Knowing how to correctly use furniture storage in a unit can ensure that you keep your furniture for generations. It does take a bit of work to store furniture properly, but the extra effort will be more than worth it.

Whether they are priceless antiques or inexpensive chairs that will eventually be moved to your child’s dorm room, you will want to protect every piece.

Why Choose Climate Controlled Furniture Storage?

If you’re going through a life transition and need to store furniture, give serious thought to using climate-controlled storage. Protection from the elements is paramount, and climate control will ensure that your pieces stay safe from humidity and fluctuating temperatures.  Wood furniture, antiques, fabrics, and leather will do best in a climate-controlled of unit.

The following common-sense tips will help you preserve and store your furniture, regardless of material.  

1. Be Sure that Everything is Clean and Dry
   • For wood or plastic furniture, use a mild soap and water.  For your more valuable wood pieces, especially antiques, use a wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap to protect the finish.  Dry thoroughly.
   • Clean fabric pieces with fabric or upholstery cleaner.  Be sure that all items are dry prior to wrapping and packing.
   • Polish any metal areas with metal cleaner and a polishing cloth to remove existing oxidation and delay the buildup of tarnish.
   • Do not leave old or dirty items in drawers.  This will significantly cut down on the chances of dust or mold in your storage space.
2. Disassemble Anything that You Can
   • To reduce the likelihood of breakage during moving and storage, take apart as much furniture as you can.  This may not be possible with some of the larger pieces, but desks, bookshelves, tables, and chairs should be simple to take apart.
   • Place all screws, bolts, and Allen wrenches in labeled baggies, taped inside of the piece to which they belong.
   • Remember to tape on the inside and not on a finished surface, as tape can leave marks or residue on fine finishes.
3. Carefully Wrap Furniture
   • If for some reason you are unable to find a climate-controlled space in your area, be sure to cover the floor with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from seeping into your furniture.  If you’re in a climate-controlled space, humidity will not be an issue.
   • In any event, never leave furniture in your space uncovered.  Wrap furniture so that it can breathe. Sheets, furniture blankets, or fabric drop cloths should be draped loosely over your furniture to protect your pieces from dust.  Avoid plastic covers. Even in a climate-controlled unit, they can cause a build up of condensation and eventual swelling and damage to finishes.
4. Take Extra Precautions with Glass
   • Begin by wrapping glass tabletops and mirrors with packing paper. Don’t stick tape directly on glass as it will leave a sticky residue that will be difficult to clean later.
   • After these pieces are securely wrapped in paper, cover with plenty of bubble wrap and enclose in a long, wide, flat box for an extra layer of security.  Picture and TV boxes are great for this.
5. Raise Furniture Off the Floor
   • Avoid putting furniture directly on the floor, especially valuable antiques and delicate upholstery.   
   • Add an extra layer of protection against flood damage by using pallets or cinder blocks.   
6. Don’t Overcrowd
   • The more you try to cram into a space, the greater your chances of breaking, bending, or otherwise damaging your items.  
   • After you’ve chosen a reputable, secure facility to store your furniture, ask a staff member to help you choose an appropriate size unit.  Take a few moments to organize your unit for ease of access.
   • Store furniture logically, starting with the largest pieces in the back and finishing with the small pieces and boxes in the front.  
   • Allow adequate access to the back and sides of your unit.  Keep your space clean and decluttered.

Preparing and storing furniture may be time consuming but does not have to be complicated.  Some extra time now, will save a lot of hassle later.

More on climate-controlled storage coming soon!