Before anything goes into a box: secure your data. Back up your laptop, PC, phone and any NAS. Hardware can always fail in transit, but your photos and files are irreplaceable — a back-up is your cheapest insurance.

Always transport and store a TV upright, never flat — a screen lying down can crack under its own pressure. Protect the screen with bubble wrap or a blanket; if you still have the original box with foam blocks, use it. Wedge the TV so it can't tip.

Pack laptop and PC separately, ideally in antistatic material, and don't put them at the bottom of a heavy stack. Pack speakers separately: protect the cones, heavy speakers at the bottom of the box and light ones on top. Fill gaps so nothing can shift.

For printers, take out the ink or toner cartridges and pack them separately — otherwise they leak. Wrap small devices like a coffee machine, console or monitor individually and stand them upright. Fill hollow parts and empty box space with paper.

Upright, never flat. Protect the screen with bubble wrap or the original foam blocks and wedge the TV so it can't tip or slide. Transporting flat is the main cause of cracked panels.

Not required, but it's the best protection — the box and foam blocks are made exactly for the device. So keep the box of expensive devices when you buy them. If you no longer have it, use a sturdy double-walled box to size with plenty of padding.

Yes, provided it's dry and climate-controlled — damp and temperature swings are the biggest risks. Remove the batteries and rechargeable cells first: loose cells are prohibited in storage due to fire risk and can also leak.

Take a photo of the back before disconnecting, bundle the cables with a tie and put them per device in a labelled bag. That way you reconnect everything in minutes later, without puzzling over which cable goes where.