KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Storing furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit will protect your belongings from mold, mildew, and pests.

Leaving furniture in a self-storage unit ensures your belongings stay in excellent condition for the long term.

If you’re storing furniture for an extended period, you’ll want to clean and disassemble the components and apply a protective coating.

 

You have one or several pieces of furniture you absolutely adore, but there’s a problem. The pieces just don’t fit in your current home. Perhaps you’re downsizing to a smaller place but aren’t ready to part with cherished pieces. Maybe you have inherited beautiful furniture from relatives but don’t have space for it, or you’re redecorating and want to preserve quality pieces that don’t match your new aesthetic but could be perfect in a future home.

Whatever your reason, you don’t have to sell or donate furniture that holds sentimental value or might be useful down the road.  Storing furniture in self-storage is the perfect solution, offering a clean, secure environment to store your furniture for as long as you need. 

The key to preserving your valuable furniture is knowing how to store furniture in a storage unit. With the right preparation and storage tips, you can maintain your furniture in excellent condition for years. In this article, we’ll teach you how to properly store furniture in a storage unit and keep your favorite items in perfect condition. Here’s everything you need to know:

WHY CHOOSE A STORAGE UNIT FOR LONG-TERM FURNITURE STORAGE?

Before you learn how to prepare furniture for storage, you’ll need to decide where to store it first. 

You might be tempted to store extra furniture at home. But do you really want to clutter your garage or basement with that giant sectional, queen-sized bedroom set, or your grandmother’s dining room table? Home storage is best for items you use regularly and can be stored compactly to make the most of your limited space. Plus, taking up your garage or basement with furniture storage means you might have to park your car in the driveway, or you’ll be giving up that man cave, craft room, or kid’s play area in the basement. Choose furniture self-storage instead. 

Storage units come in many sizes that can hold anything from a few select pieces to an entire household’s worth of furniture. Plus, many storage facilities offer security measures such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and well-lit areas to help keep your items safe. 

STORAGE UNIT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

If you decide to leave furniture in a storage unit, you’ll want to ensure the storage facility is equipped to keep your belongings in mint condition. Some features to look for when exploring options for storing furniture include:

  • Climate-Controlled Units: A climate-controlled storage unit protects your belongings from humidity and temperature changes. This will help prevent wood furniture from warping and reduce the risk of mold.
  • 24/7 Security: If you plan to store family heirlooms or expensive furniture for extended periods, you want to guarantee these items are safe and secure. Confirm if the storage facility has security cameras and gated access on the premises. This will provide extra peace of mind and reassurance. 
  • Pest Control: Ask the storage facility what extra precautions they are taking to reduce the risk.

You’ll also want to look for wide doorways, drive-up access, and free courtesy carts that make it a cinch to move your furniture into storage.

BENEFITS OVER HOME STORAGE

A bulky sectional or love seat in your couch can take up a ton of space in your closet. It’s also not protected from pests, humidity, or extreme temperature changes. A climate-controlled storage unit provides a better environment for furniture preservation, ensuring it stays in mint condition.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FURNITURE FOR STORAGE

If you plan to use your furniture in the future or hand it down to the next generation, take the time to properly prepare it for long-term storage. Here’s what you need to know about how to store furniture properly.

  • Clean your furniture: Start by removing all dirt, dust, and stains from your furniture. For wood pieces, use furniture polish designed for wood. For upholstery, vacuum thoroughly and treat any stains with quality stain remover.
  • Disassemble when possible: Take your furniture apart for easier moving and storage. Remove the legs from tables and sofas. Take the bed frames apart and remove the cushions from the chairs. 
  • Add protective coatings: Treat leather with a leather conditioner to prevent cracking. For wooden furniture, apply a protective wax or oil to help prevent moisture damage.
  • Wrap your furniture: Cover upholstered items with breathable cotton sheets or specialized furniture covers. Use moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect your wooden pieces from chips and scratches. 

HOW TO STORE FURNITURE IN A STORAGE UNIT

Now that your furniture pieces are ready to head out, take a moment to plan how to store them in a storage unit. A good plan will help you optimize the space in your storage unit, keep your furniture safe, and make it easy to find your pieces when you need them.

