When you need to
store belongings long-term, or wind up leaving things in storage far longer
than you originally planned, there is always a risk that leaving items in the
same position for long periods will impact them. Whatever the circumstance, no
storage duration should end with misshapen or damaged goods! A little
preparation before putting any furniture into a self-storage unit can go a long
way towards protecting your cherished possessions!
Before carefully
stacking and storing your valuable furniture in a self-storage facility, take
the time to clean and protect your pieces. As rugs, upholstery, and wooden
furniture wait in your storage rental, they become subject to climate
variations and humidity changes, which can warp and change your most precious
pieces.
Clean upholstery
will prevent unwanted odors and reduce your risk of mold and bacterial growth.
You should always make sure your belongings are dust-free before going into
your storage unit. Never put anything into storage that is already dirty. We
know the mindset of “it’s just going to collect dust in storage anyway” is easy
to fall into, but even in storage, dirty conditions can worsen and compound
over time with temperature fluctuations.
Wipe down all wooden furniture with a microfiber dust cloth. For most wood furniture, you can use mild soap and water to protect finishes – just take extra care to dry each piece completely before you put it in the unit. Wood can dry out or crack over time, especially in an environment that isn’t temperature-controlled. Use a commercial polish to treat the wood before you put it in long-term storage. We recommend polishing metal accents or pieces to remove oxidation and delay the buildup of rust and tarnish while in storage.
Vacuum between and
underneath cushions, and shake out pillows to leave them free of dust and
particles. Crumbs left in crevices can attract unwanted guests to your storage
unit for a snack or grow mold over time. If you choose to shampoo sofa cushions
or use stain remover before storing, make sure everything is completely dry
before you move it into the storage rental space. Even small traces of moisture
left in stuffing and upholstery can breed mildew and leave you with a smelly
sofa. In short, consider how you would store clothes or antiques, and give your upholstery the same
preparation.
When you start to
transport your belongings to your self-storage unit, take apart bedframes,
desks, bookshelves, and everything you can. This will make it easier to pack
into your vehicle and unload, and will make it easier to maximize space inside
the truck or storage container. Taking apart the furniture you can will allow
you to stack things closer together, leaving fewer surfaces for dust
accumulation. Screw-on legs for your upholstered pieces can stay attached to
promote airflow when sofas or chairs are stored in their natural upright
position.
Some glass table
tops or shelves can be lifted off of their bases, wrapped in foam or bubble
wrap, and stored in a way that keeps them from falling over or getting
something dropped on top of them.
Our pro tip: Put bolts and
nuts into a plastic bag and label which piece they go to. Tape the bag to the
backside of headboards or dressers, or keep all your hardware bags in one
easily accessible place. Unlimited access to 24-hour storage units like Outta Sight Storage is
ideal for returning or retrieving loose bolts that get dropped in the moving
process!
Area rugs need to be
rolled tightly and wrapped in plastic. Storing rugs horizontally creates a nice
home for rodents and bugs to nest in, so try to store them upright or lean them
against walls to keep vermin from crawling in and chewing up fibers.
For longer terms in self-storage units, consider wrapping furniture to ward against dust, mildew, and insects. If you are using protective covers for your furniture, it is important to think about whether your facility is climate-controlled and what temperature variables there might be if it is not. Commercially made furniture covers are perfect for temperature-controlled buildings, but know that loose plastic could trap moisture in an outdoor unit or container. In a facility that is not climate-controlled, tighter plastic wrapping could be a better alternative to keep out moisture and dust. Alternatively, consider moving blankets and furniture pads for protection, or use an old cotton sheet.
Wood and upholstery are susceptible to moisture and extreme temperatures. Changes in humidity or heat can cause furniture to swell and shrink, and absorb or lose moisture. Whenever you look for storage units in your area, know that climate-controlled units cost more to rent, and think about how you can prepare your treasured belongings to withstand the conditions of the region.
It’s a good idea to check on your items periodically, especially if your
storage duration is going to be or becomes long-term. A good 24-hour storage
unit facility will provide gated access and surveillance to protect your
belongings.
To put it simply, you should store furniture in the condition you want to retrieve it in. Putting expensive furniture into a self-storage rental unit takes more than just good Tetris skills – you need forethought and preparation to ensure your quality pieces stay preserved. These recommendations come from years of experience offering storage units in Great Falls, Montana. At Outta Sight Storage, we take pride in making sure our units are clean before move-in and always secure. Find out what units we have available now, or contact us to learn more about how to store your belongings!