How To Store Wood, Hardware And Fabric Furniture

Moving home; it’s notoriously stressful, and a big part of that often includes the packaging and storing of furniture. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, humble student going off to new lands, a business owner moving location, or even a realtor — there’s no escaping the responsibility of furniture packaging and storing. The following tips especially apply if your furniture is going into storage for a few weeks, or even months – if the storage in question does not have climate control, this can take its toll on your furniture, which is why it must be wrapped up correctly to avoid drying out, deterioration, or fading. Remember, what you do now will preserve and protect your belongings – if it’s done right.

Wood Furniture
If you are storing wooden furniture, it’s best to disassemble it first, to reduce the risk of potential damage. If it’s a table, remove the legs; for beds, headboards and footboards will suffice. When unscrewing, make sure you store the screws in small, labelled baggies, ensuring quick and easy reassembly when the time comes. Always clean and wax your wood furniture, as it may require the extra moisture if the storage unit is not climate-controlled; this will prevent your furniture from drying out. Any belongings stored in wooden dresser drawers should be covered with a cloth to reduce dust. If you have the space, remove the drawers entirely from the dresser to store separately. Always place your wooden furnishings away from the door, to prevent any possible rain damage (better to be safe than sorry).

Storing Fabric
Fabric chairs, sofas and mattresses should be cleaned before storage to reduce risk of mold of mildew. It’s best to wipe these down using an antibacterial cleaner which is safe to apply to fabric. Ensure plenty of time for your fabric to dry before it’s time to store them away. Cover your furniture with padded covers, sheets or blankets to protect it during transport, and also to prevent damage such as scratches in a storage bin.

Wrap Well
Always wrap your wood and upholstered furniture using either shrink wrap or plastic wrap, before securing well with masking tape. Carefully ensure the tape does not adhere to the furniture in question. If the unit is not climate controlled, layer the plastic sheeting twice over – this will also protect from insects and rodents.

Electronics
Try to store all your electronics in their original packaging and boxes, if you still have it. Wrap cables in bubble wrap, storing them alongside your electronic devices. Empty spaces in boxes should be filled with bubble wrap, or foam pieces. And lastly, do not store electronics on the floor of the storage unit, as this could cause moisture damage.

Metal Furnishings
Brass, silver or nickel metal furnishings should be well-polished in order to prevent oxidation – especially in non-climate controlled units. These should also be wrapped carefully in the plastic sheeting options mentioned above, to protect them from damage.

Moisture-Proofing
You can take extra steps to protect your furniture, electronics and metal furnishings by moisture-proofing your storage unit. It is a good idea to cover the floor of the unit using plastic sheeting. Blankets, blankets, blankets! Use plenty of these (or furniture pads) to protect against water stains, moisture damage, mold and mildew.

Conclusion
So, there you have it; your guide to storing your beloved possessions and protecting them against unnecessary harm. Of course, you should avoid storing anything too valuable or fragile, such as antique furniture or paintings, but if it can’t be avoided, always opt for a unit which offers climate control.