You have finally saved enough money and are completely ready to take that long-desired trip. But because of your excitement to head off, it is easy to forget about how you leave your home behind. Without supervision and security for your belongings, you run the risk of coming home to an unpleasant surprise.
Before you travel, you want the reassurance that you will find your household contents in the same condition as when you left them. This is where storage comes in. You inventory and pack the items you want to keep safe, you bring them to a storage provider or have them collected, after which your belongings are stored externally. When you need your items again, you pick them up or have them delivered to your home. This way, you can travel or stay abroad for a few weeks or even months without worry.
What is storage in regard to traveling and when is it logical for you?
Tenants often prefer storing their belongings rather than asking friends or family to look after the house and their possessions. This can easily go wrong. Items gather dust, a light is left on, a door is forgotten to be locked, or a beloved heirloom suddenly goes missing. It may also be the case that there is simply no one available to take on this responsibility.
For homeowners who are away for a longer period of time, renting out the property can be an attractive option. For the safety and peace of mind of both landlord and tenant, it is practical to remove as many valuable items from the home in advance. These can be items with medium to high financial value, but also items with emotional value, especially if they are fragile or unique. This way, tenants do not have access to personal belongings.
Storage is especially useful in the following situations:
- You are away from home for a long period
- You want to keep your apartment or house clean
- You have concerns about the safety of your belongings and your privacy
- There is no trusted person with whom you can store your items
- There is limited space in your home
How do you plan your storage before departing step by step?
To be well prepared for storing your belongings during a trip or a stay abroad, following a storage plan is a good idea. You can use the planning below, but above all, take your time:
2 to 4 weeks in advance:
Go through all the items you want to store and make a list. Note how many of each item there are (especially for smaller items) and which packaging or box they are in. Then add up the number of boxes and the measurements of loose items. Document their condition with photos. If you already have an estimate of how much space your belongings will take up, it is wise to reserve suitable storage early, especially during the high season.1 week in advance:
Pack all items according to the recommended guidelines and place them together. Keep your inventory list carefully updated if there are still items that need to be packed. Make sure boxes are labelled to make storing and returning all or part of your belongings more efficient.Next, reserve the required storage space, the rental period, and possibly a pick-up date if you choose full-service storage.
1 to 2 days in advance:
If necessary, set up an access plan. This defines who has permission to access the storage and when during the rental period and is often used by entrepreneurs. Also, check whether your inventory list is up to date.On the day itself:
Depending on whether you choose self-storage or full-service storage, you either bring your belongings to the storage facility yourself or they are collected from your home. The administration is then completed, after which your items are safely stored for the agreed period, and you can travel with peace of mind.How do your belongings stay safe and accessible while travelling?
As mentioned earlier, storing your belongings during a long trip offers several advantages. For homeowners and landlords, it provides optimal privacy protection, as your belongings remain out of reach of tenants.
To keep your items in good condition, it is important to know what each item requires in terms of packaging and precautions. Electronics, for example, are more sensitive to moisture, temperature, and dirt. Furniture should not have too much weight placed on it to prevent deformation.
In terms of security, most facilities are equipped with security cameras, access logs, alarm systems, and more. The level of security can vary by location and type of storage.
If you want extra peace of mind, you can check what is included in your home contents insurance and whether you want to take out additional coverage.
