Be proactive. Gather all the materials you need before you start: boxes, markers, bubble wrap, shelves, etc.

Label the boxes. Describe the contents, number the boxes and keep a written inventory as you pack: finding what you’re looking for will be easy.

Use appropriate boxes. Use boxes of the same size (small, medium and large, but always the same) and of good quality. Large boxes are suitable for light items (sheets, pillows, lamps) and smaller boxes for heavier items (books). Documentation requires archive boxes for better organisation.

Be careful. Box small items with appropriate packing materials, filling empty spaces with paper or cork. Resist the temptation to put things in bags, as they risk damage from knocks and lack of ventilation.

Don’t overload. Boxes should weigh no more than you can lift without effort (for most people about 18kg).

Seal the boxes. Make sure all boxes are tightly sealed with packing tape to prevent dust from getting in.

Hang clothes. Use a wardrobe box to hang clothes to keep them ventilated and wrinkle-free.

Optimise your space. Whenever possible, dismantle furniture legs to avoid damage and save space. Keep small parts (screws) in bags and tape them to the furniture.

Be careful with fragile items. Wrap dishes and glassware individually, and protect the box with bubble wrap.

Plan ahead. Keep your frequently used items at the front of the storage room for easy access.

Set aside a transit space. Don’t forget to leave an aisle to move around and access all four sides of your storage room, so you don’t have to take out too many boxes to get in. This is especially important if you store documents that you need to consult frequently.

Take care of your things. Protect your furniture and mattresses with covers and protectors for better preservation.

Think vertically. Make the most of your space by stacking vertically, but without reaching the maximum height to favour ventilation. Place the heaviest objects at the bottom and the lightest and most fragile at the top.

Find the space. You can use the space inside washing machines, fridges, etc. to store towels, sheets and other textiles. Leave appliance doors ajar to allow proper ventilation.

Allow air to circulate. Leave a minimum of space between the walls of the storage room and your stored items to allow for ventilation.

Reinforce security. Use high quality locks on your storage room to improve security.

Flammable products. Do not store flammable chemicals, including gas cylinders.

Fuels. Keep the fuel tanks of machines you store empty. Empty other fluids as well to avoid corrosive damage.

Perishable goods. Do not store food or other perishable products.

Oils and greases. Make sure that the machines you store do not leak oil or produce grease stains. Always place them at an angle that does not allow them to leak. And put them on cardboard and with plastic underneath.