Should You Sell Or Store Your Belongings When Moving Abroad?

Moving furniture internationally can be a lengthy and expensive process. That’s why most expats decide to either sell or store their belongings before the big moving day. That said, whether you’re moving for a few months, a few years, or indefinitely, the question of whether to sell your stuff or put it in storage is a big one.

The good news is that it’s all manageable with a bit of planning and some simple decision-making. Here’s our guide to help you navigate what to do with your furniture, homeware, and most cherished items as you prepare to start your new chapter abroad.

Weighing the pros and cons of selling or storing your belongings

Deciding whether to sell or store your belongings is a personal one. That’s why it’s important not to rush into a decision you might regret later. Let’s start by looking at the key reasons why expats choose to sell or store their belongings:

Selling your belongings

Pros of selling

Less hassle and expense: Selling your items means you won’t need to worry about monthly storage fees or the logistics of transporting goods to a storage unit. It also frees you from the task of managing items from afar.
Extra cash: The money you make from selling furniture, appliances, or electronics can help fund your move and support your new lifestyle abroad.
Decluttering: A move is the perfect opportunity to clear out the things you no longer need, leaving you ready to start fresh when you reach your new home.

Cons of selling

Replacing items later: Selling means you will need to rebuy the things you need if and when you decide to return home.
Sentimental loss: If you have items with emotional value – such as heirlooms or memorabilia – selling them could lead to regret. Once they’re gone, they’re often irreplaceable.
Time and effort: Selling your belongings can take time, especially if you’re hoping to get a good price. Organising sales or listing items online may add stress to your moving preparations.

Storing your belongings

Pros of storing

Convenience: Long term furniture storage allows you to keep your possessions safe and secure, so you don’t have to replace everything if and when you return.
Preserving sentimental items: Putting items in storage ensures you can keep items of personal or emotional value without needing to make any permanent decisions about them.
Flexible options: There are storage solutions for every budget if you’re willing to do the research, from small lockers for a few key items to climate-controlled units for larger or more valuable belongings.

Cons of storing

Cost: Storage fees add up. While it may seem affordable in the short term, it’s important to think about how long you may need to keep your items in storage, and how you can continue to afford the payments.
Risk of damage: Even in the best conditions, items in storage can be subject to wear and tear. Furniture may warp, electronics can corrode, and the risk of accidents like fire or flooding always exists.
Out of sight, out of mind: While storing belongings provides peace of mind, it can be easy to forget what you’ve packed away. If your move turns out to be longer than expected, you may question whether the items were worth storing in the first place.

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Sell or store? Questions to consider

To help you decide whether to sell or store your belongings, we’ve created an essential list of questions to consider.

1/ How long will I be away?

If your expat role is for a fixed period, such as a one year secondment overseas, and you know you’ll return home after that, short term storage may make sense. However, long term furniture storage can be expensive, so consider whether everything you own is worth keeping. On the other hand, if your move is more open-ended, it might be a good opportunity to sell or donate items that you no longer need.

2/ Will I need this when I return?

Imagine what your life will be like when you return home. Will that oversized sofa or bulky coffee table fit in your future living space? If you anticipate downsizing or living in a different type of property, some of your furniture might not be practical to keep.

3/ Do I use this regularly?

We all have those items we once loved but no longer use – like that set of golf clubs gathering dust, or the box of clothes you haven’t worn in years. Use this as an opportunity to de-clutter your life. If you’re not getting much use out of something now, it might not be worth holding onto, especially if it’ll just sit in storage for years to come.

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4/ Is it in good condition?

Even if an item is useful, consider its condition. Furniture, clothes, books and kitchen utensils can all wear out over time. Will it still be useful and appealing after spending a year or two in storage? If it’s already showing signs of age or wear, it might be time to let it go and replace it when you return.

5/ Does it hold sentimental value?

Sentimental items are often the hardest to part with. Whether it’s family heirlooms, old photo albums, or keepsakes from loved ones, some things are irreplaceable. Prioritise storing these meaningful possessions. They may not have much financial value, but their emotional significance is priceless. You may also be able to give them to family and friends to hold onto, and keep safe.

6/ Could I sell this one and buy another one abroad?

