Storage
International Sea & Air Shipping offers storage solutions that provide a secure space for your items until they’re ready for delivery to your final destination.
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If there’s one thing that people struggle with when they’re moving internationally, it is how to handle their things throughout the transition time. Commonly, there are gaps of time between departure from a home and arrival in a foreign domicile. And this is when storage for expats becomes a necessity. These services store your items safely until it’s the right time to ship them to their final home.
With short and long-term solutions for professional storage services, trust in the freedom to come back to your things safely. Contact International Sea & Air Shipping today, and let us help you find the perfect storage location for all of your items.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage Options
If you are preparing for an international move, you may need to decide if you require short-term or long-term storage facilities. The best choice is determined largely by how long your belongings will be in storage and when you intend to get into a new home.
Short-Term Storage Solutions
When you only need to store your belongings for one or two weeks, you can consider the short-term storage—like when there is a gap between moving out and arriving at home located abroad.
How this short-term storage process works:
- Your men are escorted to your premises and pack up everything
- They are held in a safe holding room
- When your overseas accommodation is there, your things go to the new home
Why choose short-term storage:
- Great for short breaks in the moving process
- Easy access and quick retrieval
- Flexible for uncertain move-in dates
Long-Term Storage Solutions
Long-term storage is ideal for people moving overseas for several years, on longer-term work contracts, or who want to keep some of their belongings safe while living abroad.
How the process for long-term storage works:
- We will professionally pack and inventory your items
- Storage takes place in a safe, temperature-controlled location, and all items are insured while you are living abroad
- Delivery doesn’t have to happen any time soon—in fact, it can be months or even years from now
Benefits of long-term storage:
- Provides a long-lasting, safe environment that ensures security for hours
- Air-conditioned storage climate control for your sensitive items (furniture, artwork, electronics)
- Perfect for long-term moves, downsizing, or when traveling abroad indefinitely
Different Types of Storage Units for International Moving
What type of storage unit should I rent? What type of storage unit you choose depends on the size and amount of items that you plan to store, how long you’ll be storing them, and what level of security you need. Moving abroad? Here are the various storage choices and what each option involves.
Containerized Storage
Containerized storage is one of the most common forms overseas. This option consists of packing your items in stable-weight containers, and they are warehoused until you are ready for delivery. It’s an effortless, no-fuss way to keep your goods stored while you move.
Containerized storage reduces the need for multiple handling of items, as they remain stored in their original container until delivery. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more organized storage approach, minimizing the risk of damage. Many people also choose to combine containerized storage with international car shipping services, ensuring the safe transportation of their vehicle and household items.
Why choose containerized storage:
- Secure and organized
- Ideal for protecting goods during long storage periods
- Reduces handling and decreases the risk of damage
When it comes to larger international moves, many people elect to use containerized storage in combination with an international container shipping service so that their stuff stays in one container from the storage facility to their new front door.
Climate-Controlled Storage
It is especially handy for safeguarding precious objects such as wood furniture, electronics, antiques, and other valuables. Some markets do not have climate-controlled storage available (if you require an option, be sure to inquire when you begin the process).
Benefits of climate-controlled storage:
- Protects items from extreme temperature changes and humidity
- Ideal for high-value items such as antiques, artwork, and electronics
- Provides peace of mind for long-term storage
Hybrid Storage
Hybrid storage is a nice middle ground that brings about the best of both worlds as containerized and self-storage. The company drops a storage container at your location so you can pack as you have time. When you’re finished, they’ll pick up the container and put it in a safe spot.
Advantages of hybrid storage:
- Pack at your own pace with no rush
- Convenient for large items or bulky furniture
- Secure storage without having to transport items yourself
Hybrid storage is ideal for those who prefer to have more control over their packing and loading process but still want the safety and security of a professional storage facility.
Mobile Storage Units
Mobile storage units operate like hybrid storage. The storage supplier drops a portable container at your residence, which you can pack as you please. After packing, the device is delivered to a safe storage location.
This is a wonderful solution for people who are relocating in a hurry or want to store their belongings over time.
Benefits of mobile storage:
- Flexibility to load at your own pace
- No need to transport items to the storage facility yourself
- Ideal for busy individuals moving abroad
Mobile storage is particularly popular with expats and international travelers who want to streamline their move by handling their packing at their own pace.
How to Choose the Right Storage Solution for Your International Move
There are a few things you should consider when selecting the right self-storage solution, including your specific needs, how long you’ll be storing your items, and if you need anything special from climate-controlled storage. Here is something to keep in mind when making the best choice for your move:
- Amount of goods: What size unit do you need for your stuff?
- How long you’re storing: Are you storing things for a few months or several years?
- Security needs: Do you need the highest level of security, for example, 24/7 monitoring and onsite staff?
