Do you live in NYC and need to move overseas for work or are you taking a semester to study abroad? Then consider using short term storage during this time to keep your heavy and bulky items behind and only take the items that you really need with you. This is a good time to really evaluate your belongings and determine what to carry.

When moving overseas, moving companies base their estimates on the overall weight of the shipment which often times makes shipping big ticket items like furniture and cars just not worth the cost. For instance, to move a two-bedroom apartment from the U.S. to England typically runs about $5000 to $7000 depending on the size of your items. Cars run about $1500-$2000 depending on the vehicle. Movers often charge extra fees for services like lifting, stairs and long carry. Insurance is typically 2-3 % of the declared value of your belongings and most insurance policies require that you use a professional packing company, further racking up the cost of the move. Bulky and heavy furniture like beds, wardrobes, appliances and sofas usually require special packing handing and shipping charges and often are just not worth the expense. These items are good choices for self storage.

Now consider your car. Should you bring your car with you? Generally, the U.S. charges about 2-3% tax on cars. If your car doesn’t meet certain safety and emission standards, you’ll need to bring it up to code before you can import it. Selling a car may make you lose money on car’s value. Put the pros and cons on paper and evaluate whether it’s cost effective to bring your car with you or use a self storage.

If you expect your stay to be short-term, using a self storage locker in NYC to store you items may be the most convenient and cost-effective option. This will make your move less expensive and easier.

Gotham Mini Storage (the leader in Manhattan mini storage) offers most modern amenities including 24/7 security and climate-controlled storage units. While planning a temporary storage, you should label your boxes well and keep an inventory of your items. Our storage consultants will guide you how best to store your items so that when you return you can easily access any item that you may need without having to reshuffle. Interested in short-term storage? Contact us today for specials and unit sizes!