General • Use good quality storage boxes. • Fill boxes to capacity, but take care not to overfill – partially filled or bulging boxes may collapse or tip. • Pack heavy items in small boxes so that they can be lifted easily • Wrap all fragile goods in bubble wrap for added protection – and pack in boxes marked fragile • Label or number your boxes clearly, to help you find them easily • Make an inventory of all your stored belongings/goods • Position heavy or large items on the floor – unless you’re going to need to access them frequently – and stack smaller, lighter items on top • Protect all items too large to pack away with dust sheets • Place any items you’ll need to access regularly near the door Household items and white goods • Leave refrigerator or freezer doors open for ventilation • Wrap all glass and ceramic items, including chinaware, glasses and vases, in paper or bubble wrap, and pack in boxes marked fragile • Pack framed pictures and mirrors on their sides in boxes marked fragile • Clean all garden equipment, bikes, tools, etc. thoroughly, before storing • Empty all petrol and paraffin tanks (where applicable: lawnmowers, heaters, etc.) Furniture • Separate stacked chairs with cloth or paper • Protect sofas, armchairs and other soft furnishings with dust sheets • Avoid placing heavy boxes on mattresses or sofas