How to prepare furniture for storage: Expert tips for protection & preservation

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to prepare furniture for storage. Whether you’re in the middle of an office or house move, or simply looking to safeguard your cherished heirlooms, you’ve landed in the right spot. With over three decades providing secure, convenient, and flexible self storage in Barry and surrounding areas in Wales, we’re the trusted experts in the industry. Countless clients use our storage units for furniture, and this has allowed us to hone our expertise in this area. 

So let’s get started with the best practices to keep your precious pieces nestled safely in their own dedicated space. 

1. Keep your pieces pristine 

Like most of our valuable items, furniture needs to be squeaky clean before storage to ensure it remains in tip-top shape and to prevent degradation. We all know how dust, dirt, mould, and grime can sneak its way onto our valuable pieces. To combat these, it’s essential to know that different furniture materials require different cleaning methods. Here’s the lowdown:

• Wood: Avoid the horror of warped or discoloured wooden furniture by opting for a gentle cleaner that won’t leave pesky stains or cause distortions.

• Metal: Don’t let rust take over your metal furniture! Arm yourself with suitable cleaners and steel wool to remove existing rust and keep future rust at bay.

• Fabric: Show some love to your fabric pieces by giving them a thorough vacuuming and a treatment with a colour-safe cleaner. Say goodbye to dirt, dust, and debris!

Before you make any cleaning product purchases, do a quick double-check of the product description and instructions to ensure they’re a perfect match for your furniture.

And here’s a bonus tip: Add an extra layer of protection to your fabric and wood furniture by giving them a spritz of furniture-safe pesticide spray, especially in those sneaky crevices. Your furniture will thank you!

2. Wrap your furniture with care

When it comes to furniture storage, dust and debris can spell disaster for your pieces, causing stubborn stains that worsen over time. To keep them safe while in a storage unit, consider wrapping them in suitable coverings based on their materials:

For delicate glass and ceramics, opt for bubble wrap. This not only shields them from the elements but also guards against dents, bumps, and cracks.

For wood, upholstery, or metal furniture, avoid plastic coverings as these trap moisture, potentially causing rust, mould, cracks, or decay. Instead, choose airy fabrics such as large dust sheets, or consider using armchair covers, sofa covers, and mattress protectors for a more tailored approach. Wrap or drape these loosely to allow air to circulate. 

Don’t forget about the smaller items such as table top mirrors and delicate furniture components like knobs, handles, and fragile legs. Wrap them in packing paper or shrink wrap to keep them intact and undamaged. 

3. Climate control & polishing power

Metal and wood furniture require additional protection due to their vulnerability to the elements. Wood is sensitive to humidity and moisture, causing it to expand and contract. Meanwhile, metal is prone to oxidation. Choosing a climate-controlled self-storage facility essential to

safeguard against these damaging effects.

In addition to choosing the right storage environment, consider polishing these pieces before covering them as it helps create a barrier against moisture and can prevent oxidation on metal surfaces, while nourishing and preserving wood.

4. Disassembling prevents warping

It’s wise to take advantage of disassembling options while preparing your furniture for self storage. By breaking down your furniture into smaller parts, you can avoid long-term damage caused by pressure and warping. This approach prevents tears and breakage along joints and seams over time. You don’t have to dismantle every single piece, but removing items like legs, bed rails, or drawers can make a significant difference. Not only does disassembling protect your furniture, but it also makes transportation to your storage unit much more manageable.

5. Elevate your furniture storage

When mastering storage for furniture, caution is key. Elevating your pieces on pallets is a smart move as it allows for much-needed airflow. Remember, though, don’t pile anything on top of them. We don’t want any warping mishaps! Keep some breathing room between items to prevent pesky humidity from getting trapped, around 5 cm of free space on each side. Sure, tightly storing your items can save space, but it’s a long-term risk. Consider a bigger storage room—it’s worth stowing a little extra each month for peace of mind.

Local furniture storage & more: The best Self Storage in Barry, Wales

Now that you know how to prepare furniture for storage, it’s time to choose a trusted local furniture storage facility that will value your pieces as much as you do. At Masons Self Storage, our climate-controlled units ensure optimal conditions, while round-the-clock security and individual alarms provide unmatched protection. Enjoy the convenience of flexible contracts, easy accessibility year-round, and the added benefit of our Mobile Storage service, offering three innovative pickup options from your home or office. And if you need packing supplies, our onsite shop has you covered. 

What’s more, if you’re busy with a home or office relocation, our sister company Masons Removals will handle your entire move, including packing, loading, unpacking at your new location, and delivering your belongings to our self storage facility. We handle the entire process so you don’t have to lift a finger. It’s moving and self storage done by the experts for a stress-free, easy experience!