Whether you’re moving, renovating your home, or simply trying to declutter, knowing how to store furniture safely and effectively is crucial for protecting your investment. Furniture can be expensive, sentimental, or both—and improper storage can lead to permanent Galt Storage Units damage like warping, mold, scratches, or pest infestations. Fortunately, with the right techniques and preparation, you can store furniture in a way that ensures it stays in great shape for as long as needed.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to store furniture properly, from preparation and disassembly to climate control and placement. Follow these steps to keep your items in pristine condition.
Clean Everything Thoroughly Before Storage
Before you even think about moving furniture into a storage unit, make sure each piece is cleaned properly. Dirt, oils, and spills can settle into furniture over time and cause damage. Food crumbs, for instance, can attract pests. Cleaning helps prevent these issues and also reduces the risk of mold and mildew, particularly if you’re storing in a humid area.
For wooden furniture, use a mild soap solution or wood cleaner and a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. After cleaning, apply a furniture polish or wax to add a protective layer that will help preserve the wood. For upholstered furniture, vacuum thoroughly, including under cushions and along seams. Consider using a fabric cleaner for any visible stains, and ensure that the item is completely dry before storage to avoid mold growth.
Leather furniture should be treated with a leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent cracks from developing during storage.
Disassemble When Possible
Disassembling furniture before storage serves several purposes. It makes large pieces easier to transport, reduces the chances of breakage, and allows for more efficient use of storage space. Beds, tables, and even some sofas can be taken apart to some extent.
When you disassemble, keep all hardware—like screws, bolts, and washers—in clearly labeled plastic bags. Tape the bags to the corresponding furniture pieces or store them together in a small box. Be sure to take photos during disassembly if needed to help with reassembly later.
Label each component if it isn’t obvious where it belongs. This little bit of extra effort can save you hours of confusion when it’s time to put everything back together.
Use Protective Covers and Wrapping
Once your furniture is clean and disassembled, the next step is wrapping. This protects it from dust, scratches, and moisture during storage.
Avoid using plastic directly on furniture, especially wood or upholstery. While plastic can protect against spills and dirt, it also traps moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew. Instead, use furniture blankets, old sheets, or breathable covers. These will help shield your pieces from damage while allowing air to circulate.
For glass tabletops or mirrors, wrap them in bubble wrap and store them vertically with protective padding in between. Don’t lay glass flat, as this increases the chance of cracking under pressure.
Upholstered furniture should also be covered with breathable materials. Avoid sealing it tightly; allow for some airflow to keep it from developing an odor or mildew.
Choose the Right Storage Environment
The environment where you store your furniture plays a major role in how well it will be preserved. A climate-controlled storage unit is ideal, especially for long-term storage or for storing valuable or delicate items.
Climate control helps regulate temperature and humidity, preventing issues like warping, mold, or fabric deterioration. Wood, leather, and fabric are all sensitive to changes in moisture and temperature, so if you’re storing furniture for more than a couple of months, this is a wise investment.
If climate control isn’t available, try to store furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area. Use moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or dehumidifiers to help control humidity levels.
Elevate Furniture Off the Ground
Even in a clean, dry storage space, it’s a good idea to keep furniture off the ground. Concrete floors can be cold and may conduct moisture, which could damage furniture legs or cause mold growth from underneath.
Use wooden pallets, blocks, or risers to elevate furniture a few inches off the floor. This added precaution helps prevent water damage from unexpected leaks or spills and allows air to circulate more freely around your items.
Additionally, avoid stacking heavy objects on top of delicate furniture. While it’s tempting to maximize space, too much weight can cause dents, warping, or structural stress over time.
Plan the Storage Layout Carefully
Take some time to plan how your furniture will be arranged in storage. The goal is to maximize space while keeping your items accessible and protected.
Store larger, heavier items like dressers and tables at the back and on the bottom, creating a solid base. Lighter or more fragile items can go on top or toward the front. Leave walkways between groups of items if possible, so you can access different pieces without moving everything.
Avoid pushing furniture directly against walls. Leave a few inches of space to allow air to circulate and to prevent heat or moisture from damaging the items. Also, try not to stack anything on upholstered or cushioned pieces, as the pressure can flatten or deform the material over time.
