How to Prepare Furniture for Storage

5 essential tips from over 10 years storage experience on how to prepare furniture for storage. Follow these to make sure your valuable possessions come out of storage they same way they went in.

1. Make sure everything is dry

This point cannot be understated. When putting your furniture into storage make sure that it is dry before it goes in.

Avoid condensation and damp

If you’re using a reputable storage company the golden rule is that if furniture goes into a storage unit dry, it will come out dry. But if it goes in wet – condensation is likely and this can lead to things like damp and mould.

Protect from the weather

If it looks like it is going to rain on the day you’re moving in, make sure to wrap your items up in blankets and dust sheets, before removing any damp sheets from the storage unit, leaving everything remaining inside the storage unit completely dry.

Storing fridges and freezers

One thing people often forget is that it is best to defrost fridges and freezers the day before you put them into storage. A household freezer can introduce a large amount of water into your space if left to thaw inside your storage unit.

2. Protect valuable items

Be careful to choose a reliable removal service. But be wary that even the best removal companies will need to move your items from your house, in-transit to your storage unit. Nicks and scuffs can happen if you don’t protect your items.

Covering your furniture

Use clean, dry, blankets and dust sheets with bubble wrap around valuable items. This will protect the corners of your possessions as they’re moved into the storage unit. It will also help you get the most out of your storage unit as you’re able to stack furniture closer together without fear of damage.

Check removal insurance

Check the removal company carries insurance for your furniture whilst in transit. This is a good way of sorting those who take their profession seriously from those who see it as an easy way to make a few pounds.

Get quotes for furniture removal

If you have the time ask the removal company to come to your home to give you a quote. Not only will this save you from unscrupulous removers trying to add costs on after. “You didn’t tell us about this” syndrome. It will also give you a chance to meet them in person. Go with your gut. If you don’t feel as though they care, don’t use them!

3. Take apart (if necessary)

Often this will depend on the length of storage. If you’re moving overseas and storing for a long-period of time, you’ll absolutely want to choose the smallest storage unit possible to minimise the amount of money you spend. Taking apart furniture allows you to stack items more neatly and maximise space. Particularly if you own irregular shaped pieces of furniture like corner-sofas or large dining room tables.

Consider storage periods

For shorter-term storage periods this might be overkill. The time you take deconstructing your furniture only to assemble it on the other side of the storage period may well cancel out any savings you’re getting from being able to fit everything inside your unit in a neater way.

4. Leave space in-between items

Don’t pick a storage space so small that you have to be a tetris expert to get everything in.

Don’t forget the moisture warning

Leave small pockets of space between items so that air can freely move between them. As long as you’re conforming to golden rule number 1 (see above) moisture should not be an issue. But allowing air to flow in the unit between your items is another good convention to follow.

Avoid damage from badly stacked furniture

If you’re leaving space between items you’re also stopping yourself from balancing furniture one on top of another. Allow your valued possessions to be stored on steady ground and save yourself from any unintended damage.

Can we help?

Now you’ve got some tips on how to prepare your furniture for storage, can we help you with safe storage?  Find out about our household self storage centres across the North East.