Living Abroad Temporarily: Using Short-Term and Temporary Storage

Moving abroad temporarily is an exciting adventure. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or extended travel, this transition brings many new experiences and logistical challenges to navigate. One common concern is figuring out what to do with all your belongings while you’re gone, as you need a secure place to keep them stowed away.

Remember, though, you’re not alone on this journey. We’ve put together this guide explaining how investing in self-storage can help keep your belongings secure until you return home.

Benefits of Temporary Storage While Living Abroad

Temporary storage is ideal for anyone living abroad for a limited time. It offers peace of mind by providing a secure place to store any belongings, from furniture to vehicles or personal keepsakes. Unlike leaving items at a friend’s house or renting a long-term storage unit, short-term storage gives you the flexibility to rent for just the months you need without long-term contracts.

Storage facilities managed by Absolute also offer climate-controlled storage units, which are the perfect place for delicate items like electronics, artwork, wooden furniture, or documents. Plus, many storage units allow 24/7 access, so you can retrieve or add items anytime whenever you return. This flexibility and security make temporary storage a smart choice for your time abroad.

Planning Your International Travel Packing List

A well-prepared international travel packing list is essential for any trip abroad, especially if you’re living overseas for a while. Your packing list should focus on essentials, like clothing, travel documents, chargers, and toiletries. Planning what to take with you and what to leave behind is also key to managing your storage needs.

Consider which belongings you’ll use regularly while abroad and which items are best stored at home. Seasonal clothes, bulky furniture, or excess household goods can take up valuable space in your living quarters overseas. Storing these extra items means your travel packing list can stay streamlined and manageable.

Smart Car Storage for Travel

Whether you plan to travel by car or are leaving your vehicle behind during your time abroad, car storage for travel is another important consideration. Many self-storage facilities offer secure, covered vehicle storage spaces.

Car storage helps shield your vehicle from weather damage, theft, and wear while you’re away. If you’ve brought your car along, this also means you won’t have to worry about parking fees or finding a secure spot near your dwelling. Pairing your temporary storage unit with car storage can simplify your travel planning and keep everything in one convenient place.

How To Maximize Storage Space in Your Storage Unit

Maximizing storage space in your storage unit helps you get the most out of your rental, and can actually save you some money as you’ll be able to rent the most compact storage unit necessary. Smart packing and organization make a big difference in how efficiently you use your storage space. 

Smart Packing and Labeling Tips

Begin by packing items in sturdy, uniform-sized boxes to make stacking easier. Use clear plastic bins for items you want to access frequently or keep visible, and label each box clearly on multiple sides with its contents and destination room to streamline retrieval.

Wrap fragile items carefully with bubble packaging or blankets, placing heavy items on the bottom and light ones on top. Fill the additional space with towels or packing peanuts to prevent your items from breaking. Disassemble large furniture if possible to save room, and leave walking space in your storage unit for safe movement.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size and Features

Select a storage unit that accommodates your belongings without too much additional space, as paying for unused space adds unnecessary costs. Many of the storage facilities managed by Absolute offer a variety of sizes, so take an inventory beforehand to estimate how much room you need. Our storage unit size guide can also help you visualize what will fit inside.

Consider storage features such as climate-controlled storage for delicate items, drive-up access for easy loading, and security measures such as a 24/7 recording camera system and gated entry for your peace of mind. These amenities will undeniably enhance your storage experience and help better secure your possessions.

Benefits of Short-Term Storage

Short-term storage is perfectly suited for temporary living situations like studying abroad or short work assignments. It allows you to rent space only for the duration you need without long-term commitments.

This flexibility lets you adapt to changes in your plans without worrying about penalties or complicated contracts. If your return date shifts, you can easily extend your rental. Conversely, if your stay is shorter than expected, you can choose when you’re ready to move out.

Cost‑Effective Tips for Travel Storage

Storage doesn’t have to be expensive. By planning ahead and selecting the right storage facility for your needs, you can significantly reduce your costs. It’s also smart to look for our storage facilities that offer promotional rates or discounts to save even more.

Packing efficiently can lower expenses as you’ll minimize the space you need to rent. Avoid storing unnecessary items by donating or selling what you no longer want, and compare climate-controlled storage and standard storage units based on your belongings. Plus, bundling your car storage and personal storage at one location can provide both price advantages and added convenience.

Your Quick Travel, Pack, and Storage Checklist

As your departure date draws nearer, it’s important to make sure you’re packed properly. Here’s a simple travel abroad packing checklist to ensure a smooth transition:

• Finalize essentials. For international travel, focus on packing key items and travel documents.
• Sort belongings. Decide what to take, store temporarily, donate, or sell.
• Choose storage. Look for short-term rentals, suitable storage unit sizes, and robust features.
• Pack smartly. Fill and label boxes to maximize storage space.
• Arrange parking. Rent vehicle storage if you won’t be using your vehicle during travel.
• Confirm rental. Your duration should match travel plans and allow flexible extensions.
• Keep inventory. Know where stored items are and what you have for easy reference while away.

Secure Your Belongings With Absolute Storage Management

When it comes to temporary storage during your time abroad, we are here to make the process simple, secure, and affordable. With various storage unit sizes, flexible leases, and top-tier security features, the facilities we manage offer the ideal solution to store your belongings while you focus on your international adventure.
Ready to simplify your move and gain peace of mind? Find a storage facility near you and rent a storage unit online today!