When it comes to long-term travel, knowing what to do with your belongings while you’re away can be a struggle all too familiar for many of us. Without proper preparation, an unoccupied home can be the cause of stress. To help you out, our team of experts have put together a quick guide on how to manage your belongings before you depart.
1. Clothes
“If your clothes are hung in a wardrobe, be mindful that these may get fusty and malodorous while you’re away, so you should try to store them in an airtight container. Once transported to the container, make sure you roll your clothes, instead of folding them, as this can prevent harsh creases forming while you’re away. Also consider moving your clothes away from any bright light, as this can cause some garments to fade faster.”
2. Furniture
“For furniture, it’s important that each item is wrapped in the appropriate covers to prevent discolouration from harsh lighting and build-up of dirt and dust. Where possible, you may find it helpful to dismantle items, making them easier to pack away and wrap securely.”
3. Jewellery
“To effectively preserve your metals and jewels, your jewellery should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Separating items by metal will also help keep them tarnish free. Before boxing your jewellery up, make sure to clean it thoroughly and ensure they are dry, as this can also cause tarnishing.”
4. Luxury items
“When it comes to storing your luxury items, there are many things to consider. Whether it’s a designer handbag or a delicate ornament, it’s unlikely that these will come with you on your travels. If it’s a garment or accessory, contain it in a dust bag or pillowcase. You should then select a location that is dark and dry with adequate ventilation to stow these away in.
“If you plan to box up your ornamental luxuries, you should also carefully consider the materials you enclose them in. Some boxes and wraps contain acid which can cause damage to your items, so make sure you read into them first.”
Bikes
“For those of you that enjoy cycling, you may be wondering what to do with your bike. If possible, we advise you store them away in a dry and secure location, such as a garage, garden shed or storage unit, to protect them from the elements and potential theft.
“You may even want to consider bringing them into your home, as whilst leaving them in your hallway may be difficult while you’re in the house, once you’re away, it shouldn’t cause any inconvenience. Make sure to also thoroughly clean and lubricate your bikes before storing to prevent rust and consider using bike covers for added protection.”
Technology
“When planning long-term travel, it’s crucial you consider what to do with any electronic devices you’ll be leaving at home. The most obvious place to start is by unplugging all your devices to prevent excessive energy consumption and reduce the risk of electrical issues. If you plan to stow certain devices away, you should place them in a cool, dry place. You may also want to consider removing any batteries from devices to prevent corrosion.”
For the items you need to store away
“For any items you decide to box up or pack away before you go, make sure you label their contents for easy identification when you return. The last thing you want is to be scouring through stacks of packed boxes for a particular item when you’re back.”
Our secure storage units mean you can jet off without the worry of leaving your belongings behind. Browse our travel storage options to find a flexible unit for your travels.