Furniture

Tips for Storing Furniture

Most of us forget how heavy our furniture it is and how much room it takes up until it comes time to move it. Using self-storage for additional space can cut down on how often you end up relocating extra dressers, sofas, mattresses, desks or pianos, providing convenience and peace of mind. Here are some helpful hints for storing furniture:

Find the Right Self-Storage Unit

• • Consider looking for a drive up unit, or an inside unit on the ground floor. If your unit is on an upper level, be sure there’s an elevator. Many facilities have dollies and carts available for your use at the facility.

  • If it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring. Most storage facilities require proof of insurance covering your belongings to at least $2,000. You may find that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy does not cover property stored in a storage facility. We offer affordable insurance policies that can be included in your rental agreement.

Safe Storage

• • Use pallets or boards to raise the floor of the unit to protect against flooding; put down a plastic tarp over this raised floor to create a moisture barrier.

  • Cover furniture with cotton drop cloths or canvas tarps to keep dust off and allow airflow; make sure no fabric from furniture or covers is touching the floor.

  • Bags specifically designed to protect mattresses, sofas and chairs can often be purchased at the storage facility, along with other packing materials.

  • Stand sofas and mattresses on end to maximize space and prevent overloading.

  • Do not store anything near your sofa or mattresses that could transfer color.

  • Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap table legs in moving blankets or bubble wrap.

  • If a table will not disassemble, place a moving blanket on the pallets / boards on the floor, and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Place chairs upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.

  • Stretch wrap can be used to keep cabinet doors or dresser drawers closed while moving.

  • Use bubble wrap or cardboard to protect corners and edges.

  • On mirrors and framed artwork, use cardboard corner protectors. Do not store these items flat, as they will collapse under their own weight. Keep them upright, and mark them as fragile.

  • Wrap lamp bases in bubble wrap or moving blankets and pack them in a box designed for storing lamps. Wrap lamp shades in a cotton cover or loose plastic wrap and pack in a box.

  • Use dresser tops for stacking lightweight boxes, and dresser drawers for small fragile items.

  • If you use cleaning sprays on furniture prior to storing it, allow it to dry thoroughly – the residual moisture can cause mold growth while in storage.

  • Avoid sealing anything in plastic – trapped moisture can cause mold, mildew and rot.

  • Liquid screen TVs and computer monitors can freeze and break without climate control in the unit.

For more information on storing TVs, computers, fine art, antiques, photos or books, see other sections of storage tips on this site.