There are several reasons you may opt to store furniture. But you need to know how to store furniture for the long term. Whether moving, decluttering, or downsizing, placing furniture items in a storage unit is a practical choice. Home furnishings hold up well in ambient conditions.
However, they’re also sensitive to humidity, temperature fluctuations, condensation, and dirt, so it’s essential to do some pre-work before storing to limit exposure to the elements. Looking to protect the furniture in a storage facility over several weeks or months? We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help keep your furniture in good condition during storage.
Packing furniture for long-term storage requires more attention than packing for a move or short-term storage. It would be best if you considered protecting your furniture and reducing the risk of mould.
PICK&MOVE has provided valuable tips on how to pack furniture for long-term storage. By implementing these tips, you can guarantee the safety of your items, regardless of the length of time they will remain in a storage unit. With these guidelines, you can prevent your furniture from sustaining any damage and ensure it remains in excellent condition.
5 Top Tips for Packing Furniture for Long-Term Storage
Clean and prepare.
Dirt, debris, and food particles can stain upholstery or mattresses, attract pests, and promote mould growth. Cut down on all these risks and prevent potential damage by cleaning all items before moving them to storage. You can buy quality furniture care products from Furniture Clinic.
Wood Furniture
Dust off wooden furniture like tables, chairs, or dressers with a soft cloth or a duster to remove all traces of dirt. You can also use a speciality wood cleaning solution or a damp towel to remove stains. Make sure all your pieces are completely dry before storing them. As a final step, use wood polish to ensure the pieces keep their sheen and colour throughout storage.
Upholstered Pieces
Be sure to vacuum fabric-lined items like couches and sofas to remove dust and dirt. A steam cleaner also works well for upholstered pieces, but everything must be completely dry before you pack them up.
Leather Items
Wipe down leather furnishings with leather wipes or a leather-safe solution and allow them to dry before moving to storage.
It is essential to use packing materials of high quality.
Investing in high-quality packing materials is essential when protecting your furniture from scratches, dents, and other damage during storage.
Don’t settle for anything less than sturdy, clean, and well-maintained moving boxes in various sizes. Once you have the right boxes, wrap each piece of furniture in soft blankets, bubble wrap, or furniture pads to provide unbeatable cushioning and prevent scratches.
Using packing tape, ensure that all protective materials are securely fastened so they won’t shift during transportation or storage.
Due to their thin cardboard and low-hold glues, you risk broken boxes with low-quality packing materials during moving or over time. So invest wisely in higher-quality materials now, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your furniture is well-protected.
Disassemble and label.
Disassembling large furniture pieces such as bed frames, tables, and shelving units is an excellent idea for moving. Not only does it make the process faster and save storage space, but it also helps to keep your furniture secure during transportation.
Ensure you keep copies or photos of the assembly instructions and place screws and tools in a sealed bag secured to the furniture.
As for packing, group similar items together or pack them by room, and label each box clearly. Remember to label any boxes containing fragile items with the word ‘fragile’.
This is crucial as it will help anyone handling the boxes during the move know how to handle them carefully. So, take the time to pack everything properly and mark each box clearly, making your move much smoother and hassle-free.
Protect and place everything with care.
After cleaning and disassembling furniture goods, it’s time to wrap them right. Bear in mind when packaging furniture for storage:
- Place no furniture uncovered in storage.
- Loose blankets, old sheets, and soft fabric coverings are the best for wrapping all types of furniture since they help to protect them from dust and moisture.
- Thick plastic wrap may seal in any traces of moisture and create condensation that may lead to long-term problems like mould, mildew and swelling. It’s a good idea to avoid thick plastic packaging.
Packaging Fragile Pieces
Glass tabletops, mirrors, metal furniture, and other fragile items require extra care while packing to protect them from breaking or cracking. Use packaging paper as the first layer, but do not stick tape directly on the glass, as this can leave unwanted stains. Next, cover with bubble wrap. Place mirrors or glass tabletops in a flat, wide box for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended way to store mattresses and bedding?
To ensure your mattresses and bedding remain in good condition, storing them upright, either against a wall or standing on their side, is recommended. Use breathable mattress covers or furniture pads to shield them against dust and moisture, as exposure to these elements could lead to mould growth. If you need to fold the mattress or bedding, do it evenly along its creases. However, it is best to avoid folding them if possible.
How can I prevent moisture and humidity damage to my wooden furniture?
Wooden furniture is prone to swelling, warping, and cracking when exposed to moisture and humidity. To prevent such damage, it is important to store the furniture in a climate-controlled unit like the one provided by SMARTBOX Storage and ensure that each piece is kept at a safe distance from the others. To provide additional protection to your wooden and leather furniture in long-term storage, you may also use furniture polish and waxes, which create a protective layer.
Is it necessary to purchase insurance for my furniture while it’s in long-term storage?
When storing your furniture, it’s important to consider purchasing insurance to safeguard against any potential damages or theft. Your storage facility may offer insurance policies, so it’s worth talking to SMARTBOX Storage to learn about your coverage options. This will enable you to find the most suitable insurance plan that meets your specific requirements and gives you the assurance and peace of mind you need.
Do I need climate-control storage facilities?
Furniture pieces may be prone to damage because of extreme temperatures and varying humidity levels. Renting a climate-controlled storage unit is a good option when storing furniture. Extreme heat and frigid cold can warp, crack, or melt your home goods. High humidity may encourage mould or mildew growth on mattresses and other pieces, leading to rotting or swelling.
Climate-controlled storage helps to prevent these issues by maintaining the self-storage unit at an ambient temperature — between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to limit the effects of extreme swings in temperature. CubeSmart offers climate-controlled storage at facilities across the country, and they can help protect furniture from temperature-related damage. If you’re seeking long-term furniture storage, climate-controlled self-storage units are ideal.
