Storing Belongings While Traveling or Living Abroad
Dove Storage • August 26, 2025
Whether you’re embarking on a months-long trip around the world, taking a temporary work assignment overseas, or moving abroad for studies, one big question arises:
What should you do with your belongings while you’re away?
For many U.S. travelers and expatriates, renting a self-storage unit offers a secure, flexible, and cost-effective way to safeguard possessions until they return. This guide will walk you through the best practices for storing items during extended travel or living abroad—so you can leave with peace of mind.
1. Why Use a Storage Unit Instead of Leaving Items at Home?
While asking friends or family to hold onto your things might seem easier, it can be inconvenient for them and risky for your items. Self-storage facilities offer advantages like:
- Security Features – Gated access, surveillance cameras, alarms, and on-site staff reduce theft risk.
- Climate Control Options – Prevent damage to sensitive items like electronics, documents, and wooden furniture.
- Flexible Terms – Month-to-month rentals allow you to extend your stay without penalty.
- Privacy & Control – You decide who can access your belongings.
2. Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Long-Term Travel
When storing belongings for several months—or even years—you need a storage unit that can protect them for the long haul. Consider the following:
a. Climate-Controlled Units
If you’re storing electronics, artwork, photos, or furniture, a climate-controlled self-storage unit keeps temperature and humidity levels stable, preventing warping, mold, and other climate-related damage.
b. Unit Size
Inventory your belongings before choosing a size. Common long-term options include:
- 5x10 ft – Good for storing small apartment contents.
- 10x10 ft – Fits the contents of a one-bedroom apartment.
- 10x20 ft – Suitable for a full household’s belongings.
c. Location
While price may tempt you to choose a facility far from your home, consider selecting one in a convenient area for someone you trust to access if needed.
3. Preparing Items for Long-Term Storage
The way you pack and prepare your belongings can make all the difference in their condition when you return.
a. Clean Everything First
Dust, crumbs, or moisture left on items can lead to odors, mold, or pest problems.
b. Use Quality Packing Materials
- Sturdy boxes with lids
- Plastic bins for moisture-sensitive items
- Furniture covers or blankets
- Silica gel packs to absorb humidity
c. Avoid Plastic Wrap for Furniture
Plastic can trap moisture and cause mold; breathable covers are better for wood, leather, and fabric.
d. Elevate Items Off the Floor
Use pallets or shelving to protect against potential flooding or leaks.
4. Security Considerations While You’re Away
Since you won’t be nearby to check on your unit regularly, choosing a facility with strong security is essential. Look for:
- 24/7 Video Surveillance
- Individual Unit Alarms
- Controlled Gate Access
- Well-Lit Premises
Many modern storage facilities also offer online account management, letting you monitor payments, receive alerts, and sometimes even get access logs.
5. Assigning an Emergency Contact
Before you leave, add an authorized contact to your account—someone who can access your unit or make decisions if needed. This is especially important if:
- There’s an urgent repair issue in your unit.
- The facility needs to reach you but can’t due to time zones or unreliable service abroad.
- You need to arrange for early retrieval of certain items.
6. Managing Payments from Abroad
One of the biggest risks of storing belongings while traveling is missing a payment and having your account go into default. Avoid this by:
- Setting Up Auto-Pay – Ensure your rent is deducted automatically each month.
- Using Online Payment Portals – Most facilities offer digital management.
- Maintaining a Valid Credit Card – Notify your bank that you’ll be overseas to avoid declined charges.
7. Insurance for Stored Belongings
Even with strong facility security, unexpected events like fires, floods, or break-ins can happen. Many facilities require proof of insurance, which can be obtained through:
- Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy (check if it covers stored items).
- The storage facility’s own insurance offerings.
8. Returning from Abroad: Smooth Retrieval
When you return, give the facility advance notice of your move-out date to avoid paying for unused days. Inspect your belongings carefully—especially electronics and furniture—before taking them home. If you plan on storing items again for future trips, you may want to keep certain non-essential belongings packed and ready.
Storing belongings while traveling or living abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing a secure, climate-controlled self-storage unit, preparing your items properly, and setting up reliable payment and contact systems, you can protect your possessions until you return. The right preparation not only safeguards your valuables but also gives you peace of mind—allowing you to focus on your adventures, not your attic.
