6 Pro Tips for Storing Your Furniture

Storing furniture sounds easy. Just chuck it in a unit and forget about it, right? Not quite. A damp garage or cramming everything into a spare room isn’t the best idea, either. That’s why a lot of people use furniture storage services at a proper storage facility. It keeps everything dry, safe, and out of the way. Whether you’re moving house or just need more space where you are, it’s definitely the way to go.

At Safestore Containers, we’ve got secure short term and long-term storage options throughout Auckland. And we know a thing or two about storing furniture properly. In this article, we share our top tips for keeping your furniture in its best condition while it’s in storage.

Tip 1: Clean Everything First

Before you put your furniture into a storage space, make sure you give it a good clean. Dust, dirt, and moisture don’t just sit there, they turn into mould, stains, and weird smells over time.

• Wooden furniture: Wipe down with a damp cloth, then dry it completely so no moisture gets trapped.
• Fabric couches or chairs: Vacuum every inch. If there are any stains, clean them now, because they’ll only get worse in storage.
• Leather furniture: Use a leather conditioner so it doesn’t dry out and crack.
• Mattresses: Give them a spray with disinfectant and let them air out before storing.

If you’re putting your furniture into long-term storage, make sure everything is completely dry before wrapping it up. Damp furniture in a storage facility, whether the unit is dry or not, is a guaranteed way to grow mould.

Tip 2: Disassemble Large Pieces

If it comes apart, take it apart. Tables, bed frames, bookshelves are all a lot easier to move and store in pieces, compared to when they’re assembled. For example:

• Take legs off tables and couches to save space.
• Remove bed frames and headboards.
• Wrap up shelves separately so they don’t bend under their own weight.

Put all the screws, bolts, and small pieces into a zip-lock bag, label it, and tape it to the furniture. That way, when you go to set the furniture up again, you’re not digging through a random box wondering where everything went.

This also helps prevent damage. A fully assembled dining table might look sturdy now, but stored wrong, it could warp, crack, or break. Taking it apart is the safest option.

Tip 3: Use Protective Covers

It’s important to wrap your furniture before moving it and storing it. Moving and storing furniture uncovered is asking for dust, scratches, and moisture damage.

• Wrap wooden and fabric furniture in moving blankets to stop scuffs and dings.
• Cover mattresses with a proper mattress cover. A cheap plastic one will trap moisture and grow mould.

Avoid wrapping furniture directly in plastic for long-term storage. It traps humidity and can cause wood to swell and crack. If you’re using a storage facility for just a few weeks, plastic wrap is totally fine. But when storing furniture for months or years, stick to breathable covers like blankets or drop cloths.

Tip 4: Store Items Off the Ground

Never put furniture directly on the floor in storage. This is especially true if you’re storing it for a long time. Some flooring, specifically concrete flooring, can hold moisture, which can seep into wood, fabric, and cardboard boxes over time.

Use pallets, plastic sheeting, or even old rugs to create a barrier between your furniture and the floor. Adding packing materials like bubble wrap or foam padding under delicate items can also help prevent scratches or dents. And try to keep a small gap between items to let air circulate and stop moisture from building up.

A good storage facility will have dry, well-ventilated units, but a little extra care can make a big difference.

Tip 5: Avoid Stacking Heavy Items on Soft Furniture

Sofas, mattresses, and armchairs aren’t designed to withstand stacking. Piling heavy, pointy items on top can flatten cushions, strain the frames, and damage the fabric over time.

• Mattresses: Store them flat if possible. Standing them up for too long can make the insides shift and sag.
• Couches: Don’t use them as a shelf. If you have to stack something on them, make sure it’s light, like bedding or cushions.
• Chairs: Flip them upside down and stack them seat-to-seat if you’re short on storage space.

If you’ve no option but to stack furniture, use boards or pallets between layers to help spread the weight evenly. And if you’re going in and out of your storage unit a lot, stack in a way that lets you access what you need without having to move everything around.

Tip 6: Choose a Dry, Secure Storage Unit

Where you store your furniture is just as important as how you store it. A cheap, damp storage unit will ruin your stuff no matter how well you clean it or wrap it beforehand. Look for a storage facility that’s secure, weatherproof, and easy to access.

• Security: Make sure the storage unit has CCTV, gated access, and solid locks. You don’t want to come back and find your personal belongings gone.
• Unit size: Pick a self storage unit size that fits your furniture easily. Too small, and you risk damage and difficult access. Too big, and you’re paying for wasted space.
• Access: If you need to grab things regularly, choose a self storage facility that lets you access your unit easily, without long wait times or complicated lock-ups.

Furniture Storage East Tamaki

Storing furniture properly isn’t hard. But it does take a bit of planning. The right prep can prevent scratches, mould, and damage, so your furniture comes out of storage looking just as good as when it went in.

At Safestore Containers, we’ve got secure storage units in a bunch of convenient locations throughout Auckland, from East Tamaki and Glendene to Onehunga. Plus, we’ve got unit sizes to fit everything from a few chairs to an entire house worth of furniture.

Need a long-term storage solution while you jet off on a year-long adventure? Looking for a short-term storage solution while you’re moving house? We’ve got you covered with affordable, safe, and weatherproof storage units ready to go.

Get in touch today to find the perfect storage unit for your furniture!