Introduction
Moving abroad is one of life’s most exciting — and stressful — adventures. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, love, or retirement, the logistics can quickly become overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges? Deciding what to do with your belongings.
That’s where self storage comes in.
At SecureStore, we’ve helped hundreds of people from Bury and beyond manage smooth international relocations by offering safe, flexible, and affordable storage solutions. Whether you’re gone for six months or six years, we help you make smart decisions about what stays, what goes, and where everything fits.
This guide explains how to prepare, what to store, and how SecureStore makes moving abroad that little bit easier.
Why Self Storage is Essential When Moving Abroad
Before you pack your bags and book your flight, consider these key questions:
- Will you return in a year or settle permanently abroad?
- Will you rent out your house or sell it?
- What are shipping costs versus storage costs?
- Do you have furniture or items with sentimental value you don’t want to sell or ship?
Self storage gives you breathing space. It allows you to:
✔ Keep hold of what matters without cluttering up family or friends’ homes
✔ Avoid the expense and complexity of international shipping
✔ Leave your home clean and ready for sale or letting
✔ Safely store furniture, keepsakes, paperwork and seasonal items
✔ Have peace of mind during a time of major change
What to Store (and What to Take)
When moving abroad, the first step is to categorise your belongings into:
- Items to Take with You
- Items to Sell or Donate
- Items to Store
Ideal for Storage:
- Furniture – sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables
- White goods – if you’re not letting your house furnished
- Sentimental items – photo albums, books, ornaments
- Seasonal clothing – especially if you’re going to a different climate
- Garden tools or equipment – not worth shipping but too good to sell
- Paperwork and archives – for tax, property or insurance purposes
- Keepsakes – your child’s schoolwork, wedding outfits, family heirlooms
By putting these items into storage, you can reduce shipping costs and simplify your move — while still preserving the things that matter most.
How Long Should You Store for?
Every situation is different. At SecureStore, we offer:
- Short-term storage – great for students on a year abroad, sabbaticals, or trial relocations
- Medium-term storage – ideal for those renting out their UK property for 6–18 months
- Long-term storage – for permanent relocations or retirement moves abroad
You can start with a short-term plan and extend as needed. Our rolling contracts and flexible terms give you full control.
Renting Out Your House? Here’s How Storage Helps
If you’re planning to let out your home while abroad, you may want to remove:
- Personal items (photos, clothes, books)
- High-value furniture
- Delicate or irreplaceable pieces
- Children’s belongings
- Files or archives containing sensitive information
Putting these into storage allows your property to:
- Appeal to more tenants
- Meet landlord insurance guidelines
- Stay clutter-free and neutral
- Keep your items protected and out of the way
This is especially useful if your property becomes a furnished let, where you may only leave basic furniture behind.
What Size Storage Unit Will You Need?
We help movers of all kinds — from single travellers to full families. Storage needs vary depending on how much you’re keeping, but here’s a rough guide:
| Size | Good for |
| 35 sq ft | Boxes, clothes, small items, 1 bed flat contents |
| 50 sq ft | Contents of a typical 1–2 bed flat |
| 75–100 sq ft | Contents of a 2–3 bed house |
| 150+ sq ft | Large households, garage contents, multiple rooms |
| Outdoor containers | Ideal for vehicle-level loading and large furniture |
If you’re unsure, just contact our team — we’ll help you find the best fit based on what you’re storing and how long you’ll need it.
SecureStore’s Top Benefits for International Movers
Here’s why people choose SecureStore when heading overseas:
Security First
- Fob entry for authorised users only
- Your own padlock for private access
- 24/7 monitored CCTV
- No shared access — your unit is yours alone
Flexible Contracts
- No long-term lock-in
- Pay monthly with no admin fees
- Start with a short term and extend as needed
Convenient Access
- Easily reachable from Bury town centre
- Trolleys and equipment on hand to move items in
- Help from staff if you need it
Clean & Dry Units
- Ideal for long-term storage
- No risk of damp, pests or mess
- Regularly cleaned and professionally maintained
Supportive Service
- Real people, not a call centre
- Advice tailored to your situation
- Help with planning your move and connecting you with local removal teams if needed
What About Insurance?
We recommend insuring your stored items, especially if you’re keeping high-value belongings or you’ll be out of the country for long periods.
We can help you:
- Understand what your current policy covers
- Add storage coverage if needed
- Get low-cost insurance via our recommended partners
You stay in control — but we’re here to support the process.
Case Study: Alex’s Year in Australia
Alex, a Bury-based teacher, took a one-year contract in Melbourne. Unsure whether he’d return permanently, he:
- Stored most of his furniture and home contents with us
- Rented his house to a young couple, unfurnished
- Took only clothes, tech, and essentials
- Extended his storage plan easily when his job was extended by 6 months
He returned last year, reunited with his belongings, and was back home within two days.
Checklist: Planning Your Move with Storage in Mind
Here’s a quick run-through of how to integrate storage into your overseas move:
- Declutter – sell, donate or recycle what you no longer need
- Group items – take, ship, or store
- Book your unit – reserve your space in advance
- Choose your padlock – bring your own or buy on-site
- Pack properly – use sturdy boxes and label everything
- Arrange transport – we can suggest trusted local movers
- Stay in touch – we’ll keep your account up to date and easy to manage, even from overseas
Leaving for Good? Storage Still Has a Role
Even permanent movers abroad may still need storage for:
- UK-based business stock
- Family items you’re leaving behind
- Belongings you may one day return for
- Things you’re not yet ready to part with
Not everything fits into a suitcase. Storage gives you options — especially when you’re not yet ready to say goodbye for good.
Conclusion: Making Your Move Abroad Smoother with SecureStore
Moving abroad can be emotional, exhausting, and complex — but self storage is one area where things don’t need to be difficult.
At SecureStore, we help you:
✔ Keep what matters
✔ Let go of what doesn’t
✔ Make room for your next chapter
Our facility on Manchester Road, Bury, is clean, secure, and run by real people who understand life transitions. Whether you’re going for a gap year or a lifetime, we’ve got your back at home.
0161 470 0288
info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
574 Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 9SW
