1. Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This will reduce the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods stored in that same space. Petrol and oil left in your machinery is also a fire hazard.

1. Remove batteries in all battery-operated appliances to avoid any damage, as dry cells are prone to leakage.

1. Electrical equipment, which is very delicate and sensitive, should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to be repacked in before storage. However, wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer good protection for these items.
2. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Pack pictures, vinyl records etc on their edges to prevent warping.
3. Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However, bubble-wrap and high-quality packing cartons will also do the job.
4. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents.

1. Wrapping silver in non-acid tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wiping chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil will help to retard rust.

1. Place loose photographs between pieces of clean cardboard and tape them together to avoid curling. Photographs are heat-sensitive and will suffer temperature damage if the storage is not climate-controlled. Go for air-conditioned storage to protect your memories!

1. These items should be protected by packing material (e.g. bubble-wrap) or stored upright in a flat-pack carton (not lying flat). Separate lamp bases from lampshades before wrapping them for protection.

1. Place a layer of packing (e.g. scrunched paper or linen) inside the bottom and top of cartons containing breakables.
2. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and can possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters, casserole dishes, etc. on their edges. Bubble wrap is a good investment for fragile items and breakables.
3. Fill any gaps in the cartons with packing. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons while in transit.
4. Label all cartons specifically containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on top of these cartons.

1. Empty all contents of wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards to protect their shelving and structure.
2. Where possible, remove the legs from items of furniture, e.g. bed bases, tables etc. to avoid damage and save space.
3. Chairs can be stacked seat-to-seat to save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping for extra protection.
4. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong, secure cartons (e.g. wardrobe or clothes boxes) with some naphthalene or mothballs to protect them and maintain their condition.
5. It’s not wise to place your clothes in bin liners as moisture can get trapped inside when sealed, resulting in mouldy linen. Similarly, don’t pack items into sealed plastic bags as humidity can cause mildew.
6. Vacuum dirt and food crumbs from sofa lounges to prevent attracting vermin.
7. Invest in covers, bags or sheeting when storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas to give them additional protection.
8. Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting.

1. Drain washing machines before storing them and tie down any loose ends like dangling hoses. Appliances should be cleaned and dried before storing. It is worthwhile to wipe the insides with bicarbonate of soda before you store them.

1. Fridges and freezers should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing. While in storage, doors should be secured slightly ajar to stop condensation forming and help ward off bad odours.
2. Make sure you defrost your fridge and freezer thoroughly before storing in order to prevent water damage due to condensation.
3. Having a deodoriser inside fridges or freezers is a good idea to maintain freshness.
4. Do not place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can easily be marked or damaged.