items, store the ones you’re keeping in the UK safely in secure storage.
2. Choose the Right Type of Storage
Not all storage options are equal. If you’re leaving the UK for months or years, you’ll want a clean, secure, and climate-stable facility.
Key things to look for:
- 24-hour CCTV and monitored access
- Clean, dry, and pest-free conditions
- Flexible contracts for long-term use
- Easy access for family or friends if needed
At Cheap Storage Manchester, our long-term storage options are designed for exactly this — keeping furniture, valuables, and personal items safe for as long as you need.
3. Store Important Documents Safely
Certain paperwork needs to stay in the UK or be kept securely while you’re abroad.
Important documents to store:
- Property deeds or rental contracts
- Birth certificates and passports
- Financial or tax paperwork
- Legal or business records
If you don’t want to take them with you, our documents and archive storage service keeps sensitive papers safe and accessible when needed.
4. Prepare Furniture for Long-Term Storage
If you’re leaving furniture behind, preparation is key to keeping it in good condition.
How to prepare furniture:
- Clean and dry everything before storing
- Use protective covers or sheets
- Disassemble large items where possible
- Avoid stacking heavy objects on soft furnishings
- Store away from walls to allow airflow
Our furniture storage units are ideal for sofas, tables, and wardrobes, keeping them secure while you’re overseas.
5. Store Seasonal and Sentimental Items
You might not need your winter coats in Australia or your barbecue in Norway, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of them.
Examples of items to store:
- Winter or summer clothing
- Sports or camping equipment
- Family heirlooms and photo albums
- Collectables or artwork
- Home decor you plan to reuse later
With no deposit storage, you can store these items affordably until you return.
6. Arrange Access for Someone You Trust
If you’ll be abroad long-term, give a trusted friend or family member access to your storage unit. They can check in occasionally or retrieve items if needed.
Steps to arrange access:
- Add their name to your storage agreement
- Give them a copy of the key or access code
- Leave clear instructions about what’s inside
- Set reminders for them to check items occasionally
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we make it easy to grant temporary access safely if someone needs to collect or deliver items on your behalf.
7. Protect Valuables with the Right Insurance
Most storage facilities offer basic insurance, but always confirm what’s covered, especially for high-value items like jewellery, electronics, or antiques.
Check your policy for:
- Fire, theft, and water damage coverage
- Individual item value limits
- Proof of ownership requirements
- Long-term storage exclusions
If you’re storing valuable items, our safe and secure storage includes insurance options for extra protection.
8. Label and Catalogue Everything
You might think you’ll remember what’s in each box, but after a few months abroad, it’s easy to forget. Clear labelling makes life much easier when you return.
Labelling tips:
- Number boxes and create a simple inventory list
- Label by category (kitchen, books, documents)
- Use waterproof markers or printed labels
- Store a digital copy of your list for reference
For more ideas, read our guide on how to label boxes like a pro when moving.
9. Use the Time to Declutter
Moving abroad is the perfect chance to start fresh. Instead of paying to store items you no longer need, declutter first.
Decluttering checklist:
- Donate or sell clothes you never wear
- Recycle old paperwork and magazines
- Pass on furniture to family or friends
- Store only what’s meaningful or valuable
Our decluttering page has simple tips to help you streamline before you move.
10. Plan for Your Return
Even if you’re moving abroad indefinitely, it’s smart to think ahead. Having your belongings safely stored means one less thing to worry about when you come back.
Before you go:
- Note your contract renewal date
- Leave emergency contact details with the storage team
- Schedule a reminder to review your storage plan yearly
With open 7 days a week access, you (or your chosen contact) can check your items whenever needed.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad doesn’t have to mean leaving everything behind. With the right planning and secure storage, you can travel with confidence knowing your belongings are safe until you return.
Whether you’re heading away for work, study, or adventure, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable, flexible, and secure solutions to suit every situation.
Visit our moving home page or get a quick quote through our contact page today.
