1. Leave a path to the rear of the unit. Place frequently used items near the front of the unit. Since screws, nails or hanging anything on the walls is prohibited, use freestanding shelves.
   
2. Clean all furniture, appliances and clothing prior to storing them.
   
3. Pack everything loosely and cover everything with old sheets. DO NOT use plastic to pack into, or cover your things.
   
4. Appliances must be thoroughly clean and dry. Keep freezer and refrigerator doors slightly open. Save a few empty cardboard rollers from paper towels. Fill the tube with paper and tape openings. Once in storage, use one roller per door. Open the door slightly and place the roller between the frame and door of the refrigerator and tape it closed on the roller with packing tape. Repeat this with the freezer door as well.
   
5. Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags.
   
6. Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off the floor. Use two to three 2" X 4" cut to 1' long.
   
7. Store mirrors, glass table tops and any flat glass in a sturdy crate on edge, not flat. If no crate is available, you can wrap all glass separately in blankets or place heavy cardboard between each piece, and place them between mattresses.
   
8. Long-handled tools can be tied in bundles. Do not store brooms on their bristles.
   
9. When storing metal in non-A/C space, wipe all surfaces with a cloth containing a few drops of machine oil. Do not over indulge as to how much oil to use. A little goes a long way.
   
10. Storage of food, plants, or other items that may attract insects or pests is prohibited.
    
11. Storage of fragrant items or other aromatics or anything that causes an odor of any kind is prohibited.
    
12. Storage of flammable, hazardous, pressurized, or toxic materials nor liquids and aerosols that may spill or burst is prohibited. Drain oil and gas from all machines small or large prior to storage.

Packing Tips

1. Make a list of packing materials needed: boxes, bubble pack unpainted paper, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, etc.
   
2. Start packing items not normally used on a daily basis like knickknacks, books, holiday decorations, excess linens, etc. at least two weeks before moving day. When packing boxes, try to limit the weight to 30 lbs. You want to get as much as possible in each box but in such a way that nothing is crushed or compressed.
   
3. Pack fragile items well-wrapped in bubble wrap or paper packed tightly but not forced in the box. Cushion each box with crumpled paper, on top, bottom, and between layers. You want all breakables packed the same way in each box.
   
4. Pack breakables separate from large, solid or heavy items.
   
5. Label each box as you seal it as to which room and mark FRAGILE on all boxes with breakables. Use small boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for the lighter items. Try to use a box for everything. Odds are, if you move things un-boxed, they will be dirty or damaged by the time you need them.
   
6. Never store anything in sealed plastic bags, especially in non-A/C storage. The humidity will cause mildew and mildew will damage just about anything.
   
7. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
   
8. Wrap pictures, mirrors, and glass tops with cushioned paper or moving blankets and crate. Wrap lamp bases in padding. Wrap lampshades and place in separate cartons.
   
9. Hang clothes loosely in wardrobe boxes. For extra protection, take a square foot of light cheesecloth and fill with cedar chips, tying all four corners together so none of the chips get loose in the box.
   
10. Disassemble bed frames and other furniture when possible. Wrap for protection.