When you're moving abroad, figuring out what to do with all your stuff can be daunting. Here are some tips on how to sort through your stuff and store it while you're away. 

Decide What to Take

If you're moving abroad for the first time, you may not actually need as much stuff to come with you as you'd think. Research your destination carefully to see what will be available there and what you need to bring along. For instance, you may think you need to bring suitcases full of comfort items such as familiar snacks and magazines, but many of these things are more available than you'd imagine. And if nothing else, it can be cheaper to have a friend ship them to you than to bring along extra luggage. Similarly, you might be able to borrow things like irons and clothing hangers at your destination, especially if you're being hosted by someone. Try to keep your possessions down to 1 or 2 suitcases for your trip. 

Decide What to Keep

Next, you're probably left with a lot of items that will stay behind. What you choose to do with them will depend on how long you plan to be abroad. If you're staying for only a year or less, then most of your stuff is probably good to keep. Just be sure to factor in depreciation when you're deciding whether to keep older items such as electronics. Consider the costs of renting a storage facility vs. the value of your items. It's often worth it to pay a few hundred dollars on storage to save thousands when you return. 

What if you're unsure how long you're staying? It can still be good reasoning to use a self storage unit for at least the first year. If you decide to come back home, you'll still have all of your belongings. After that, you can choose to get rid of all the stuff if you decide you love it in your new home. 

Look for a Low-Maintenance Self-Storage Facility

When you're traveling, it pays to store your items in a low-maintenance storage facility. It should be climate controlled so that you don't have to worry about seasonal temperature changes. Find a facility with a manager and staff that you trust to handle issues correctly in your absence. By choosing the best self storage option, you won't have to fret about your items until you get home. 

For more information about your storage options, contact a company like Colfax West Self Storage.