Deciding to study abroad or take a gap year is one of the most exciting choices you can make during your time at the University of Manchester, MMU, or Salford University. However, once the flights are booked and the visa is sorted, a very grounded problem remains: your bedroom is still full of stuff. Deciding what to store before moving abroad is a critical step in streamlining your transition and ensuring your belongings are safe until you return to the UK.
Most students find that they only actually need about 20% of their current possessions for their international adventure. The rest—the heavy textbooks, the winter duvets, and the kitchen gadgets—need a secure home. Using professional university storage in Manchester allows you to clear out your current accommodation, end your tenancy, and save a significant amount of money that can be better spent on your travels.
The Essentials: What to Store Before Moving Abroad
The goal of storage is to protect the items you will definitely need upon your return but cannot justify shipping across continents. International shipping is notoriously expensive, and most items are simply not worth the freight costs. Here is a breakdown of the categories you should prioritise when deciding what to store before moving abroad.
Academic Materials and Textbooks
If you are midway through your degree, your textbooks and research notes are invaluable. However, they are also incredibly heavy. Shipping a box of books to the USA or Australia could cost more than the books themselves. These are the primary candidates for storage. Keep your most important physical journals and reference books in sturdy, double-walled boxes to prevent the spine from warping over time.
Seasonal Clothing and Heavy Textiles
If you are heading to a semester in a sunny climate, you won’t need your Manchester-proof raincoats or heavy woollen jumpers. Similarly, bulky duvets, pillows, and extra linens take up far too much room in a suitcase. These items are perfect for student storage. We recommend using vacuum bags to shrink these items down, which helps you fit more into your boxes and lowers your overall storage prices.
Kitchenware and Small Appliances
Unless you are moving into an unfurnished apartment overseas, you won’t need your kettle, toaster, or air fryer. These items are awkward to pack and fragile to ship. Storing them locally ensures you have a fully functioning kitchen the moment you move into your new Manchester flat upon your return. Ensure all appliances are crumb-free and bone-dry before boxing them up to avoid any issues with mould.
Managing Electronics and Gadgets
When considering what to store before moving abroad, electronics require the most care. While you will likely take your laptop and phone, items like second monitors, gaming consoles, or desktop PCs are often better left in a secure, climate-controlled environment.
- Gaming Consoles and PCs: These are high-value items that are easily damaged in transit. Store them in their original packaging if possible, or use plenty of bubble wrap.
- Monitors and Screens: Always store these upright. Never lay a flat-screen monitor at the bottom of a box, as the pressure from other items can crack the LCD.
- Sound Systems: Speakers and amplifiers are heavy and contain magnets that can be sensitive. Wrap them individually and label the boxes as “Fragile.”
For more technical advice on prepping your gear, visit our useful information for Manchester students page.
What NOT to Store: The Ruthless Audit
Deciding what to store before moving abroad also involves deciding what to throw away. A year away is a long time, and your tastes or needs might change. Do not pay to store items that you will likely replace or discard the moment you get back.
Perishables and Toiletries
This may seem obvious, but never store food, even canned goods, for long periods. Similarly, half-used bottles of shampoo or cleaning supplies can leak and ruin the rest of your box. Dispose of these or give them to housemates before you leave. If you have questions about prohibited items, check our frequently asked questions.
Outdated Tech and Fast Fashion
If that old printer barely works now, it won’t be any better in twelve months. If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in the last six months, you probably won’t want it when you return. Use your move-out as an opportunity to declutter. Selling items on Vinted or Depop can provide a nice little boost to your travel fund.
How to Pack Your Storage Boxes for the Long Haul
Because you won’t be around to check on your things, the way you pack matters. What to store before moving abroad is only half the battle; how you store it is the other half.
Use high-quality tape and ensure the bottom of every box is reinforced. Label every box on the side with its contents and your name. This is particularly helpful if you need a friend to retrieve something for you while you are away. For more tips on the best packing methods, stay updated with our student news blog.
The “H-Tape” Method
When sealing your boxes, use the “H” method: one strip down the centre seam and two strips across the side seams. This creates a secure seal that keeps dust out and prevents the box from bursting if it’s moved.
Inventory Tracking
Take a photo of the contents of each box before you seal it. Upload these to a cloud drive like Google Drive or iCloud. If you ever need to check if you stored your spare passport or a specific textbook, you can check your phone from anywhere in the world.
Logistics: Booking Your Collection in Manchester
Once you’ve decided what to store before moving abroad, you need to get it to the warehouse. Most students don’t have a car, and hiring a van on the day you’re supposed to be at the airport is a recipe for disaster.
We provide a door-to-door collection service across all major student areas in Manchester. Whether you are in halls at UoM or a private flat in Salford, we can pick up your boxes and take them to our secure facility. You can book your slot in advance using our student booking form.
Summary: Move-Abroad Storage Checklist
Before you head to the airport, make sure you have organised these categories:
- Academic: Textbooks, journals, and degree-specific equipment.
- Clothing: Winter coats, heavy knitwear, and formal wear.
- Bedding: Duvets, pillows, and spare linens (vacuum-packed).
- Electronics: Monitors, consoles, and desktop PCs (batteries removed).
- Kitchen: Clean, dry appliances and crockery.
- Valuables: Any sentimental items you don’t want to risk taking overseas.
Ready for Your International Adventure?
Deciding what to store before moving abroad is the final hurdle before your journey begins. By clearing your space and securing your belongings, you are giving yourself the freedom to focus entirely on your new environment. No more worrying about rent, no more worrying about damp student houses, and no more heavy lifting.
When your time abroad comes to an end, we’ll be ready to deliver your boxes back to your new Manchester address. You can return to the city and settle back into your studies with all your familiar comforts ready and waiting. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your time overseas!