Appliances

A refrigerator door should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes. Be sure to clean stoves and cooking equipment before placing them in a storage space of any kind.

Bicycles and Other Metal Items

To prevent rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

Books and Paper Documents

Pack books flat to protect their spines and pages. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing materials to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload boxes.

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes, and Linens

Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.

Food crumbs and stains should be removed before storage.

Dishes and Glassware

Place a layer of packing material inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls, and stand all plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glass should be placed near the top of cartons. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

Furniture

Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons, and dresser drawers for linens or small delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (i.e. a bed sheet) dust cover over your furniture.

Lamps

Wrap lamp bases in padding and place them in boxes, and pack delicate lamp shades or any other items that may be damaged by ink stains. Be sure to clearly label boxes containing lamps. Do not store heavy items on boxes containing lamps or lamp shades.