The storage of furniture in a storage unit or garage is an easy way to get more space available for your belongings. However, it’s essential to take the proper steps to protect your furniture and ensure it remains in good condition while in storage. Whether you’re dealing with fluctuating temperatures in your garage or considering renting a storage unit, there are specific measures you can take to safeguard your furniture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to store furniture correctly, including the necessary preparations, packing materials, and placement tips to keep your furniture safe for years to come.
Furniture Storage Units: What You Should Look For
When storing furniture, selecting the appropriate storage unit is crucial. In addition to a temperature-controlled and secure environment, other essential factors must be considered.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining an appropriate temperature is paramount in preserving furniture’s condition. Extreme temperatures can cause irreversible damage, while humidity can lead to water damage. Hence, a storage unit with temperature control is crucial.
- Ultraviolet Control: Ultraviolet light exposure can cause plastics and fabrics to fade, leading to discoloration. Thus, choosing a furniture storage unit that limits exposure to ultraviolet light by storing items in the dark and keeping the temperature lower is essential.
- Adequate Space: Though renting a storage unit with ample space may seem expensive, it’s worth the investment. Sufficient space allows for safe furniture storage without scuffs or scratches and easy access through designated pathways.
- Security Measures: Protecting valuable furniture from theft is crucial, and it can be accomplished through several security measures, such as gate keypads and closed-circuit security cameras. By choosing a storage unit equipped with these measures, one can rest assured that their belongings are safe.
- Location and Operating Hours: Selecting a conveniently located storage unit with extended operating hours makes accessing stored furniture more convenient. It eliminates the need for long-distance travel and allows for simple retrieval of stored items.
Choosing an appropriate storage unit for furniture is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. By prioritizing the above mentioned factors, individuals can ensure their furniture remains in excellent condition, free from damage.
Are storage units safe for furniture?
Two critical aspects must be considered to ensure the safety of furniture stored in a storage unit: temperature control and security against wildlife intrusion. The absence of these factors can damage stored furniture, including condensation, ultraviolet light, humidity, rodents, insects, mold, and mildew.
Although it is possible to store furniture in areas that are not temperature-controlled, it can be challenging to maintain the furniture in good condition compared to a storage unit with effective temperature and humidity control.
Furniture made of wood and metal is particularly vulnerable to condensation and humidity. Furniture made of metal can rust and oxidize, whereas furniture made of wood may warp and discolor when exposed to water.
Also, fluctuating temperatures can accelerate dry rot in plastic and wood furniture pieces. It is crucial to keep furniture in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent these damaging effects from occurring.
Need to ship your furniture? Learn more by reading Shipping Furniture Costs: A Comprehensive Guide.
Does Furniture Get Ruined In Storage?
Many individuals are familiar with the unfortunate tales of furniture damaged or destroyed during storage due to improper handling. Such incidents can arise from a range of factors, including but not limited to:
- Rust: When metallic furniture is stored in an environment with condensation or humidity, it is susceptible to rusting. Scratched or damaged metal surfaces are particularly prone to this issue.
- Insect Infestation: The furniture storage in areas lacking secure storage units can expose it to various insect species that may cause harm. If the furniture is not clean, common infestations in storage include moths and bed bugs.
- Rodent Infestation: The damage to furniture caused by rodents can be severe. Mice and rats chew on furniture materials to create nests and leave urine and feces on surfaces, rendering them unusable due to biohazard contamination.
- Water Damage: Humidity in storage units can cause water damage to furniture, resulting in warping, discoloration, stains, and mold growth.
- Temperature Damage: High temperatures significantly impact furniture more than low temperatures. Warping and brittleness of materials, such as wood and plastic, can result from temperature fluctuations.
Can I store furniture in my garage?
Before considering using your garage for long-term furniture storage, assessing whether it is a suitable location is essential. While an attached garage can be a convenient storage space, the suitability of the garage will depend on several factors, including the furniture type you plan to store.
Wooden furniture is susceptible to damage whenever temperatures and humidity drastically change. Cracking, warping, splitting, and breaking are common outcomes of such exposure. Furthermore, repairing wooden items once the wood has been damaged can be a difficult task.
Depending on the fabric, upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs, can be prone to insect infestations and other pests. Furthermore, if you park your vehicle in the garage, these items may absorb unpleasant car fumes and odors.
Electronics, including flat-screen TVs, gaming systems, and computers, should never be stored in a cold garage, particularly in areas with extreme cold and humidity. The metal can contract, damaging internal circuit boards and other components.
How to Store Furniture the Right Way
If you’re considering storing furniture in a garage or storage unit, preparing and protecting your items appropriately is crucial to ensure they remain in good condition. So, we have compiled an eight-point checklist to assist you.
1) Consider your storage options.
