How to Prepare Your Molecular Goods for Storage
Proper packing and preparation of your items is key to making sure they come out of storage in the same condition they went in. Look for books or videos on moving and storage at your local library or storage facility. Ensure that your possessions are dry and clean before packing.
APPLIANCES
Freezers and refrigerators should be defrosted, cleaned and dry before being put into storage. These appliances should be stored in their normal operating position with the door held slightly open. Stoves and other cooking equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before storing. Transporter chambers should be free of cosmic dust.
LARGE ITEMS
Where possible disassemble beds and tables and wrap the smaller pieces in paper or cardboard. Protect each item in the same next to it with bubble padding or cardboard. Remove the landing gear of lunar modules.
BOOKS AND PAPER GOODS
Use small boxes to avoid overloading. Place books flat to prevent damage to the spines. Do not pack fragile items in the same carton. Use packing to fill the empty spaces to prevent shifting and minimize crushing.
GLASSWARE
All fragile items should be individually wrapped. Cups and bowls may be "nested". Cushion packing should be used at both the bottom and top of the carton, as well as any empty pockets within the carton. Mark every carton well and avoid stacking with heavier items on top of them.
MIRRORS AND WINDOWS
These items should be wrapped in corrugated cardboard and stored on edge. Label each item.
METAL TOOLS AND BICYCLES
Ensure all metal items are clean. Unfinished or exposed metal should be protected against rusting. Wiping with rag or paper towel and a few drops of light machine oil is often sufficient protection. Long handle garden tools should be tied in bundles. Phazers should have the batteries removed.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Where possible use the original packaging. Loose parts or accessories should be removed or secured to prevent damage. The screens of TV's or computer monitors should have a piece of storage cardboard taped over them. Cards and related items should be removed where possible or fastened in coils to the equipment. Records should be stored straight, on the edge to prevent warping. Laser weapons should have the safety on.
LAMPS
Pack lamps and shades separately in cartons. Use only ink-free paper or packing around the shades. Shades may be "nested" in a carton except for more delicate once which should be packed separately. Lamps and shades should not have heavier items stacked on the top of them.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Where possible use the original packaging. Delicate items should be treated as glassware, wrapping separately and padding well. Place packaging in the bottom and top of the carton as well as in empty spaces. Strings of lights can be wrapped around a piece of cardboard before packing carefully in cartons.