Storing your furniture in a self-storage unit is a great way to free up space in your home or to keep your items safe during a move. But if you don't store your furniture properly in the unit, there's a risk of damage from pests, mold, and other harm.
The best way to store furniture in a self-storage unit is to be organized. If you just throw your furniture in a unit and leave it, you will find damaged furniture when you need it. This is especially true if you're storing your furniture for an extended period.
In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of storing furniture in a self-storage unit so you can keep your items safe and in good condition.
|
Dos of Storing Furniture in a Self-Storage Unit
|
When you are storing furniture, there are some things you should do to ensure that your furniture is protected. Here are the instructions for storing furniture in storage units.
|
Make sure your furniture is clean before you put it in storage. Dust and dirt can attract pests and cause damage to your furniture. For wood furniture, consider applying a coat of wax. This will protect the finish and prevent the wood from drying out. If you’re storing upholstered furniture, consider using a fabric protector to shield it against stains and dirt.
|
Use Appropriate Packing Material
|
Protect your furniture by wrapping it in moving blankets or furniture pads. Then, use plastic wrap to secure the padding. You can also use plastic sheeting to protect your furniture from dust and moisture. If you're using a storage unit without climate control, consider using moisture absorbers to protect your furniture.
Don't use plastic sheeting to wrap your furniture. Plastic sheeting doesn't allow your furniture to breathe, which can create moisture. Instead, use plastic wrap to protect your furniture from dust and pests.
|
Properly Wrap and Protect
|
To keep your furniture in the best condition, pack it properly before placing it in a storage unit. This will help prevent any dust, dirt, or pests from damaging your furniture. Clean your furniture thoroughly, disassemble it if possible because it will make the moving process easier, and wrap the fragile part of your furniture with bubble wrap or furniture pads. Then, use plastic wrap to cover all the furniture. Learn more about how to pack fragile items in a storage unit.
|
Disassemble Larger Pieces
|
Disassembling large pieces of furniture helps you maximize your storage space. Remove the legs from tables and couches to prevent them from breaking. This practice helps you avoid damage to your furniture pieces.
Just make sure to keep all the pieces together and label them so you can easily reassemble your furniture when you're ready to take it out of storage.
|
Climate Control Considerations
|
A climate-controlled storage unit is recommended if you're storing furniture for a long time. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it could cause damage to your furniture. It is a great option if you're storing antique furniture. Along with the climate control unit, insure the storage unit for additional security and protection.
|
Don'ts of Storing Furniture in a Self Storage Unit
|
The following are the things you shouldn’t do while storing furniture in a self-storage unit.
|
Don’t Over Pack your Storage
|
If you have a lot of furniture to store, you may be tempted to pack it all into the storage unit as tightly as possible. However, this can lead to damage, especially if the furniture is made of wood.
Wood furniture needs to breathe, so it's important to leave some space between pieces to allow air to circulate. If you pack the unit too tightly, you could end up with mold or mildew growth. Additionally, forcing furniture into a space that's too small can lead to scratches and dents.
|
Don’t Forget About Insurance
|
Do not forget to take insurance to protect your belongings from any mishap and accident. Storage insurance is important to protect your belongings when you store valuable items as it offers a guarantee for your belongings in damage and theft.
Although storage facilities ensure the safety of your items under normal circumstances, things like natural disasters and theft can still happen, even with the best security and precautions in place.
|
Plastic covers don't allow your furniture to breathe, which can lead to mold and mildew. Instead, use breathable cotton covers to protect your furniture from dust and pests. You can use old sheets or blankets if you can't find cotton covers. Just ensure they're clean and free of any odors that could transfer to your furniture.
If you're storing a mattress, make sure to use a mattress cover specifically designed for storage. These covers will protect your mattress from dust, pests, and moisture.
|
Don’t Ignore Pest Prevention Measure
|
Pest prevention is a must when storing furniture. Pests can chew wood and upholstery, leaving droppings and a foul odor behind. To prevent pests, you should:
-
Store food and other perishable items away from your furniture.
-
Keep your unit clean and free of clutter.
-
Place pest traps and bait stations in and around your unit.
-
Use a pest control service to spray for pests in and around your unit.
|
Don’t Rush the Packing Process
|
Packing your furniture properly is the most important thing you can do to ensure it stays in good condition while in storage. This means taking the time to disassemble furniture, like bed frames, and wrapping it in moving blankets or plastic wrap. You should also remove any legs or other parts that can come off.
Rushing the packing process can lead to damage to your furniture, as well as to your walls and doorways. Take your time and ensure you have all the necessary supplies to pack your furniture properly. If you plan to store furniture in a self-storage unit, taking the right steps to protect your items is essential.
|
If you're planning to store furniture for a long period, you must take extra care to ensure your items are properly prepared. Protecting them from the elements and damage is key to ensuring they stay in good condition.
When storing furniture in a self-storage unit, it’s important to take the time to prepare your items. By cleaning your furniture, disassembling it, and properly covering it, you can ensure that it remains in excellent condition until you’re ready to use it again. Follow the tips to protect your furniture from any damage and harm.
|
|