Helpful tips on packing and storing that can save you space, time and money!

Pack and stack carefully. This will minimize the amount of space you'll need and will prevent damage. Place frequently used items near the door and valuables in the rear of the unit. Pack heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry and place them on the bottom of stacks to prevent any damage to your belongings.

Appliances

Refrigerators and/or freezers should be thoroughly dry and stored with doors slightly ajar. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored. Avoid storing anything that may potentially attract pests. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances. Some boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers to help save space and money.

Books and documents

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

Bedding, clothing, curtains, drapes and linens

Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. If the items are too large for a box or cannot be hung, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers, cedar chests or wardrobe style cardboard cartons along with bedding and linens.

Dishes and glassware

Place a layer of packing materials inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. Ideally these items should be stored in a specifically designed dish pack box. All glass items should be individually wrapped; nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing materials. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

Furniture

Keep upholstery off the floor. Protect furniture by placing a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor. Stand sofas and matresses on end to save floor space and money. Place a light cotton bed sheet or dust cover on your furniture for protection. 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 the legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Use dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items.