  • Make a map: Determine where the larger pieces will go in the unit before storing anything. This will make the moving process go a lot more smoothly. It’s usually a good idea to put heavier items at the back.
  • Use pallets or blocks: Keep furniture off the floor of your unit with pallets or blocks. This can help protect your furniture from potential moisture damage.
  • Store mattresses flat: As tempting as it might be, don’t store your mattresses on their sides. This may damage their internal components.
  • Use your vertical space: Use as much of your storage unit as possible, including the vertical space, by stacking chairs seat-to-seat and storing tables with tops vertically when possible. 
  • Create pathways: Give yourself a way to access all your furniture by connecting pieces with pathways. This will also promote air circulation.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN STORING FURNITURE

If you’re willing to invest in furniture self-storage, don’t put your furniture at risk by making common storage mistakes. These mistakes can damage your pieces or cause them to age and break down sooner than they need to. 

  • Plastic covers: Don’t use plastic covers to protect your furniture. They can trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew. Always use breathable fabric covers instead.
  • Poor stacking: Avoid stacking heavy furniture on other pieces. While this might save you a little space, it can damage or warp the bottom piece of furniture.
  • Dirty furniture: Don’t skip cleaning your furniture. Storing dirty furniture can lead to stains setting permanently. Stains, crumbs, and other debris can also attract pests.
  • Storing against walls: Try to avoid leaning or placing furniture against walls. This can expose your furniture to temperature fluctuations and potential moisture. 
  • Poor disassembly: When disassembling your furniture, make sure to pack all the hardware together, label it, and attach it to the piece. Do your best to keep all pieces of the same item together. Nothing would be worse than taking a piece of furniture out of storage only to be unable to put it back together.
  • No climate control: For valuable or antique pieces, choose a climate-controlled unit to keep the temperature and humidity levels stable and help preserve the furniture. 

KEEP YOUR FAVORITE PIECES FOR THE FUTURE WITH FURNITURE SELF STORAGE

Now that you know how to store furniture in a storage unit, you can maximize your storage investment. By preparing your furniture, storing it properly, and avoiding common storage mistakes, you’ll ensure it stays in excellent condition for the long term. Maybe you plan to use your furniture in your next home, or you imagine your children or grandchildren using it in theirs. Whatever your reasons, self-storage is one of the best ways to preserve your furniture. 

Not sure where to invest in furniture self-storage? Try Price Self Storage®. We offer a great selection of storage unit sizes, so you can store a single piece of furniture, a full room, or your entire household. Many of our locations offer drive-up units, which can be handy for unloading large, heavy items. We also provide climate-controlled units for your most valuable pieces at select locations. 

Ready to live uncluttered while keeping the furniture you love? Find your nearest Price Self Storage location today. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STORING FURNITURE IN SELF STORAGE

Are you looking to store furniture long-term? Review our frequently asked questions below to learn why self-storage is a great option. 

Why should I use a storage unit for long‑term furniture storage?

Storage units offer the ideal environment for long-term furniture storage. Self-storage units from reputable facilities are climate-controlled, which will protect your furniture from humidity and moisture. Most are also under 24/7 surveillance, offering peace of mind for family heirlooms or expensive furniture. 

How should I prepare furniture before storing it long‑term?

Before storing furniture for extended periods, you’ll want to disassemble the pieces and clean all components. To prevent mold and mildew, ensure everything is completely dry before covering the items in a protective covering. 

What’s the best way to organize furniture inside a storage unit?

For smaller pieces of furniture, store items in boxes and label the top of the box so you know where everything is. For bulky furniture, cover the items with a protective covering and move them to one side of the storage unit. You want to ensure the furniture doesn’t block any walkways so you can easily grab boxes when needed.

Should I use plastic covers for furniture?

Plastic covering can protect furniture from pests and dust. However, it can also trap moisture underneath and cause mold and mildew. The best alternative for storing furniture in a storage unit is a waterproof protective covering or a slip cover.