How to Protect Your Furniture When Putting It Into Storage

Don't make things rough, cover your nice stuff!

So you've finally decided to get that storage unit you've been longing for. Congratulations! But before you start packing everything and transporting it to its new home, there's one thing you must do first: protect your furniture! 

So, how should furniture be securely kept? Easy, you spend the time to properly store it. But let's face it, keeping furniture in good condition requires work. Here are some pointers for protecting your furniture when you put it in storage:

Not all storage facilities are created equal, some are better suited than others for storing delicate items such as furniture. When selecting one, look for one that is well maintained from the weather and has some ventilation.

If you’re looking at container storage then these are usually great in terms of weather resistance (they are built for crossing oceans!), but it helps to reduce the opportunity for condensation by keeping wet items out of the unit (avoid moving-in in the rain) and using humidity catchers. 

Even better, some containers are insulated but you may expect to pay a little more for these.

By taking precautions, your belongings will be safe from unsettling temperature changes and potential pests. 

Before renting a unit, measure your furniture to determine how much space you'll require. Nothing is more annoying than discovering after the fact that your sofa will not fit through the door!

Before putting your furniture in storage, it's crucial to clean it. This will lessen the chance that dust or grime will become trapped beneath the covers and harm the furniture over time. Before covering up your cleaned furniture, make sure it is completely dry.

Here are some tips for cleaning storage furniture:

• Use mild soap and water to clean wooden or plastic furniture. To preserve the finish on wooden furniture, use a wood cleaner. For items made of wood, this is important.
• Use fabric or upholstery cleaner to clean fabric items such as sofas or cushions. Before you begin putting things away, make sure everything is completely dry.
• Using a polishing cloth and metal cleaner, polish any metal components. This procedure will postpone the formation of tarnish and aid in the removal of any existing oxidation.

The next step is to disassemble any items you can. For example, this might require taking the legs off of sofas, taking apart shelving units, wardrobes, and many other things. This is critical because the smaller the pieces, the less likely they are to be dropped, broken or brushed against a door frame.

By doing so, you'll maximise your storage space and make packing your items easier (the dismantled pieces are more compact, take up less room, and can be strategically arranged inside the storage unit to save space). 

Allen keys, bolts, and other small items should be kept in a labelled bag with the appropriate piece of furniture. It might take some time to put everything back together again, but it'll be worth it when your furniture comes out of storage looking as good as new!

To stop moisture from the floor penetrating into your furniture, lay down thick plastic sheeting on the floor of your storage area before placing anything inside. If you are not in a climate-controlled environment, this step is especially crucial.

Place blankets or sheets on your furniture to protect it. Even if you thoroughly clean your furniture before storing it, dust and dirt can still accumulate on its surfaces. Cover all furniture items you store with old sheets, blankets, plastic sheeting, or other appropriate covers to help prevent damage.

Make sure they are light enough to allow air to flow through to avoid condensation. Surfaces will be kept clean and protected from scuffs and scratches as a result.

If you're worried about breaking any particularly priceless or sentimental furniture pieces, think about wrapping them in bubble wrap for extra protection. Just take care not to wrap them too tightly, as this could result in cracks or indentations being left on the pieces from the pressure of the bubble wrap.

Similarly, wrap any fragile objects, such as vases, lamps or glass, in bubble wrap or in a box of packing peanuts before putting them in storage. You won't have to be concerned about them getting damaged while being stored if you do it this way.

The best way to store furniture is to avoid excess. The quickest way to break something priceless is to over-pack your self-storage unit. Spend a moment organising your storage area for simple access. Packing furniture should be done carefully; begin with the biggest pieces, then add boxes and smaller items.

Avoid placing sofas or other long pieces of furniture on their ends to conserve space. It is best to keep furniture arranged in the manner in which it would typically be used in a home. Sofas should be stored horizontally, as this is how they were made to be. Storing them vertically will put additional strain on the joints, which weren't made to support the weight of the entire piece.

Ensure that the storage unit's sides and back are always accessible. Try to keep your storage area neat and clutter-free to protect furniture and other contents. You run the risk of toppling over items, breaking pieces, and causing other damage as you cram more and more into your space.

If you're planning on putting your furniture into storage, following these tips is vital. From choosing the right size storage unit to preparing your furniture for the move, taking the time to do things right will pay off in the end.

The only thing that is left to do is get started!