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For college students in the U.S., moving between dorms, apartments, or back home during summer or winter breaks is a common experience. But constantly hauling furniture, textbooks, and dorm essentials across the country (or even just across town) can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful. That’s why many students are turning to self-storage units to safely store their belongings between semesters. Whether you’re studying out of state, traveling abroad, or just need temporary storage while transitioning to new housing, self-storage offers a secure, affordable, and flexible solution. Here's what you need to know. Why College Students Use Storage Units Avoid Long-Distance Hauling For out-of-state students, it’s not practical to haul large items—like furniture, bedding, or mini-fridges—home during the summer or winter breaks. Self-storage provides a convenient place to leave things behind without taking them across state lines. Study Abroad or Internships Students who spend a semester abroad or take on summer internships in other cities need a place to store belongings while away. A storage unit allows students to travel light and return without the hassle of re-furnishing or moving everything again. Changing Dorms or Apartments Room changes, off-campus moves, or temporary housing shifts are common in college life. Storage units help bridge the gap when move-in and move-out dates don’t line up exactly. Shared Storage Saves Money It’s common for roommates or friends to share a unit and split the cost, making storage even more affordable during the off-season. What to Store Between Semesters Most students don’t need a large unit. Here are common items ideal for storage: Bedding, pillows, and linens Mini-fridges and microwaves Textbooks, notebooks, and school supplies Desk chairs or small desks Lamps, rugs, and decor Clothing and seasonal wear Small appliances or kitchen items Sports gear or bicycles Pro Tip: Avoid storing anything valuable like passports, laptops, or items with high sentimental value. Keep those with you during break. Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size Recommendations: 5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.): Great for boxes, a few bins, and small dorm essentials. 5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.): Ideal for a full dorm room or shared storage between two roommates. 10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.): Enough for shared storage between 3–4 students or for apartment-sized furniture. Climate-Controlled Units: If you're storing electronics, books, clothing, or wooden furniture in regions with hot, cold, or humid weather, consider a climate-controlled unit. These maintain consistent temperature and humidity to protect your belongings from mold, warping, and mildew. Drive-Up Access: If you’re moving heavy items or want to load and unload quickly, a drive-up unit may be more convenient. How to Pack for Storage Proper packing ensures that your items stay safe and organized: Use Plastic Bins Over Cardboard: Durable, moisture-resistant, and stackable. Label Everything Clearly: Use waterproof markers and labels to identify what’s inside. Disassemble Furniture: Take apart beds, shelves, and desks to save space. Store Items Vertically: Stack to make the most of your unit’s height. Place Heavier Items at the Bottom: Prevents crushing lighter, delicate items. Cover Items: Use breathable covers for mattresses or cloth furniture. Pro Tip: Keep an inventory list on your phone or take photos of what you’ve stored to make unpacking easier when you return. Finding a Student-Friendly Storage Facility When looking for a storage facility near your campus, prioritize the following: Student Discounts or Promotions: Many facilities offer first-month-free deals or reduced rates for college students. Short-Term Leases: Month-to-month rental agreements offer flexibility for students who only need storage for a few months. Security Features: Look for facilities with 24/7 surveillance, gated access, good lighting, and individual unit locks. Online Booking and Contactless Access: Reserve and manage your unit from anywhere for added convenience. Cost-Saving Tips for Students Share with Roommates or Friends: Splitting a 5'x10' unit can reduce your individual cost to $20–$40/month, depending on location. Book Early: Storage units near college campuses fill up fast at the end of semesters—reserve early to lock in availability and pricing. Use Student ID for Discounts: Always ask if the facility offers student pricing. Check for Free Pickup: Some facilities near colleges offer free van service or pickup during student move-out seasons. Safety and Insurance Even in secure facilities, accidents can happen. Consider these safety tips: Invest in a Good Lock: Choose a disc or cylinder lock that’s hard to cut. Get Insurance Coverage: Some homeowners' or renters' insurance policies cover stored items. If not, facilities often offer affordable protection plans. Don’t Store Prohibited Items: Avoid food, flammable materials, or liquids that could leak or attract pests. Self-storage between semesters is an affordable and efficient way for college students to manage their belongings during academic breaks. It saves time, money, and energy, especially for those studying far from home or facing temporary housing transitions. With the right size unit, smart packing, and a secure facility, you can leave campus with peace of mind, knowing your dorm room essentials are safe and ready for your return.
