How to Store Furniture in Self-Storage
Common household items like couches, tables, mirrors, picture frames, and mattresses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can make storage somewhat tricky. These items also typically have sentimental, practical and possibly monetary value, making proper self-storage even more crucial. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take that will accommodate most household items and keep them safe for the duration they are in your self-storage facility.
1. Clean Everything Before Storing
It’s important to thoroughly clean everything before you place it in a storage unit. Fabrics can harbor dust and dirt which can cause damage to the material over time, while common everyday use items such as tables can contain food residue. Be sure to research the best cleaning method for the specific material to avoid damaging the furniture. The type of material will also determine the type of cleaner you’ll need to properly and safely clean your items. Once it is cleaned, make sure your furniture and items have time to dry completely.
2. Disassemble Furniture
To maximize the space in your storage unit, disassemble any furniture you can. For example, you may be able to take the legs off your dining room table and remove the table leaf. For bedroom sets, you’ll want to separate the headboard from the bedframe and so on. When you disassemble your items, you’ll be left with small screws, nuts, and bolts. Place these in a small bag with a label of which furniture set it belongs to. Customers sometimes tape the bag to the furniture, but beware this may damage the item or fall off during transport. For best safe keeping, store in a small box or with other important items.
3. Use the Right Storage Supplies
To protect your items from getting damaged in storage, purchase the right packing and storage supplies. These supplies are specifically made to protect the items they are intended for and will keep your belongings safe and secure while in self-storage. Items include:
4. How to Pack Specific Items for Storage
Use the storage supplies above and follow these tips to protect your household items and furniture while in storage.
Living Room Furniture
Remove the cushions from your couches and set them aside. Completely cover the couches and other soft-surface furniture using furniture blankets, then use tape to hold the blankets in place. This will shield fabrics from stains, dust, and moisture. Repeat this on the cushions using towels or blankets. Don’t use plastic wrap on couches or chairs, as it can trap moisture which will ruin the fabric and wood sooner or later. Always opt for a blanket or sheet that is breathable.
Mirrors and Picture frames
Make a large ‘x’ on the glass with tape to keep it from shattering, then pack the mirror or picture using the U-Haul Mirror and Picture Box. This U-Haul storage solution can be used for framed photos, paintings, and mirrors up to 54” wide.
Mattresses
Use mattress bags for storing your family’s mattresses. This prevents anything from getting in and protects the mattress from getting dirty or damaged during transport. Simply slide the bag over each mattress to shield it from dust, dirt, and moisture while in storage.
Tables and Chairs
Wrap your kitchen table and its components using the bubble cushion so they are protected from dents, scratches, and moisture. Then secure the bubble cushion with tape. Repeat this for coffee tables, end tables, and all other hard-surfaced furniture you intend to store. If your table has a glass top, use multiple layers of bubble cushion and a furniture blanket to provide the most padding possible and keep it flat in the storage unit.
5. Storing Items in the Unit
Packing a self-storage unit is all about utilizing the space in the most efficient way while still being able to access your items when you need them. Store the taller and bulkier items closest to the walls, with the tallest items in the back and the shorter items towards the door. This will help give you a clear view of all your belongings in the storage unit. Leave a small path in the middle so you can conveniently access your items. Label all your boxes and face the labels towards the small walkway so you can easily read them. Stack your boxes to make use of the vertical space, be sure to store the heavier boxes on the bottom to avoid damaging the more fragile items. Be careful to not stack your belongings too high up. If you plan on accessing your self-storage unit frequently, store the items you’ll need the most often towards the front of the storage unit.
6. Choose the Right Storage Unit
The type of storage unit you choose will depend on what’s inside. For example, couches don’t always fare well in areas of high humidity or extreme heat, so you may want to opt for indoor, climate-controlled self-storage if you’re storing a living room set. In general, anything that has cotton, wood, or leather materials should be kept in a climate-controlled environment.
Also consider what size storage unit will be best suited for your belongings. View this self-storage size guide and choose a unit that will comfortably and safely fit all your furniture and household items.
No matter the reason you need to store your beloved furniture, you can find a U-Haul self-storage facility near you to accommodate your needs. Make U-Haul your Storage Place today.