Before deciding to store furniture, you must consider whether you have access to a garage or need to rent a storage unit. Storing furniture can be costly, so it may be worth considering alternative options, such as temporarily storing items in a guest room or home. Alternatively, selling unwanted furniture and purchasing new pieces may be viable.
You should thoroughly research before choosing a storage unit that meets your budget and needs. It depends on the storage unit’s size, location, and features and how much it costs. Doing so lets you find a storage solution that provides peace of mind and keeps your furniture safe and in good condition.
How to Select a Storage Unit for Furniture
When storing furniture, it’s crucial to prioritize protection from outdoor elements and extreme weather conditions. When storing furniture for an extended period, think about climate-controlled storage. This type of unit will ensure that your valuable furniture pieces are safeguarded against moisture and fluctuations in temperature, providing a consistent and pleasant environment whenever you visit.
Climate-controlled units are particularly suitable for storing delicate items such as wooden furniture, antiques, musical instruments, and sofas made of sensitive fabrics. By opting for this type of unit, you can mitigate the risks of damage to your furniture and preserve its quality for the long term. When choosing a storage unit for furniture, it’s essential to carefully assess your needs and prioritize the features that will provide optimal protection and peace of mind.
2) Clean everything thoroughly.
Proper cleaning is crucial in protecting your furniture while in storage, especially if a climate-controlled unit is unavailable. Clean and dry your furniture thoroughly before storing it to keep it in good condition.
It’s essential never to store dirty furniture as this can lead to unpleasant odors and attract pests, such as rodents and insects. In addition to unpleasant odors, dirt, and grime can lead to mold growth and dust accumulation, damaging furniture over time.
Therefore, cleaning furniture thoroughly before storage is an essential preventive measure. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a suitable cleaner, and dry each item to avoid moisture buildup. By cleaning your furniture correctly, you can protect your investment and ensure that your items remain in good condition while in storage.
Here are some tips for effectively cleaning furniture before placing it in storage:
- Wooden or plastic furniture can be cleaned using a gentle soap and water solution. In the case of wooden antiques or delicate pieces, a protective and mild wood cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap should be used to preserve the existing finish on the wood.
- For fabric items like couches or seat cushions, it is crucial to utilize a fabric or upholstery cleaner for efficient cleaning. Before packing, be sure everything is dehydrated to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Metal sections must be polished with a metal cleaner and a polishing cloth. It will help eliminate any pre-existing oxidation and delay the accumulation of tarnish.
3) Take everything apart.
Before relocating furniture, it is advisable to disassemble anything that can be disassembled. This process should involve the removal of desks, bookshelves, tables, chairs, and any other furniture pieces that can be taken apart. If there are attached drawers, it is essential to take everything out and remove them before proceeding. Additionally, it is necessary to unscrew legs from chairs and tables and to remove TVs from their built-in stands. Packing your truck and self-storage unit this way will minimize the likelihood of breaking or scratching anything during the relocation process.
To ensure that everything is accounted for, it is essential to put all screws, bolts, Allen wrenches, and other small items in a labeled baggie for safekeeping. This baggie should be stored alongside the furniture piece to which it belongs to make your relocation process smoother and more efficient. Disassembling your furniture will make you less likely to damage it during transport.
4) Wrap furniture for long-term storage.
When moving, packing, and storing furniture for an extended period, it is to ensure that the pieces are well-protected through proper wrapping. It involves covering them with plastic sheeting, moving blankets, or other suitable materials.
Ensuring that all furniture is adequately covered is crucial to achieving maximum protection. Additionally, it is imperative to prepare the storage space adequately by laying down thick plastic sheeting on the floor. It is to prevent moisture from the ground from seeping into the furniture, especially in cases where the storage area is not climate-controlled.
It is noted that failure to wrap furniture adequately during long-term storage can lead to various forms of damage, such as scratches, dents, and even mold growth. Therefore, investing time and resources to ensure the furniture is well-protected to maintain its integrity and functionality is crucial.
What’s the best way to store furniture long-term?
To ensure furniture protection during long-term storage, it is recommended to utilize materials such as old sheets, blankets, drop cloths, or plastic wrap. It is essential to use caution when covering furniture with thick plastic covers, as they can trap moisture, resulting in condensation and ultimately expanding the furniture. It is crucial to allow proper ventilation by loosely draping the materials over the furniture rather than wrapping them too tightly. Following these precautions, one can safeguard their furniture against dust and moisture damage.
5) Protect glass items.
Glass items such as tabletops and mirrors require special handling during transportation or storage to avoid breakage and damage.
The first step in protecting glass items is to wrap them with packing paper. However, avoiding taping the paper directly onto the glass surface is essential, as this may leave an adhesive residue challenging to clean later. Instead, the paper should be wrapped loosely around the glass, allowing it to be secured in place without causing damage.
