How to Prepare Your Furniture for Storage

While storing furniture is probably one of the last options most people would choose when they move, there are times when it’s the only option. If you need to store furniture with a storage service or moving and storage company, here are a few tips.

Finding the Right Storage Services and Preparing the Storage Unit

Climate-control. Choose a climate-controlled self storage unit which maintains moderate temperatures and protects furniture from damaging heat and cold. This option may cost a little more, but it’s well worth the cost to protect your belongings even if you’re trying to save money when moving.

Prepare the unit. To prevent harmful moisture and mold coming from the bottom of the unit, line the entire floor with thick plastic sheets. And you want as much air circulation as possible, so put your furniture on wooden pallets to allow air flow underneath.

Preparing Household Furniture for Self Storage

Furniture with metal elements. Spray or treat the metal with a rust protector.

Wooden furniture. Waxing furniture will offer extra protection for wood. To help prevent warping and mildew due to humidity, place the furniture in the center of the unit rather than against the walls.

Lamps. Remove the lamp shade and light bulb before you store your lamps. You can stack all the shades, wrap them in plastic, and place in a large moving box. This will protect them and they’ll take up less space.

Beds and mattresses. Disassemble beds before storing and put any hardware in a plastic bag. Attach the bag to the frame so it can’t be separated from the bed. Wipe the mattress with an antibacterial wipe or cleaner. Be sure it’s completely dry, and then wrap the mattress in plastic.

Upholstered sofas and chairs. Wipe the surface with an antibacterial wipe or cleaner and allow it to dry thoroughly. (With leather or delicate fabric it’s safer to have it professionally cleaned.) Cover the furniture with fabric (padded covers or sheets) store in the same position they’re in when you use them since storing them on end can weaken the joints.

Glass tabletops and mirrors. Make large “x’s” on the glass with masking tape and then attach sheets of corrugated cardboard to each side for extra protection.

Large Kitchen and Laundry Appliance Moving and Storage

Clean any food particles from refrigerators, stoves, and freezers so they don’t attract insects and even mice. Leave appliance doors slightly open to prevent mildew and musty odors. Place washer hoses and dryer vents inside the units. Wrap cords and tape to the appliances. Place upright against the storage unit’s walls.

Special Home Insurance for Your Stored Belongings

It’s very unusual to find a storage service company that offers much in the way of compensation if your belongings are lost or damaged. Give your home insurance agent a call to see what kind of protection policy they offer for stored household goods.