So, you’ve chosen your storage unit – an excellent step towards a more organised life! But before you start loading up the car, let’s talk about one of the most crucial steps for a successful storage experience: packing.

How you pack your belongings directly impacts their condition when you retrieve them. In a climate like Cyprus, with its intense summer heat and winter humidity, proper packing isn’t just about organisation; it’s about protection. Follow this guide to ensure your items emerge from storage just as you left them.

Step 1: Gather Your Arsenal of Packing Supplies

Using the right materials is half the battle. Scrounging up used boxes from the supermarket might seem economical, but they can lack strength and may harbour pests or moisture. Invest in quality supplies for better protection:

• Sturdy, Uniform-Sized Boxes: New boxes are stronger and less likely to carry unwanted guests. Using boxes of the same size makes stacking inside your unit safer and more stable.
• High-Quality Packing Tape: Don’t skimp! A strong tape will keep your boxes sealed against dust, pests, and humidity.
• Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper: Essential for protecting fragile items. Use bubble wrap for breakables and packing paper for wrapping everyday items and filling gaps in boxes.
• Furniture Covers & Moving Blankets: These are non-negotiable in Cyprus. They protect furniture from dust, scratches, and, most importantly, the humid air that can cause damage. Avoid using plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture and lead to mould.
• Marker Pens: For clear, bold labelling.
• Silica Gel Packets: These small desiccant packs are your secret weapon against moisture. Toss them into boxes with sensitive items like electronics, documents, and clothing.
• Mattress & Sofa Covers: Specialty bags designed to protect these items from moisture and dust.

Step 2: The Golden Rules of Packing

Clean and Dry EVERYTHING: This is the most important rule for storing in Cyprus. Before anything gets packed, ensure it is completely clean and bone-dry. Any trapped moisture will create a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew in the warm, humid environment.

Create a Master Inventory: List everything you’re putting into storage. You can keep a notebook or a digital file. Number each box and list its contents on your inventory sheet. This will save you from having to rummage through every box to find one specific item later.

The Box-Packing Strategy:

• Heaviest at the Bottom: Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.
• Fill ‘Er Up: A half-empty box is a weak box that can easily be crushed. Fill empty spaces with packing paper, towels, or linens to prevent items from shifting.
• Don’t Overpack: A box should be full, but not so heavy that you can’t lift it safely. As a rule of thumb, if it’s too heavy for you, it’s too heavy for the box.
• Label Like a Pro: On the top and at least two sides of each box, write the box number, its general contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Mugs & Glasses”), and the room it belongs to.

Step 3: Packing Specific Items for the Cyprus Climate

• Furniture: After cleaning and drying, wrap wooden and leather furniture with moving blankets or old cotton sheets. This allows the items to breathe while protecting them. Disassemble tables and bed frames to save space – keep all screws and small parts in a labelled bag taped securely to the main piece.
• Clothing & Fabrics: Ensure all textiles are freshly laundered and completely dry. For long-term storage, consider using vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect against moisture and pests. For natural fibres like wool, adding cedar balls can deter moths.
• Electronics: The heat and humidity can be brutal on electronics. Pack them in their original boxes if possible. If not, use sturdy boxes with plenty of cushioning (like bubble wrap). Add a silica gel packet or two inside the box for extra moisture absorption.
• Appliances (Fridges, Washing Machines): These must be thoroughly cleaned, defrosted, and dried out. Leave the doors slightly ajar to promote air circulation and prevent mould growth. Secure any loose parts and hoses.
• Fragile Items: Each fragile item should be individually wrapped. Plates are best packed vertically on their sides, not flat. Fill all gaps in the box with packing paper to prevent any movement. Clearly label the box “FRAGILE” on all sides.
• Photos & Documents: To prevent photos from sticking together in the heat, place acid-free paper between them. Store documents flat in protective sleeves or archive boxes. Again, silica gel packets are a great idea here.

By taking the time to pack your belongings with care and consideration for the local climate, you’re not just renting space – you’re preserving your memories and investments. Pack it right now, and you’ll thank yourself later!