Moving abroad is an important decision — whether for work, study, or a new chapter in life.
But before leaving, a practical (and often emotional) question arises:
👉 What should you do with your furniture and personal belongings?
Sell them? Leave them with family members? Store them? Transport them?
In this article, we explain the main options and how to make the best decision.
1. Assess the Type of Move
Before deciding, it is essential to understand:
- Is the move temporary or permanent?
- Will you return to Portugal?
- Do you already have accommodation at your destination?
- Will you need your belongings in the future?
Your answers to these questions will influence the entire decision-making process.
2. Taking Everything with You (Not Always the Best Option)
Transporting all your belongings to another country may seem logical, but it involves:
- High international shipping costs
- Complex logistics
- Long delivery times
- Risk of damage
In addition, the new place may often:
- Already be furnished
- Be temporary
- Not have enough space for everything
3. Selling Your Furniture
A common solution is to sell some of your belongings.
Advantages:
✔ Reduces the volume of items
✔ Generates some financial return
Disadvantages:
❌ You may sell below the actual value
❌ You may regret it if you return
❌ It requires time and effort
4. Leaving Items with Family or Friends
This is another common option.
However, it can bring challenges:
- Lack of space in other people's homes
- Limited access to your belongings
- Risk of damage or disorganization
- Dependence on other people
5. Temporary Storage
For those who do not want to sell or transport everything, storage can be the most balanced solution.
It allows you to:
✔ Keep your belongings safe
✔ Avoid making permanent decisions
✔ Return without having to start from scratch
✔ Protect items with sentimental value
6. What Makes Sense to Store?
Not everything needs to be taken with you, and not everything needs to be sold.
Items that usually make sense to store include:
- Valuable furniture
- Important documents
- Equipment
- Personal belongings
- Items with sentimental value
7. Organizing Before Storing
Before storing your belongings, it is important to:
- Sort items by category
- Pack them properly
- Label boxes
- Create an inventory list
This will make future access much easier.
8. Security: A Decisive Factor
When storing belongings for months or years, security is essential.
It is important to ensure:
- Protection against humidity
- A clean and ventilated space
- Access control
- Monitoring and surveillance
Not all storage spaces offer these conditions, but BigBox does.
9. Flexibility Is Essential
When moving abroad, plans can change.
That is why the solution you choose should allow you to:
- Adjust the storage space as needed
- Access your belongings whenever necessary
- Store them for variable periods of time
10. Think About Returning (Even If It Is Not Certain)
Even if the move is indefinite, it is important to consider:
👉 What if you want to come back?
Having your belongings stored can make that process much easier.
Moving abroad does not have to mean losing everything you have built.
Between selling, transporting, or storing your belongings, the best decision is the one that balances:
- Cost
- Flexibility
- Security
- Peace of mind
Storage can be the simplest way to keep your options open while you embrace a new chapter in your life.