You will also want to search for facilities with outstanding security features so that your items will remain safe. Storage solutions for people moving abroad typically include higher security options such as limited access, on-site staff, and CCTV.
Affordable International Storage Options
Storing your items during an international move—what does it cost? The price of storing your belongings during an overseas relocation is calculated based on several different factors, including the amount of stuff you’re storing and the length of time you’ll be in storage. But there are cheap overseas storage options that can suit different budgets.
Shared Container Storage
Shared container storage allows multiple customers to share space within a single storage container. This option helps reduce the cost by consolidating shipments and dividing the storage fees among different customers. Shared container storage is ideal for individuals who don’t need an entire container for their items.
Advantages of shared container storage:
- Cost-effective solution for smaller shipments
- Ideal for those with fewer belongings
- Helps lower shipping and storage costs
Dedicated Container Storage
Best for people with larger loads or people who do not wish to share storage space. They store them in one case for added protection and less likelihood of loss.
Advantages of dedicated container storage:
- Use a container exclusively for your items
- Faster shipping and delivery times
- Less treatment, less wear and tear on things
Dedicated Container Storage Costlier but faster and more secure than pooled container storage, the solution is suitable for larger or high-value shipments.
What Can and Cannot Be Stored During International Moves
When you use storage services to move abroad, it is useful to know what can or cannot be stored. The majority of global storage firms have a set list of things they do accept.
What Can Be Stored
Common household items can typically be stored without issue. This includes:
- Household furnishings, clothing, books, and other nonperishables
- Electronics, kitchen appliances, and bedding
- Large vehicles and equipment (subject to availability at the facility)
For large or fragile items like grand pianos, use specialized shipping companies that ensure proper handling during transport and storage.
What Cannot Be Stored
Some prohibited items may not be stored in international storage facilities for safety and legal reasons, including:
- Hazardous materials, including flammable liquids and chemicals
- Perishable goods that may deteriorate or spoil due to long-term storage
- Illegal drugs and things prohibited by international customs regulations
Follow storage and customs rules and laws to ensure a smooth international move.
Storage: Prices and Influential Variables
There are a multitude of factors that determine the price of international service storage. These factors include how many belongings you have, what your belongings may weigh, and how much room they will take up, along with the amount of time you require for storage and whether or not there are any extra services, such as climate control, or the need for specialized units meant to contain valuable items. Factors influencing storage costs:
- The volume and size of the items being stored
- Duration of storage (short-term or long-term)
- Additional services, such as climate control, enhanced security, or crating services
Tips to reduce costs:
- Consolidate smaller shipments to save space and reduce storage fees
- Opt for shared container storage to lower the overall cost
Booking your storage services early and considering cost-saving options like shared storage can help reduce the overall cost of your international move.
Best Practices for Packing and Organizing Items for Storage
Good packing is essential for safeguarding your food during storage as well as when you’re on the go. By upholding these recommendations, you can help ensure the safety of your items during an overseas move. Packing tips for storage:
- Use excellent packing materials like strong cartons and bubble wrap to cushion your items
- Please label each box with its contents and destination to facilitate quick retrieval
- Make a list of everything that is being stored to prevent items from getting misplaced during retrieval
If you have particularly large or delicate items, acquiring pack and crating services may be a wise investment to ensure your goods are carefully packed for storage and transportation moving forward.
Security and Insurance for Stored Goods
For protection and peace of mind, security and insurance are musts for any valuables that are to be stored during an international move. You can safeguard your valuables by selecting a storage facility with modern security methods. Look for these security features:
- 24/7 monitoring through CCTV cameras
- Controlled access with on-site personnel
- Safe and climate-controlled storage for sensitive items
Additionally, insurance is necessary to cover any potential damage during storage or shipping. Many companies customize insurance plans to cover specific high-value items. Make sure to inquire about insurance options for your stored goods to ensure peace of mind.
FAQs
For how long can household goods be stored for an international move?
Items can be kept for as long as you want, which could be anything from a couple of weeks to several years—it’s entirely up to the terms and stipulations of the storage provider you use and your preferences.
Am I able to access items or belongings in storage?
The type of storage you select will determine how often you have access to your items. Some charges provide open access, while they may need prior notice or security restrictions.
What types of insurance are for the goods stored?
All shipments will receive the minimum level of insurance required for protection against standard occurrences, though high-value and fragile items do offer options.
How secure is climate-controlled storage for delicate items?
There’s no safer place than climate-controlled storage for delicate items. It regulates temperature and humidity to help preserve electronics, pictures, artwork, and certain kinds of wood furniture.
What size storage space do I need for my household items?
Your requirements will define the size of the storage. Just discuss with the storage company what size you need, whether it is a single room or piece of furniture.
Do I need climate-controlled storage for my valuables?
Climate-controlled space is important if you have temperature-sensitive items such as antiques, electronics, and artwork to protect against harsh weather conditions and moisture.
