Furniture usually doesn't come cheap, so extra care should be taken when putting it in self-storage to preserve its quality. Mold, dirt and moisture can damage your beds, tables, drawers and other furniture, costing you money. It is advisable to look for a climate-controlled unit, as it will essentially protect your delicate furniture such as antique tables and leather couches from the damaging effects of heat and humidity. You can also follow the tips below to help keep your furniture in good shape during storage. 

Clean and disassemble

Start by wiping down all your furniture with a dry towel to remove any dirt that would cause staining during storage. Cleaning your fabric sofas and chairs with baking soda solution or other appropriate antibacterial cleansers can also help keep off mold and prevent odor buildup.

Be sure to let the furniture dry out completely before storing it, as moisture on the surface could trap dust and encourage mold growth. If you have leather furniture, have it professionally cleaned to avoid any damage. To prevent excessive dust buildup on your couches, leather seats and other fabric furniture, cover them with a thin layer of cotton or flannel. Covering furniture in plastic sheets could trap humidity, encouraging mold growth. 

To make storage and transportation easier, disassemble your furniture where possible by detaching removable parts such as legs and arms. This will help prevent detachable drawers from falling off during transit and help create more room in your storage unit.

Removing cushions from couches and planks from your bed frames also makes your furniture easier to move and store. Be sure to group and wrap disassembled pieces in fabric and to store all screws, nuts and bolts in plastic bags so they don't get lost. Stretch wrap can help keep cabinet doors closed in transit, while bubble wrap can be used to protect edges of delicate furniture from collision damage. 

Proper storage

Once in the storage unit, begin by placing thick sheets of plastic on the floor to help combat moisture and keep insects from reaching your furniture. Keeping furniture off the ground by placing wooden pallets beneath couches, beds and drawers can help improve air circulation through the furniture and prevent pest damage.

You should also avoid placing other items on top of your leather furniture, as this could potentially leave unsightly indentations on the surface. If your storage unit has concrete walls, avoid placing soft furniture in contact with the walls to prevent paint from staining the fabric. 

With the above tips, your wood and leather furniture should come out of self-storage undamaged and unchanged. Click here to discover more about your storage options.