Preparing Your Furniture For Self-Storage

There are multiple reasons why you may need to use long-term self-storage. Placing your furniture in one of these self-storage units can be a great way to keep them safe and secure whilst you are moving, or are in the process of finding a new home.

Whilst self-storage units are designed to keep things safe for you, it has to be said that there is still a need to ensure that your furniture is prepared and packed in a way that is going to stop it from having any issues whilst it is in storage.

Let’s take a look at that in more detail.

Does furniture go bad in storage?

The first question is why we are doing this, does furniture go bad in storage? The simple answer to this is yes it can, depending on the nature of the furniture and the materials that it is made from.

Wood, as a material, can easily be impacted by a range of things, including heat, humidity and damp too, which means that it needs to be protected. Fabric, such as sofas, can end up being a target for pests, as well as damp if they are also not protected in the right way.

The following factors can damage furniture in storage:

• Humidity: High humidity can cause wood furniture to warp, crack, or mould. Low humidity can also damage furniture, as it can cause the wood to dry out and become brittle.
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can damage furniture. Wood furniture can crack or split in hot weather, and leather furniture can dry out and become brittle in cold weather.
• Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can fade the colours of furniture and damage the finish.
• Pests: Insects and rodents can damage furniture by chewing on it or leaving droppings.
• Dust: Dust can accumulate on furniture and can attract pests. It can also make furniture look dirty and unkempt.

How do I prepare my furniture for long-term storage?

The first thing that you need to make sure that you do is have the right size storage unit that is going to fit all your furniture in there, with some space, this may mean that you need a bigger unit than you think, so it is always best to measure things up.

All the furniture that you are storing in there should be clean (and dry) before it goes into storage, this will help limit the chance of damp developing. You should take the time to wrap and cover (loosely) the furniture and if you can, disassemble any of the larger pieces so that this is even easier to do.

If possible, furniture should be stored off of the floor, this could be using something as simple as a wooden block or maybe placing it on pallets if you can.

Here are the steps on how to prepare your furniture for long-term storage:

1. Clean the furniture thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, dust, or food particles that could attract pests. Use a mild soap and water solution for wooden furniture, and a commercial upholstery cleaner for upholstered furniture.
2. Disassemble any removable parts. This will make it easier to store the furniture and protect it from damage. For example, remove the drawers from a dresser or the cushions from a sofa.
3. Wrap the furniture in a protective covering. This will help to protect the furniture from dust, moisture, and pests. Use a breathable material such as old sheets, blankets, or drop cloths. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and cause mould.
4. Store the furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid storing furniture in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity.
5. Label each piece of furniture with its name or description. This will help you keep track of your belongings and make it easier to find what you need when you are ready to use it again.

How do I protect my furniture from damp in storage?

The best thing to do to prevent dampness is to keep your wooden furniture away from the door area of your storage unit, this is where most of the moisture will come in. You will also want to ensure that you raise your furniture off of the floor too.

You can also take this one step further and lay a plastic tarp on the floor, which will help to protect the furniture from any moisture that may be on the floor, or come in through the doors.

Here are some tips on how to protect your furniture from damp in storage:

• Choose a storage facility that has climate control. This will help to keep the humidity level in the storage unit consistent, which will help to prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Wrap your furniture in a breathable material. This will help to protect the furniture from dust and moisture, but it will also allow the furniture to breathe. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and cause mould.
• Store your furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid storing furniture in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity.
• Inspect your furniture regularly for signs of damage. If you see any mould or mildew growth, take steps to clean it up immediately.

What do you wrap furniture in for storage?

You don’t need to have lots of fancy accessories to effectively wrap your furniture ready for it to be stored. So long as it is clean and dry, you should only need to wrap it in either plastic covers or fabric sheets. It is often best to leave these loose, as this can help the air to move around and keep everything looking the best that it can.

It may seem like some effort to get your furniture ready for storage, especially if you have a lot of other things going on, but we can promise you that taking the time to ensure that your furniture is properly prepared is going to make a huge difference when it comes to keeping it protected and safe, ready for you to use again.

There are a few different materials that you can use to wrap furniture for storage. The best material for you will depend on the type of furniture you are storing and the conditions in which you will be storing it.

Here are some common materials used for wrapping furniture for storage:

• Old sheets: Old sheets are a great option for protecting furniture from dust and moisture. They are also breathable, so they will not trap moisture and cause mould.
• Blankets: Blankets are another good option for protecting furniture from dust and moisture. They are also thicker than sheets, so they can provide more protection.
• Drop cloths: Drop cloths are made of a heavy-duty material that is designed to protect furniture from moisture and dust. They are also a good option for protecting furniture from the elements if you are storing it in an unheated or uncooled storage unit.
• Moving blankets: Moving blankets are specifically designed to protect furniture during transport. They are made of a thick, durable material that is resistant to tears and abrasions.
• Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is a good option for protecting furniture from scratches and dents. It is also a good way to add extra cushioning to furniture that is being stored in a bumpy or uneven location.
• Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap should not be used to wrap furniture for storage. It can trap moisture and cause mould.

No matter what material you choose, make sure to wrap the furniture loosely. This will allow the furniture to breathe and prevent moisture from building up. You should also secure the wrapping material with tape or twine to prevent it from coming loose.

Are you considering moving home? Are you looking for self-storage in Glasgow or a surrounding area? If so, then get a free storage estimation from Red Squirrel Self Store today.