Tips On Long-Term Furniture Storage

17 February 2017
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


If you're downsizing and you are afraid that your new house will become cluttered with furniture, it might be a good idea to consider renting a self-storage unit. Placing your surplus furnishings in a self-storage unit will save you space in your new smaller pad, whilst enabling you to keep your stuff for sale or for your children.

Here's how to prepare your furniture for long-term storage.

Clean your furniture first

Before you put your furniture away for the long term, it's important that you clean it thoroughly. It's well worth having sutes and upholstered items professionally cleaned so that they emerge from storage fresh and ready to use. Just be sure that everything is completely dry before you pack the pieces to prevent mould and discolouration.

Take large items apart for ease of transport

It will be easier to move large items, such as beds and dressers, if you disassemble them prior to transporting them to their new temporary home.

If possible, remove legs from tables, take all loose drawers out of dressers and sideboards, lift cushions from couches and lift planking from bedframes. Be sure to label all loose items so that you know where they belong, bearing in mind that it could be several years before the furniture has to be reassembled.

Protect your pieces with covers

The best way to protect your furniture during storage is by covering it with fabric drop cloths. Avoid using plastic for long periods of storage as it can trap moisture and encourage some materials to 'sweat'. This can cause damp to form, which will lead to the formation of mould.

Organise storage space efficiently

To get the most out of your self-storage unit, it's important to organise your items properly. Make sure that you leave plenty of space between items so that the air can circulate freely, preventing damp and reducing the risk of accidental damage when you come to move the pieces at a later date.

Try to put the pieces in orderly lines with space between the rows so that you can easily walk around the unit and see what you have stored in there.

In conclusion

If you are moving to a smaller home but you don't want to throw out excess furniture, why not consider renting a small self-storage unit? For more information and advice on choosing a suitable unit for your needs, have a chat with a local provider.


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