Wedge appliance doors open.
Freezer, refrigerator, washer and dryer cartons are excellent for packaging bedding, towels and clothing. Always clean your stove before storing.

Pack books flat to protect their spines.
Do not place boxes directly on the floor. Books are heavy in bunches, pack in smaller cartons for easy lifting. Line all book cartons with plastic. Garbage bags make good liners.

Store mirrors, windows and screens on edge, not flat.
Crate them in a mirror pack if possible or package them individually with strong cardboard. Mark them so they won't accidentally get bumped.

Take time when packing dishes and glasses.
Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Plates and glasses should be wrapped individually. It's best to stack plates on edge.

Wipe the surface of bicycles, tools and other metal items with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting.

Save holiday decoration cartons which contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newspaper.

Protect furniture and mattresses with specially designed plastic covers. Place a pallet, cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.

Store records on edge. They are quite heavy, so be sure you don't pack too many in one box.

Store small, expensive items like stereos, tv's etc., in the back of the storage space in unmarked boxes with pieces of large furniture in front of them. This will make it more difficult for theives to gain access.

Use uniform size boxes and stack them shoulder high to maximize your total storage space.

Prepare your storage space by placing a plastic sheet or a pallet on the floor under your goods.

Leave an air space around the unit's perimeter to aid in ventilation.

Place frequently used items near the door and leave a walkway to the rear of the space.

Cover all your stored possessions with a light plastic sheet. In humid areas allow for ventilation.

Make a complete list of all goods stored, including brand names, product features and serial numbers. Keep the list in a safe place away from the storage space.

To prove ownership, keep proof of purchase documentation like receipts, owner's manuals and warranties. Or, make a photo or videotaped record of your stored goods. Keep this material in a safe place away from the storage space.