Maybe you’re moving to a new place and need to store furniture temporarily, or redecorating but figure you might need some old pieces in the future. Whatever the reason you need to store furniture, your best bet is self storage. It is difficult to store furniture anywhere in your home simply because of the bulkiness.
Regular self storage units will provide a safe and spacious home for your furniture. At Dak Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit sizes: appropriate for a small sofa (unit size 5’ x 5’) to those large enough to fit five bedroom sets (unit size 10’ x 20’).
If the furniture pieces are especially valuable or sentimental and will be stored for an extended period of time, consider climate controlled indoor to keep them optimally preserved. Indoor units give you full control over the environment that your furniture stays in and may prevent potential damage from overheating.
The most important thing to do when storing furniture is a proper cleaning. Furniture that is not thoroughly cleaned is more likely to have bacteria that can cause mold and excess moisture. Any hidden stains will expand and set while in storage and become very difficult to remove later, especially in a unit that gets heated. Any invisible body oils left over on furniture can cause odor and even attract bugs.
Cleaning Furniture
Start by dusting or vacuuming the entire piece to remove any loose dirt particles. Be sure to take off cushions or other removable pieces to do a thorough job.
Next, find a cleanser made specifically for the type of fabric or material of each item and wash it with a cleaning brush or rag. The wrong cleanser can ruin a piece; Wooden furniture is especially prone to being damaged by the wrong cleanser, or too strong of a cleanser. A soap and water solution may be sufficient for some items. It is always a good rule of thumb to begin with the weakest cleanser you can find, and upgrade to stronger cleansers if stains or uncooperative.
Let the cleanser soak for few minutes before going over the item again with a slightly damp brush or rag. After cleaning, make sure to allow pieces to completely dry in an open area. Any leftover moisture or residue can damage or discolor items while in storage. For wooden items, use a clear coat seal to preserve.
Storing Furniture
Consider taking apart furniture pieces that can be disassembled. Remove cushions from couches, legs from tables, and drawers from dressers. This will make the furniture lighter to allow for easier transport and storage. However, if furniture will only be stored for a short amount of time, it may be more of a hassle to disassemble it just to assemble it again soon after. Choose the best option for your situation.
Don’t use plastic materials to cover furniture because theses will restrict air flow. Too little air flow in your unit can cause excess moisture and odor. Sheets, blankets, and cloth covers are recommended to prevent dust but allow for circulation.
Choose a large enough storage unit to allow for adequate space in between items. This will provide proper air flow that will help prevent damage. Plus it will make furniture easier to move out later if your unit is not packed to the brim.