Moving goods into storage is a good reason to dispose of all those unwanted items you should have thrown out years ago. Take an objective look through every room, drawer and closet in your home. Make use of non-profit organisations or charities, or even a garage sale to offload surplus items.

Fridges, freezers and other white goods should be clean, dry and deodorised. Doors should be secured slightly ajar to maintain airflow. Keep shelving clear to prevent them from being marked or damaged.

Protect furniture with drop sheets or something similar, such as sheets and doonas. Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect their shelving and structure. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong, secure cartons with naphthalene, mothballs or a similar product. Where possible, remove the legs from furniture (bed bases, tables etc.) to avoid damage and save space.

For TVs, DVD players, computers and other electrical goods, the original box is the best choice for repacking. If unavailable, first wrap items individually in bubble-wrap, pack closely into cartons and seal the top. Most computers have ‘self-parking heads’ – if you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or consult a retailer. Masking tape is a great tool for labelling electrical ports. Remember to create a back-up of computer files before storing and keep the back-up off site.