How to Prepare Furniture for Storage
It is easy to worry about the safety and condition of things when they’re out of your sight, particularly when these are items that are valuable and necessary for your future home. That’s why, although putting furniture in storage is a helpful and necessary step during a house move, it can bring with it understandable anxiety. But, with the right preparation, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe, secure, and importantly, remain in their current condition.
If you’re putting furniture in storage for the first time, then Jack & Jill Removals’ tips for preparation will make the process far smoother and give you peace of mind in the coming weeks.
Will furniture get damaged in storage?
Furniture in storage shouldn’t get damaged as long as you choose the right storage facility and prepare your items correctly.
For example, if you choose to store your furniture in a friend’s garage and don’t wrap it properly then it may be exposed to rodents and insects or become tarnished from dust coverage. It could likewise be at risk of mould growth due to the humidity.
In comparison, hiring a secure storage space where it is completely protected from the elements and any signs of infestation will help protect it from any permanent damage.
How to prepare furniture for storage
1. Determine how long your furniture will be stored for
The level of preparation required will depend on how long your furniture will be in storage for. If you’re storing your furniture for only a week or two then it will probably only require basic cleaning and covering. However, if you’re storing it for an extended period of time, or you don’t know how long it will be in storage for, then you will need to be more thorough.
2. Thoroughly clean your furniture
During a move, deep cleaning all of your furniture can feel like an overwhelming and unnecessary step, but it is one of the most important parts of the process. Dust, dirt, pet and food residue, and rogue mites can attract pests and become a bigger problem when left unattended.
Take the time to:
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Vacuum soft furnishings
- Spot clean stains
- Machine wash cushion covers on a 60°C cycle
- Clean inside drawers and cupboards
- Make sure everything is completely dry before wrapping
With the right preparation, your furniture should return to you in the same condition you left it in.
3. Disassemble flat pack furniture
Breaking down flat pack items will give you more space in your storage unit and prevent the likelihood of damage during transport.
Bookshelves, bed frames, desks, chairs, and tables are all good candidates for disassembly. Be careful to only disassemble items that require it because certain cabinets or furniture that arrived preassembled can be a nightmare to reassemble again.
When taking items apart:
- Keep all screws and fittings in a sealable bag
- Label clearly so you know what belongs to what
- Either tape the bag securely to the item or store all hardware together in one clearly labelled box
Some people find it helpful to use a simple numbering or colour system so they can quickly match parts when reassembling later. It may take a little extra time now, but it saves frustration in the future.
4. Wrap the furniture
Before transporting to the storage unit, it’s important that furniture is wrapped in breathable materials to keep it protected both on the journey and throughout its time in the storage unit. Wrapping furniture helps prevent tarnishing from dust build up and light exposure, and keeps moisture at bay.
What are the best materials for protecting furniture in storage?
It might be tempting, particularly with soft furnishings, to envelop the items in plastic materials like bubble wrap and cling film but most fabrics and natural woods need air to keep them in top condition, particularly if they are being left for extended periods of time.
For this reason, we recommend soft items such as:
- Old blankets or bedsheets
- Furniture blankets and pads
- Specialised sofa wraps
Wrap mirrors and artwork/prints in a layer of bubble wrap and use cardboard covers to protect the corners. Cling film/plastic wraps are safe for synthetic furniture with smooth surfaces like desks, shelves, tables, worktops etc.
How to wrap furniture for storage
- If the item can be disassembled, take it apart and stack the pieces together
- With another person for ease, wrap the furniture as tightly as possible
- Make sure there are no gaps or loose ends
- Add additional padding using corner protection or bubble wrap to delicate areas
- Use packing tape to neatly secure the wrap
5. Label the items if necessary
If you’re only storing a few big items then the likelihood is, you’ll know exactly what they are without a label. But, if you’re storing multiple items that look similar then labelling items can make your future life far simpler. You won’t need to unpack everything to know exactly which item you’re looking for, particularly if you scatter the process of bringing furniture to your new property.
How to label items effectively:
- Use clear, readable labels
- Create matching codes for furniture and their fittings
- Put notes on fragile or delicate items
- Place labels in an easily accessible spot
- Use permanent markers to avoid fading
- Put see through tape over labels to mitigate the risk of water damage
6. Check on the items regularly
If you have access to your storage unit, it’s worth checking on your items occasionally, especially for long term storage.
This allows you to make sure everything remains dry and check for any signs of damage, mould, or infestation. Even occasional checks every few months can give you peace of mind that your furniture is in good condition. It will likewise allow you to catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
How to store soft furnishings
Soft furnishings like cushions, bedding, and blankets need a slightly different approach.
Vacuum packed bags can be a good option for saving space, but they should be used carefully:
- Only store completely dry items
- Avoid long term compression for delicate fabrics
- Store in a clean, dry environment
For more delicate or expensive items, breathable storage bags are often a safer choice.
What to know about transporting your furniture to storage
The journey to storage is just as important as the storage itself. Furniture can easily be damaged if it isn’t handled properly during loading and transport.
Larger or heavier items, in particular, can be difficult to move safely without the right equipment or experience.
Working with a professional removals team means:
- Furniture is handled with care
- Items are properly secured during transport
- Loading and unloading is carried out safely
Preparing furniture for storage is understandably overwhelming but with the right team at your disposal and a bit of time and attention, the process can be made far simpler. At Jack and Jill Removals, we’re here to take the strain out of moving day so you can focus on the joy of starting fresh. Our Home Removals team has years of experience helping movers prepare their items for storage and transporting them to their temporary home without tarnish. Your belongings are always in safe hands with our team.