Keep travel essentials separate

Pack passports, tenancy documents, medication, laptops, chargers and valuables in the luggage that stays with you. Add enough clothes for the full gap and keep any item needed for work or study out of storage.

Use smaller boxes for books and kitchen equipment so they remain safe to lift. Fill empty spaces inside cartons, tape the base twice and write your name, category and box number on more than one side.

Prepare fabrics and appliances

Wash and dry bedding, clothes and towels before packing them in breathable bags or clean lidded boxes. Empty, defrost and dry small fridges completely, then leave the door slightly open in storage to prevent stale smells.

Wipe sports equipment and let it dry. Reduce bicycle tyre pressure slightly, remove loose lights and keep the lock key with your travel documents. Never store food, damp laundry or anything prohibited by the facility.

Plan collection before leaving town

Confirm the access hours, move-in date and who is authorised to enter the unit. Save a photo of the finished layout and your box list. When the next tenancy starts, you can collect essentials first and avoid unpacking every carton in one rushed afternoon.