Rental Industry News Today

As home to an airport and one of the largest ports in the country, Long Beach, Ca is a departure point for many overseas excursions. Undoubtedly, some of these flights and cruises take individuals overseas for an extended stay, if not an outright relocation. So what are some practical considerations for your furniture and belongings if you are going overseas for several months or several years?

You can elect to rent or sublet your home, condo, or apartment fully furnished to someone, which could be ideal if you’re pretty familiar with the individual to whom you are renting. This way you don’t have to sell or store your furniture and can keep your friendly familiar space for when and if you return.

Another option is to give up your space and ship your furniture overseas. This is not only an expensive option; it can also become both a planning and logistical challenge. Besides running into many thousands of dollars cost wise, it requires jumping through a lot of hoops like customs as well as determining if some items, like mattresses, will even be allowed into the country to which you are moving. Be prepared for a lot of your possessions to be inspected and pass thorough the hands of various third parties. As a rule of thumb, shipping furniture and possessions is only practical if the items have great value. It is much more practical to sell off what you can, give away or donate the rest, and simply buy replacements in your new surroundings.

Most individuals in this situation elect to move their possessions into secure self storage. This way, you keep your options open if things don’t work out and you decide to return to home sweet home. Self storage businesses are very familiar with individuals in this situation, and can offer practical suggestions to make the best of the situation.

Fortunately, the metro Long Beach area is home to a number of very good professionally staffed and managed self storage facilities. They offer storage solutions which can accommodate a single room, right up to the contents of an entire home. Many also offer boat and vehicle storage as well, so you can deal with one provider. Bear in mind that some items like upholstered furniture are best stored in climate controlled facilities, especially if they are susceptible to humidity and temperature extremes.

Talk to a reputable local storage provider. They will be happy to share their knowledge and experience to help you manage your possessions, and allow you peace of mind while you’re away.