What to store, ship or sell before you go abroad
If you are going abroad for work, study, travel or a trial move, you can keep your belongings safe in the UK by putting them into self storage instead of paying to keep an empty home or shipping everything overseas. Many people store furniture, keepsakes and household items for six months to two years while they are away, then decide whether to ship, sell or collect them when their plans are clear.
This 2027 guide explains what to store, what to take, how to prepare your belongings and what it costs.
Who stores belongings in the UK while abroad?
- People on overseas work contracts or secondments who plan to return to the UK
- Students studying abroad for a term or a year
- Travellers and gap year students taking an extended trip
- People trialling a new country before committing to a permanent move
- People letting their home while they live overseas
Ship, sell or store: how to decide
| Option | Best for | Things to consider |
|---|
| Store in the UK | Furniture and keepsakes you want when you return, or before you decide where to settle | A weekly storage cost for as long as you are away |
| Ship overseas | Items you will use every day in your new home | Shipping costs, customs rules and differences in voltage and plugs |
| Sell or donate | Large or low-value items that cost more to store or ship than to replace | Time needed to sell before you leave |
Many people combine all three: they ship the essentials, sell what they do not need and store the rest until their plans are certain.
What to store while you are away
- Furniture you plan to use again, such as beds, sofas and dining sets
- Family keepsakes, photos and sentimental items
- Books, artwork and collections
- Kitchenware and bedding for when you return
- Seasonal items, sports equipment and bicycles
Keep passports, important documents, cash and irreplaceable valuables with you or in a secure place such as a bank. Read our full list of things you should not put in a self storage unit.
How to prepare your belongings for long-term storage
- Clean and dry everything. Damp items can develop mould over long periods.
- Take apart larger furniture and keep fixings in labelled bags.
- Use strong boxes of the same size and wrap fragile items individually.
- Cover mattresses and upholstery with breathable covers.
- Make an inventory and keep a copy with you. Our guide on how to create a storage unit inventory explains how.
- Name a trusted contact in the UK who can access your unit if needed, and agree this with your facility before you leave.
For step-by-step packing advice, read Ask Amanda: how to pack a self storage unit.
Which type of storage is best for a long stay abroad?
Drive-up self storage is the long-term option at Pickfords. You can park at the door to load your belongings, and it suits stays of several months or more. Container storage offers 160 to 165 sq ft at Edinburgh, Horsham, London Wembley, Manchester and Tamworth, enough for the contents of a three to four bedroom home. To choose the right space, see our guide to self storage unit sizes.
How much does it cost to store your belongings while abroad?
At Pickfords, prices start from £8.98 per week in York, £10.50 per week in Cambridge, £15 per week in Norwich and £18 per week for a 50 sq ft drive-up unit or container at most other locations. All prices include VAT with no hidden fees. Free collection is available for drive-up storage and containers in Edinburgh, Horsham and Manchester. If you will be away for several months, ask about terms for longer commitments. See our self storage costs guide for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I store my belongings in the UK while I live abroad?
Yes. You can rent a self storage unit for as long as you need and keep it while you are overseas.
- How do I pay for storage while I am abroad?
Speak to your facility before you leave about setting up regular payments so your rental continues without interruption.
- Can someone else access my unit while I am away?
Many facilities allow a named contact to access your unit. Agree this with your facility before you leave.
- Should I insure my belongings in storage?
It is advisable to have your belongings insured while in storage, particularly for a long stay abroad. Read more about self storage insurance.
Store your belongings with Pickfords before you go
Pickfords has 15 self storage locations across the UK and also offers international storage if you decide to move your belongings overseas later. Explore our self storage options or contact Pickfords today to discuss your storage needs.