What to keep and store when preparing for long-term travel

How toMarch 16, 2023

Once you decide that you want to move, you should contact Zippy Shell Moving and Storage DMV, to help you organize your move and safely store your items. The next thing you need to do is decide what to bring and what to leave behind. This can be although decision. This is why we have prepared a small guide on how to decide what to keep and store when preparing for long-term travel.

Deciding what to keep when preparing for long-term travel

This is going to be your first step. You need to decide what you want to keep and don’t want to live without. Even though this seems a tad bit dramatic, it’s really not. Some items will be important to keep with you, while others can be left behind. That’s why it’s important to sit down and think about the things you want to keep. This list might be both short and long, depending on what type of person you are. You should take some time to go through everything, so don’t rush it. Once you get rid of your items, there’s no coming back. That’s why it can be a good idea to also talk with your family and see what they think about this. They can be of great help!

Clothes inside woven baskets on a bed represent items to store when preparing for long-term travel.
As you go through your items, decide what you want to keep, get rid of, or store.

To effectively declutter, it can be helpful to go room-by-room and assess the items you want to keep. This will give you a visual representation of your possessions and allow you to think more efficiently about how you can utilize them. During this stage, it’s also important to consider where you’ll store the items you want to keep but won’t be using regularly. It’s a good idea to start looking for potential onsite storage units in your area. Finding a reputable storage company may take some time, so it’s best to begin your search early. This is one of the best tips you can use to your advantage and will greatly aid you in your decluttering efforts.

Prepare to declutter some of the things

Once you have decided on the items you want to keep, it’s time to consider what to do with the items you no longer need. You have several options, including donating, selling, or giving away these items. This can be an effective strategy to create more free space in your home quickly.

To begin, you can research local organizations that accept donations and find out if they are willing to take your unwanted items. For items that your family or friends may need, consider offering them as gifts. For any remaining items, you can try selling them. If none of these options work, it may be necessary to dispose of them in the garbage.

While it’s important to try and find a new purpose for your unwanted items, sometimes it’s not possible, and disposing of them is the best option.

A woman holding a pillow
Decluttering is a good way to see what you want to keep and what to store when preparing for long-term travel.

Ways to decide what to store when preparing for long-term travel

As you prepare for long-term travel, you may have limited items left that you want to keep but can’t take with you. This is a good time to utilize the storage company you have chosen. Depending on the type of items you want to store, residential onsite storage containers may be a good option. These containers are located near your home, providing easy access to your belongings. They’re a great option if you want to clear some space in your house but still have access to your items. Additionally, you can even move your container to a different location if necessary.

There are other storage options available as well. Before selecting a storage option, it’s important to consider the type of items you want to store. Your chosen storage company can help you decide the best option for you. For instance, if you need long-term storage and want to access your items regularly, a climate controlled storage Northern Virginia companies offer might be a suitable option. Knowing these storage options can help you explore and determine the best way to store your belongings when preparing for long-term travel. Climate-controlled units are particularly useful for long-term storage arrangements.

Look for different storage options

If you are looking for storage options, there are several specialized services that you can use. For instance, there are mobile storage and vehicle storage services, among others. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for some of these services. For example, many students use student storage in Northern Virginia. This type of storage is particularly useful for students attending local universities in the area. To take advantage of these opportunities, you should learn more about them. They can save you time and energy, as many of these services are tailored to the needs of specific groups, such as students.

What to bring and what not?

Preparing for long-term travel involves careful consideration of what to keep and store. Firstly, essential items like important documents such as passports, visas, and insurance policies should be kept safe and secure. It’s also recommended to invest in high-quality luggage and travel accessories, like packing cubes and travel locks, to keep your belongings organized and protected.

For items that won’t be coming along on the trip, there are various options to consider. If you plan to return to your home base, you may consider renting a storage unit or asking a trusted friend or family member to keep your belongings for you. If you’re planning to sell or donate some of your possessions before departing, be sure to start the process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

When it comes to valuable items, such as electronics and jewelry, it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with carrying expensive items while traveling. Consider investing in travel insurance that covers personal belongings and taking steps to secure your belongings, such as using a safety deposit box or a secure backpack with built-in locks.

Overall, it’s essential to think carefully about what you really need and make a plan to keep your belongings safe and secure while you’re away. By being prepared and organized, you can enjoy your long-term travel with peace of mind knowing that your belongings are in good hands.

A woman closing a box
You can also use boxes to organize your items for storage more meaningfully.

Make a plan

Now that you know what to store when preparing for long-term travel, you can make a plan and start going through your items. The key is to stay organized and stay ahead of everything. To do this, it’s a good idea to start preparing early and give yourself enough time to go through all the necessary steps. Decluttering alone can take several days, so it’s important to manage your time well. This is a crucial skill to have if you want to organize your belongings effectively when preparing for long-term travel. Additionally, being organized will help you carry out the process efficiently.

Latest Posts

Estimate My Move Or Call Us on: 703-705-4533

Claim additional 10% discount, by reserving online today!

Only available for online reservations. Conditions apply for reservations greater than 3 months.