Depending on where you’re moving to, you may be able to find a like-for-like replacement for your essential items. This means you won’t need to worry too much about parting with your belongings.

Better still, you may even be able to make a profit. This is because some of your favourite items may be considerably cheaper abroad. Say, for instance, you sold your frying pan for £10. You may be able to find the same frying pan, brand new, in your new country for £5. Hey presto, you’ve not only replaced your frying pan, you’ve also walked away with a tidy profit!

7/ Is it a duplicate?

If you’ve got three sets of crockery or an excessive amount of kitchen gadgets, consider whether you really need to store them all. Keep a few essentials and sell or donate the rest to lighten the load.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer sense of what to keep and what to let go. For items you decide to sell, take a realistic approach to pricing. It’s easy to overvalue our own possessions, but remember, the goal is simply to shift those items.

You can sell unwanted items online through marketplaces, or locally through car boot sales or charity shops.

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Shipping items abroad: Ausra’s story

Our Creative Lead, Ausra Skopaite, recently moved from the UK to Brazil. She shares her first-hand experience of what it’s like to ship items to a foreign country – and some of the things she wished she’d known before she moved!

“One thing to consider is how far you’ll be moving and whether you can handle the move yourself – either by renting a van or hiring movers. Doing this could save you the time and hassle of buying new items in a foreign country. Remember that shopping abroad can sometimes be more expensive.

It’s important to make this decision early and to start preparing in advance. In my case, I moved to a different continent and used an international removals service. I had to go through a long process to prove that my items were for personal use and not for sale, and as a result my belongings were only shipped only the day after I left the UK!

My items were moved by ship, which took around three months, and by the time they arrived I had already had to replace some things. I also learned it’s advisable to get insurance if you’re shipping items, as things can easily go missing.

There are other things to consider, too. For instance, are there any restrictions on items that can be exported and imported? Including prohibited items in your shipment could cause issues with customs, and potentially lead to fines or your items being destroyed.

I chose to sell the items I didn’t bring with me; I recommend giving yourself enough time so that you don’t end up selling items cheaply or giving them away. But the money I received from selling my items helped a lot with covering the costs of shipping personal belongings – things I was emotionally attached to – and buying new things when I arrived in Brazil.”

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Multiethnic couple carrying furniture to the room, they unpacking things together during relocation

The expat guide to storing your belongings

If you’ve decided to keep certain belongings, you’ll need somewhere safe and affordable to store them. Here are a few tips to help make sure your possessions stay in good condition during your time away.

1/ Research storage options

Long term furniture storage can vary significantly depending on where you live and the type of unit you choose. Shop around and compare furniture storage costs to ensure you’re getting the best value for money. Look for reputable companies with secure facilities and consider long-term deals if you expect to be away for an extended period.

Did you know?

The average cost for 50 square feet of furniture storage in the UK is around £27 per week. That’s £1,404 to store your furniture for a year.

2/ Pack carefully

It goes without saying, but pack fragile items – like glassware or crockery – with extra care. Use bubble wrap, and make sure to fill boxes with packing material to prevent shifting during shipping. Number each box and keep a list of what’s inside, so you or a friend can find items easily if needed.

3/ Disassemble where possible

Furniture that can be taken apart will not only take up less space in storage but also reduce the risk of damage. Be sure to label each piece carefully and keep all screws and bolts in labelled bags, so reassembling is easy when the time comes.

4/ Consider climate-controlled storage

For wooden or upholstered furniture, or valuable art, consider investing in a climate-controlled unit to protect against humidity, damp, or extreme temperatures. While it may cost a bit more, this can make all the difference in preserving your belongings in pristine condition.

5/ Don’t forget insurance

If you’re storing high-value items, it’s worth considering self-storage insurance. This will protect your possessions against potential risks such as theft, fire, or flood, giving you peace of mind while you’re abroad.

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Thinking of moving abroad?

Wherever you decide to move, make sure you have the confidence of international health insurance.

At William Russell, we have been providing worldwide health cover for over 30 years, helping expats like you and their families to settle into their new homes overseas. Speak to us today to find out more about how global health insurance could support you.

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Selling Or Storing Your Belongings: Essential Tips For Moving Abroad

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