Things You Can and Cannot Put in Storage When Moving Overseas

By Editor / September 27, 2024

Moving overseas is an exciting adventure, but it comes with many logistical challenges—one of the biggest being what to do with your belongings. Deciding what to bring with you and what to store is crucial for a smooth transition. While storage can be a practical solution for items you won’t need immediately, it’s essential to know what can and cannot be safely stored. Improper storage could lead to damaged belongings or worse, safety hazards. By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding international storage, you can protect your possessions and ensure everything remains in good condition until your return.

Explosive Truths: What Can’t Be Stored

There are strict regulations regarding what can be stored in storage units. Some items, especially hazardous materials, are banned to protect both your belongings and others. Let’s look at the most common restrictions.

Flammable Fantasies: Hazardous Materials That Are a Big No

Storing flammable items in a storage unit is not only dangerous but also illegal in most places. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, and even certain cleaning agents that can catch fire. These items pose a high risk of explosion or fire, putting everything around them at risk. Common hazardous materials that are banned from storage units include:

• Gasoline, propane, kerosene
• Oil-based paints and solvents
• Fireworks and explosives
• Certain fertilizers and cleaning products

It’s best to dispose of or use up these materials before moving. If you need to store items related to these products, such as lawnmowers or camping gear, make sure they are emptied and cleaned properly.

Gone Bad: Why Food and Plants Are Storage No-Gos

While it might seem like a harmless idea to store non-perishable food or plants, this is a big mistake. Food, even sealed, attracts pests like rats and insects. The last thing you want is to come back to a storage unit filled with pests and spoiled goods.

Plants, on the other hand, are living things. They need water, sunlight, and air to survive. Putting them in storage will lead to their quick demise and could create a mess with rotting leaves and soil. Always make other arrangements for perishables and plants when planning your overseas move.

Not Worth the Risk: Things You Should Never Put in Storage

Even if certain items aren’t strictly banned, there are some belongings you should never risk leaving in storage. These are items that are prone to damage or loss and are better kept with you or placed in safer environments.

The Uninsured Gamble: Valuable and Sentimental Items

Your storage unit might be secure, but it’s not the place for irreplaceable valuables. This includes jewelry, family heirlooms, and any cash or coin collections. Items like your grandmother’s pearls or rare collectibles should stay in a safer spot, such as a bank’s safety deposit box. Insurance for storage units may not cover such high-value items, so storing them could be a financial gamble.

Important Docs Are a No: Protecting Your Passports and Papers

Storing important documents like passports, birth certificates, and property deeds in a storage unit can be a recipe for disaster. Papers can easily get damaged by moisture, heat, or pests. Furthermore, losing access to them when you’re halfway across the world can create unnecessary stress. It’s always best to keep these types of documents close or stored in a more secure and controlled environment.

Surprising No-Nos: Items You’d Never Guess Are a Bad Fit for Storage

When hiring an overseas moving company, you will often need to store some items during the transition, especially if your new place isn’t ready yet. You may think that some household items are perfectly fine to store, but they can still cause trouble if not handled properly. Let’s dive into some surprising things that you may not expect to create problems in storage.

Tech Trouble: Electronics and Appliances in Storage

Even in a climate-controlled storage unit, electronics and appliances can be at risk. Humidity can wreak havoc on sensitive equipment, leading to rust and malfunctioning. Things like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances are often better kept in their original packaging with additional protection from moisture. If you must store them, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and well-packed with silica gel packets to absorb any excess moisture.

Scent-Sational Mistakes: Avoid Scented Items

Candles, air fresheners, and potpourri might seem like harmless storage items, but they can attract pests and degrade in extreme temperatures. The strong scents of these products can draw insects and rodents, leading to potential infestations in your storage unit. It’s safer to leave these items behind or find alternative solutions for keeping your storage smelling fresh.

Safe and Sound: What You Can Definitely Store Overseas

Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s focus on the items that are safe to store during your overseas relocation. These things are durable and can withstand long-term storage without issue.

The Furniture Fortress: Storing Your Household Goods

Furniture, especially non-upholstered pieces, is one of the safest things to store in a storage unit. Wooden, metal, and plastic items, such as tables, chairs, and shelves, hold up well over time as long as they are cleaned and protected with coverings. You can also store mattresses and couches, but make sure they are wrapped in plastic to prevent dust and moisture from causing damage. Many international movers offer international moving services and partner with storage providers to help you store items safely

Seasonal Staples: The Best Things to Store for Long-Term Overseas Adventures

Seasonal items are perfect candidates for storage while you’re overseas. Whether it’s your winter sports gear or holiday decorations, these items are non-perishable and can sit for months without worry. Items that are perfect for storage include:

• Skis, snowboards, and winter coats
• Camping equipment
• Bicycles and outdoor furniture
• Holiday decorations and lights

With proper packing services for overseas shipping and protection, these items will be ready and waiting for you when you return, without any damage or wear. With the help of an international shipping company, you can safely store your belongings overseas and have peace of mind while you’re away

Your Storage Strategy for an Overseas Move

Knowing the things you can and cannot put in storage when moving overseas is the first step to a smooth relocation. Hazardous materials, perishables, and high-value items should never go into storage, while furniture and seasonal gear are perfectly fine. With the right strategy, you can safely store your belongings overseas and have peace of mind while you’re away. As you plan your move, remember to choose a reliable storage facility and pack your items with care. By following these tips, you’ll make the most of your storage space and ensure that everything is safe and sound for your return.