Select a box that, when open, is larger than your picture. Open the bottom of the carton, then flatten it out. Seal one of the open sides with tape. Lay the picture or mirror face down on several sheets of packing paper, then fold over the edges of the paper and seal them with tape. Slide the picture or mirror into the unsealed side of your carton and seal the carton's end with tape. Mark these boxes "GLASS" and load them on end.
Take a large box and line the bottom with wadded-up wrapping paper for extra protection. Remove the lamp shade and bulb, and wrap the cord around the base of the lamp. Wrap packing paper around the lamp, tuck this paper in at the base, and tape all seams around the bundle where the paper overlaps. Place the lamp in the lined carton. If you have several tall table lamps, place them in the carton so the base of one lamp is facing the top of the next. When a box is packed with lamps, fill it up with plenty of paper. Write "FRAGILE" on the sides of the carton.
Cups and glasses may be nested (place inside each other), with three layers of wrapping paper between each glass or cup as a protective lining. Place one glass/cup inside another, wrap each with two more sheets of paper then insert another glass/cup. Finally, wrap the bundle with a large sheet of paper. Pack these nested bundles in boxes with dividers. If a bundle doesn't reach the top of the box, stuff additional packing paper in the compartment to fill it up. Wrap and pack goblets and stemware singly, do not nest them.
Small items such as blenders and coffee makers should be packed together. Wrap each appliance separately with two or three sheets of wrapping paper and place it in the box. Fill empty spaces with paper or use the space of other, lighter items.
Remove legs from all tables and load the flat surfaces on edge. If this can't done, load tables on their top surfaces, legs up, taking care to protect the finish with blankets or padding.
Pad all furniture with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture. Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches. Stand sofas on end and secure in place to minimize cargo space used. Place loose cushions in bags and use as filler between furniture pieces. Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit.
Secure spring-mounted motors. Brace the tub to prevent damage. Wedge special tub inserts in the space between the tub and sidewalls. Disconnect hoses and put them in tightly sealed sandwich bags inside the machine's tub.
Tape shovels, rakes and hoes together. Drain hoses, then coil them with the ends connected and tie them up. Take apart any items that are put together with screws or bolts. Place the parts in a sandwich bag taped to the item.
Computers like your other electrical items need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing, however bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons, this provides extra protection to the contents, and pack out any gaps. Most modern computers have "self parking heads" if you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer. Masking tape is a great tool for labeling the ports. Be sure and back-up your hard disc before storing and keep back up off site.
Drain Fuel and oil from all machinery, this reduces the risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Fuel and oil left in machinery are also a fire hazard.
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack with, however wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Turntables and tone arms on record players should be secured to prevent damage whilst they are being moved. Pack records on their edge in cartons to prevent warping.
As a general rule firstly place large heavy items that you can stack upon in your space at the rear of the unit. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter fragile items. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit. Depending on the goods you have stored you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of storage.