Zoe
It’s important to store furniture the right way to keep it from getting damaged, whether you’re moving or just need more room. It’s important to be extra careful with furniture, especially big pieces. Things like chairs, tables, and dressers can get scratches, warp, and even mildew if you don’t know how to clean them properly. Here’s how to store furniture in a storage box without breaking it if you need one.
1. Clean and Prepare Your Furniture
Before moving your furniture into a storage unit, give it a thorough cleaning. If you leave dust, dirt, and grime on surfaces for a long time, it can damage them in the long run. Use a soft cloth to clean wood and metal pieces, and ensure that fabric furniture is free from dust and debris. For upholstered pieces, consider using a fabric cleaner to remove stains and freshen up the material.
For wooden furniture, apply a furniture polish to protect the surface from drying out. If the furniture is made of leather, use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent cracking. Cleaning your items ensures that they remain in good condition while in storage.
2. Disassemble Large Pieces
Taking apart big pieces of furniture is one of the best ways to keep them from getting damaged. Bed frames, tables, and other items with removable parts should be taken apart if possible. This reduces the risk of any parts being bent or scratched during transport. Keep the screws, nuts, and bolts in small bags labeled for each piece, and store them in a safe place, such as taped to the underside of the furniture or in a clearly marked box.
Disassembling furniture also helps save space in the storage unit, which can prevent items from being stacked on top of each other and causing unnecessary pressure or damage.
3. Use Protective Covers
Investing in protective covers is essential when storing furniture. For upholstered furniture, use furniture covers or plastic shrink wrap to protect the fabric from dust, dirt, and moisture. Plastic covers can also prevent potential mildew growth, especially in humid environments. For wood and metal furniture, consider using blankets or moving pads to wrap each item, preventing any scratches or dents during transport.
If you don’t have furniture covers, old sheets or large plastic trash bags can be used as an alternative. Just make sure to secure the covers tightly around the furniture to prevent them from sliding off.
4. Store Furniture in the Right Position
The position in which you store your furniture in a unit matters greatly. Place larger items like couches and tables upright, rather than laying them flat. This minimizes the chance of warping and helps save space. If possible, store items like chairs or mattresses on their sides, as this keeps them in the best shape and allows for optimal space utilization in the storage Scottsdale Arizona unit.
For pieces like mattresses, which are more susceptible to damage, avoid placing heavy items on top of them. Stack lighter furniture pieces on top of each other, but never overload them. Keeping the furniture in a vertical position is crucial to avoid stress on the materials.
5. Leave Room for Air Circulation
When keeping furniture, air flow is very important. Mildew and mold can grow in places where there isn’t enough air flow, especially in cushioned or wooden furniture. Don’t pack too much into the unit; leave room between each item so that air can flow properly.
If you’re storing things in a place with extreme temperatures, like Scottsdale, Arizona storage, you might want to rent a room that is climate-controlled. These units help keep the temperature and humidity level stable. This keeps your furniture safe from heat and wetness, which can damage it over time.
6. Protect Surfaces from Scratching
When moving furniture into the storage unit, be cautious about potential scratches on surfaces. Use moving blankets or towels to line the floors and prevent furniture from rubbing against hard surfaces. When stacking furniture, always place a soft cloth or padding between items to prevent them from coming into direct contact with each other.
Additionally, avoid dragging furniture across the floor. Instead, lift or use furniture sliders to move heavy pieces with ease. This will prevent scratches and unnecessary strain on the furniture.
7. Check on Your Furniture Regularly
Finally, if you’re storing furniture for an extended period, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically. This ensures that no moisture or pests have gotten into the storage unit and that the furniture remains in good condition. If you’re storing items in a climate-controlled unit, regular checks will give you peace of mind that your furniture is being protected.
Conclusion
Properly storing furniture in a storage unit can help preserve its quality and longevity. By cleaning and preparing items, disassembling large pieces, using protective covers, and arranging furniture carefully, you can avoid damage while in storage. Additionally, ensuring adequate ventilation and considering a climate-controlled unit for sensitive items will provide extra protection, especially in hot climates like storage in Scottsdale, Arizona.
