What to Expect When Using International Storage Services for Your Move

Planning an international move? Here’s how storage services help simplify your journey.

When planning an international move, one of the most common challenges people face is what to do with belongings that can’t travel right away. Whether your new home is still under preparation, your assignment abroad is temporary, or you simply need time to settle before shipping everything, international storage services can make a world of difference.

But what exactly should you expect from a professional storage solution? Understanding the process, facilities, and safeguards will help you make informed decisions and protect your belongings during transition.

As one of Asia’s most trusted relocation specialists, Asian Tigers Group offers secure storage options designed for families, professionals, and corporations. With over 60 years of experience in relocation services and logistics, the company ensures every client enjoys peace of mind knowing their possessions are in expert hands.

Here’s a detailed look at what to expect when using international storage services, and how Asian Tigers ensures the experience is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

1. A Comprehensive Consultation and Survey

The process begins with a pre-move consultation or site survey. This step helps assess the volume and nature of the goods you plan to store and determines the best packing methods and storage conditions.

Asian Tigers provides both in-person and virtual surveys, allowing flexibility for busy clients. During the survey, your relocation consultant will:

• Estimate shipment volume in cubic meters (cbm).
• Identify fragile, high-value, or special items requiring custom care.
• Recommend suitable storage duration: short-term or long-term.

This early assessment allows the company to design a tailored plan for packing, transportation, and storage based on your unique needs.

2. Professional Packing and Secure Handling

Once your items are identified for storage, professional packing becomes the most critical step. Proper packing ensures your belongings remain safe for months, or even years, without deterioration.

Asian Tigers’ trained crews use industry-approved materials and techniques, including:

• Double-wall cartons and reinforced boxes.
• Custom-built wooden crates for fragile or high-value items.
• Anti-moisture wrapping and acid-free tissue for delicate fabrics and artworks.
• Barcoded labeling for precise inventory tracking.

Each item is handled carefully to prevent scratches, dust exposure, or moisture buildup. This professional touch ensures your items are not only packed efficiently but are also compliant with international shipping and storage standards.

3. Transparent Documentation and Inventory Control

Documentation is essential for both customs compliance and easy retrieval. Asian Tigers provides a digital inventory list, complete with barcodes and item descriptions.

Clients receive a copy of this inventory, allowing them to check stored items anytime and request retrieval or shipping when needed.

This system supports milestone-based tracking and inventory updates, coordinated by your assigned move specialist, from pickup to storage and final delivery.

4. Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities

A key advantage of professional storage services is the controlled environment. Not all belongings can withstand humidity, temperature fluctuations, or dust exposure, which are common in standard storage spaces.

According to IMARC Group, the global self‑storage market reached USD 60.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 89.7 billion by 2033, driven in part by rising demand for secure, climate‑controlled storage (IMARC Group, 2024).

Asian Tigers’ facilities are climate-controlled and humidity-regulated, protecting items such as:

• Wooden furniture and antiques (to prevent warping or cracking).
• Electronics and appliances (sensitive to moisture).
• Documents, artwork, and textiles (susceptible to mold).

In addition, the company’s warehouses are equipped with CCTV surveillance, pest control, and fire prevention systems, ensuring maximum safety and cleanliness.

5. Flexible Storage Options

Every move is different, so flexibility is key. Asian Tigers offers two main types of storage:

• Short-Term Storage: Ideal for short-term storage, typically weeks or months, when your shipment is in transit or your new home isn’t ready.
• Long-Term Storage: Suitable for extended stays abroad, long assignments, or keeping non-essential items in secure custody for years.

You can also request a combination of both, depending on your relocation timeline. Your dedicated move coordinator will help adjust plans as needed, ensuring your goods are accessible when you’re ready for them.

6. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Even the most advanced facilities and handling processes cannot eliminate every risk. That’s why insurance is an essential part of international storage.

Asian Tigers offers comprehensive marine transit and storage insurance, covering damage, theft, or loss during packing, transport, and storage.

Clients can choose from different coverage levels, depending on the value of their goods and storage duration. Your coordinator will guide you through policy options, ensuring your belongings are fully protected throughout the move.

7. Clear Communication and Regular Updates

Communication is at the heart of every successful relocation. When you store items with Asian Tigers, you’re assigned a dedicated move coordinator who manages all logistics and serves as your main point of contact.

This coordinator provides:

• Updates on inventory and storage conditions.
• Assistance with retrieval requests.
• Coordination for onward shipping or delivery.
• Regular reminders for contract renewals or storage extensions.

According to the 2025 ATG ChatBar AI Report, clients highly value consistent communication, and Asian Tigers has made it a defining feature of its service approach.

8. Strict Security and Access Control

Security is another top priority. Asian Tigers’ warehouses are equipped with 24-hour CCTV, restricted access systems, and trained security personnel.

Only authorized staff can access stored goods, ensuring complete confidentiality and safety. When clients request access, the company schedules supervised visits or retrievals, maintaining full accountability.

This level of protection has made Asian Tigers a trusted choice for diplomats, corporations, and families who need long-term storage across Asia.

9. Sustainable and Responsible Operations

In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability matters. Asian Tigers has taken proactive steps to minimize its environmental footprint through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

These include:

• Using recyclable packing materials and minimizing single-use plastics.
• Optimizing shipping routes to reduce emissions.
• Implementing energy-efficient systems in warehouses.

The company’s commitment to sustainability reflects its broader mission to deliver quality relocation services while protecting the planet.

10. Smooth Retrieval and Delivery

When you’re ready to retrieve or ship your stored items, Asian Tigers manages the entire process with precision. Clients can request full or partial retrievals, depending on their needs.

Your coordinator will arrange transport, customs documentation, and delivery to your chosen destination; whether it’s your new residence or another storage facility abroad.

Each shipment undergoes a final condition check, ensuring your belongings are returned in the same state they were packed.

Why Choose Asian Tigers Group

• Global Expertise: Over 60 years of experience in international relocation and logistics.
• Secure Facilities: Monitored storage warehouses across Asia.
• Personalized Service: Dedicated move coordinators for every client.
• Award-Winning Reputation: Recognized by FIDI, OMNI, and Expat Living Awards.
• Sustainability Commitment: Industry leader in eco-friendly moving practices.

Asian Tigers Group combines global reach with local care, offering a complete relocation experience, from professional packing to long-term storage and final delivery.

Final Thoughts

Using international storage services can make your move smoother, safer, and more organized; provided you choose the right partner. From careful packing to transparent communication and sustainable operations, every detail matters.

With its world-class facilities, skilled professionals, and decades of experience, Asian Tigers Group ensures your belongings are secure and accessible whenever you need them.

Whether you’re relocating for a few months or several years, Asian Tigers delivers the reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind you deserve.

To learn more or request a consultation, visit asiantigersgroup.com. Let Asian Tigers handle your storage needs while you focus on your next adventure abroad.

Further Reading

[1] IMARC Group. (2024). Self‑Storage Market Size, Share & Forecast Report 2033. https://www.imarcgroup.com/self-storage-market

[2] Research and Markets. (2024). Self‑Storage Market Report 2024. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/self-storage