Once the glass is wrapped in packing paper, it is recommended to cover it with bubble wrap or place it in a box for added protection. It helps if you choose a long, wide, flat box that closely resembles the shape of the glass item. It will help prevent any unnecessary movement during transport or storage that could cause damage.
6) Raise furniture off the floor.
When storing furniture in a garage or storage unit, it is essential to take precautions to ensure their safety and protection. One of the simplest yet effective measures is to avoid placing any items directly on the floor. It is especially crucial in areas prone to unexpected weather, such as heavy rainfall or snowstorms that could lead to flooding.
To prevent such mishaps, the furniture should be elevated off the ground using pallets or cinder blocks. It provides additional protection against water damage and other unforeseen incidents. Even if you cannot access these items, you can use a layer of cardboard or a drop cloth to achieve the same effect.
Alternatively, you can stack smaller furniture items directly on top of plastic totes if you are also storing plastic totes. This method ensures that your furniture is elevated and away from the ground, preventing potential damage.
7) Don’t leave food behind.
It is crucial to refrain from leaving perishable food items with furniture within the confines of your garage or storage facility. This guidance remains steadfast whether the furniture is slated for extended storage or merely for a brief respite. The potential consequences of allowing foodstuffs to remain in such an environment are twofold: the food can decay, release an unpleasant odor that permeates the entire space, and entice insects and other unwelcome pests.
Fortunately, storage facilities often conduct thorough inspections for infestations and implement regular pest control measures. However, extra caution is recommended to prevent any possible issues. To this end, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive examination of any cardboard storage boxes utilized and to avoid employing those that may have come into contact with food items or are soiled in any capacity. Boxes originating from grocery stores, in particular, should be avoided as they are more susceptible to prior exposure to perishable items.
8) Don’t cram too much inside.
One of the easiest methods to damage a valuable piece of furniture is by forcing it into a storage unit filled to the brim. To avoid such mishaps, it is imperative to adopt a cautious approach while storing furniture in a storage unit. This approach is based on avoiding overcrowding and prioritizing strategic organization.
One effective way to achieve a well-organized storage unit is by planning. It includes taking measurements of the furniture items that will be stored and assessing the amount of space required for each item. It is also essential to consider the unit’s overall capacity and shape, as well as the layout and accessibility of the unit.
After planning is complete, it’s time to organize the department. The best way to stack large items is at the back of the unit and move small items towards the front gradually. It optimizes space utilization and makes it easier to access items in the future. Another helpful tip is disassembling more oversized items, such as beds and tables, to save space. Covering furniture items with protective material, such as plastic or cloth, is also recommended to prevent damage during transportation and storage.
Lastly, keeping the storage unit clean and tidy is essential to last long. Regular cleaning and dusting, as well as maintaining appropriate humidity levels, can go a long way in preserving the condition of the furniture.
How do you organize furniture in a storage unit?
A well-organized storage unit protects your valuable belongings, especially furniture. The key to a well-organized storage unit is to start with proper planning during the packing process. Pack your furniture methodically, starting with the most significant pieces and then with smaller items and boxes.
While loading the furniture into the storage unit, ensure that you maintain an aisle to access the back and sides of the unit. It will allow you to retrieve any items easily without the risk of damaging them. Keeping the storage space clean and decluttered is also crucial, as overcrowding the unit can result in knocking things over, bending pieces, and causing other damage.
Avoid cramming too many items into the unit to prevent damage to your furniture. Overloading the unit can lead to overcrowding, making moving around and accessing your belongings challenging. Furthermore, overpacking can cause furniture pieces to rub against each other, leading to scratches and dents. To avoid this, it is advisable to leave space between furniture items and pack them with proper padding materials such as furniture blankets or plastic wrap.
Which size storage unit should I choose for my furniture?
Choosing the appropriate storage unit size is crucial to avoid common mistakes leading to overspending or insufficient space. People often select a storage unit that is too large, causing a financial burden, or too small, leading to inadequate space for their belongings. To circumvent these problems, selecting the appropriate storage unit size is essential based on your needs.
Choosing the right size storage unit is a strategic decision that requires careful planning and estimation. Before selecting a unit, assessing the quantity and size of items you intend to store is advisable. It will help you determine the required storage space and select a unit that comfortably accommodates your belongings.
An excellent way to simplify this process is to use an online storage unit size estimator tool. These tools can help you estimate the necessary storage space based on the number and size of items you need to store. It is possible to make accurate decisions about the storage size unit that is most appropriate for your needs if you estimate the size of the unit accurately.
We hope you found everything you needed to know! If you find yourself in need of a place to rent out a storage unit for the short or long term consider renting out a spot at one of our local SecureSpace Self Storage facilities today. Thanks for reading!
