How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit

Why Proper Furniture Storage Matters

Furniture represents a significant investment. A quality sofa can cost $1,000-$5,000, and a solid wood dining set even more. Improper storage can cause:

• Wood damage - Cracking, warping, splitting from temperature changes
• Mold and mildew - From humidity in non-climate units
• Pest damage - Insects and rodents love unprotected furniture
• Scratches and dents - From improper stacking or covering
• Odors - Musty smells that are hard to remove

Preparing Furniture for Storage

Proper preparation is 80% of successful furniture storage. Take these steps before moving anything to storage:

Step 1: Clean Everything

• Wood - Dust, then apply furniture polish or wax
• Upholstery - Vacuum, treat stains, let dry completely
• Leather - Clean with leather cleaner, apply conditioner
• Metal - Wipe down, apply light oil to prevent rust

Step 2: Disassemble What You Can

• Remove table legs, bed frames, shelving
• Take off cushions from sofas (store separately)
• Remove glass tabletops (wrap separately)
• Keep all hardware in labeled plastic bags
• Take photos before disassembly for reassembly reference

Step 3: Protect Properly

• DO use: Cotton sheets, moving blankets, breathable covers
• DON'T use: Plastic wrap, tarps, garbage bags (trap moisture)
• Wrap legs and corners with bubble wrap or foam
• Use cardboard corner protectors on wood pieces