How To Prepare Your Furniture For Storage

We know that quality furniture can be an expensive investment, which is why you want to make sure you take all the proper precautions to not see your precious belongings deteriorate in storage. Whether you're downsizing or simply have extra pieces you're not ready to say goodbye to, storage facilities can be an easy solution for storing furniture short or long term. But before you go piling all your belongings into a storage unit, you need to ensure they are properly prepared.

Start By Cleaning Your Furniture

The very first step you need to take in order to preserve your furniture's condition is giving them a thorough clean. Leaving anything dirty in storage allows for the debris to really set in and damage your belongings, along with creating hard to get rid of smells and attracting pests. All of this can allow for bacteria alongside the formation of nasty moulds.

The best way to clean your furniture will depend upon what material it is made from. The main three materials furniture items are made from can be split into:

• Fabric sofas and mattresses: the best way to clean your fabric furniture is to give them a vacuum to remove dirt and fluff. For a more thorough clean you can also sprinkle baking powder over your furniture before vacuuming - this can be really helpful for alleviating any stubborn smells set into the fabric.
• Timber furniture: timber furniture such as dining tables, bookcases, desks and more need to be wiped down with a slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust from their surface. If there is a thicker build up of grime you can use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to wipe down and return your furniture to its former glory.
• Metal finishing's and pieces: metal sections of furniture can be polished with cloth and a targeted metal cleaner to help remove existing oxidation and help to delay any future build-up of tarnish.

After cleaning your furniture, it is helpful to dissemble it at its joining points for ease of transport and efficient storage. This step also reduces the likelihood of any of your items breaking during transit or becoming damaged. We recommend that you put all relevant screws, bolts, and other items into a labelled bag that you tape to your furniture, so nothing gets lost along the way.

For most furniture items it is best to keep them disassembled in storage to save the most space, however, it is recommended that after transit you place any drawers back inside their dressers to keep their insides safe and to ensure no warping occurs.

How Do You Wrap Furniture For Storage?

The next step for long term storage is to ensure everything is completely covered by wrapping all of your furniture items. Use (clean) sheets, blankets, or drop cloths to cover pieces and protect them from both dust and moisture. Furniture should be wrapped loosely by draping your chosen material over your belongings.

Do not use any thick plastic wrapping materials to cover your items as these can actually seal in moisture and cause your furniture to swell or develop mould. You should however use this material to cover the floor of your storage unit to protect your furniture from the rough surface and to prevent moisture seeping from the floor.

What Is The Best Way To Store Furniture?

It is important to consider the way in which you pack your furniture into your storage unit to avoid any damages or unnecessary strain. The best way to organise your furniture is to first pack all of your heavier items at the back of the unit as a foundation you can then stack your smaller more fragile items around. You will also save yourself time and effort down the line if you can keep your most frequently accessed items closest to the door.

Longer items like couches can also be stored along the side of your storage unit to help save space and allow you access to all of your items. You should always leave room for an aisle so you can access and check on all of your pieces without rearranging your storage unit.

Upholstered and timber furniture should be wiped down once a month to remove dust, along with any other light cleaning of your items. This regular maintenance will keep them in the best possible condition.

Where To Store Your Furniture

Loxon Storage offers a wide range of different storage solutions perfect for keeping your furniture in perfect condition. Loxon provides easy, secure, and affordable storage you can trust. For any storage enquiries, contact us today or locate your closest facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Furniture Get Ruined In Storage?
If you follow the proper preparations and precautions your furniture will not get ruined in long term storage. This is also provided you are storing your furniture with a reputable storage company in a secure, climate-controlled unit.

How Do You Keep Furniture From Moulding In Storage?
Cleaning and properly draping your furniture in blankets or drop cloths will help prevent the formation of mould. It is also important to protect your furniture from moisture and choose a storage facility that offers climate-controlled units.

Can A Sofa Be Stored On Its End In Storage?
Couches should be stored in their proper position to prevent structural damages. That means leaving it the right way up as opposed to storing it on its end or side to save space.

How Do You Cover A Couch For Storage?
Couches should be gently draped in clean sheets, blankets, or a drop cloth. It is best to avoid wrapping your furniture in plastic as this can trap moisture and encourage the development of mould.

How Much Does It Cost To Store Furniture Between Moves?
Storage units at Loxon Storage are paid per calendar month to make it more cost effective for the customer. The monthly cost for a unit depends on the unit size, location of the storage facility, and level of plan chosen.