Are you moving to a new home or a different city? Are you looking to store some of your old furniture that didn’t quite make the move with you? Whether it’s because of limited space in your new place or due to sentimental value, storing furniture can be a daunting task.
However, by taking the necessary precautions and following the right steps, storing your furniture for an extended period doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prepare your beloved items for storage so they remain safe and sound until you’re ready for them again!
Step 1: Check the furniture for any loose parts or pieces that need to be tightened up or repaired
Before moving your furniture into storage, it’s vital to conduct a thorough inspection. Check each item for loose screws, wobbly legs, or other unstable parts. A small screwdriver can be a handy tool for tightening up loose screws and ensuring your furniture is sturdy.
If you come across more significant issues like broken parts, consider seeking professional repair services. Properly fixed furniture stands a better chance of withstanding the rigors of transportation and storage, ultimately prolonging its lifespan.
Step 2: Clean all surfaces with a damp cloth and appropriate cleaner before storing
After ensuring that your furniture is structurally sound, the next step is to thoroughly clean all surfaces. Use a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaner suitable for the specific material of your furniture (wood, metal, plastic, etc.).
Wipe down all parts of each item, paying particular attention to corners and hidden areas where dust and dirt might accumulate. This step is crucial not only for maintaining the appearance of your furniture but also for preventing the growth of mold and mildew during storage.
Remember to let each piece dry fully before moving on to the next step to avoid any potential for moisture damage.
Step 3: Cover your furniture with blankets, sheets, or plastic wrap
Once your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to cover it for protection. You can use old blankets or sheets to wrap around items, providing a soft layer that guards against scratches and dents.
Secure these coverings with packing tape or twine to ensure they stay in place. For added protection, consider using plastic wrap or specially designed-furniture covers. These are particularly useful for guarding against dust, water damage, and pests.
Remember, plastic wrap should not be applied directly to wooden or leather furniture as it can cause moisture buildup and damage. Always use a layer of cloth or fabric first before adding the plastic wrap for these types of furniture.
Step 4: Wrap glassware and delicate items in bubble wrap for extra protection
The next step focuses on providing additional safeguarding for glassware and other delicate components of your furniture.
Items like glass tabletops, mirrors, or fragile decorative details should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap to cushion them against any potential impacts during transportation or storage. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, ensuring it fully covers the delicate item without obstructing its shape.
Remember to handle these items gently throughout the process to preserve their integrity. By taking this extra step, you significantly reduce the risk of breakages, ensuring your precious items remain intact throughout storage.
Step 5: Secure drawers and cabinet doors using tape or other securing materials
The final step in preparing your furniture for storage is securing movable parts like drawers and cabinet doors. These can easily swing or slide out during transportation or whilst in storage, leading to potential damage or loss of stored items.
Use strong adhesive tape or other secure materials like twine or bungee cords to ensure these parts remain in place. Be sure not to apply tape directly onto painted or polished surfaces as removing it might damage the finish.
Instead, consider using a layer of paper or cloth between the tape and the furniture surface. Taking this precautionary step ensures your furniture remains intact and secure throughout its storage duration.
Step 6: Position your items in the storage unit for balanced weight distribution
As you begin to place your furniture and other items into the storage unit, it’s important to plan for balanced weight distribution. Heavy items like sofas, dressers, or dining tables should be placed at the bottom.
These heavy pieces serve as a stable base for stacking lighter items on top. Chairs, small tables, and other lighter pieces can then be securely positioned on top of these heavier items. This method helps to maximize space, prevent damage to lighter items, and maintain stability within the storage unit.
Remember to ensure there is sufficient room to move around and access your items when needed.
Step 7: Label each box clearly for easy identification and organization
The final step in ensuring a smooth storage process is to clearly label each box or wrapped piece of furniture. Use a bold, permanent marker to write on the box or a sticky label, indicating what items are contained within and where they belong (for example, “Living Room: Coffee Table Parts” or “Kitchen: Dining Chairs”).
If you’ve disassembled any furniture, label all corresponding parts and hardware so reassembly is straightforward. Detailed labeling makes the unpacking process easier and helps you quickly locate specific items in your storage unit without having to rummage through multiple boxes.
Remember, an organized storage unit is a user-friendly storage unit!
Overall, proper furniture storage rotation is essential to keep it safe and durable for years of use. With these steps followed you can rest assured that your precious furniture will remain safe while in storage until you need them again! If you are ever unsure about proper furniture storage techniques, seek help from an experienced professional who can provide advice on how best to store your valuable pieces of furniture securely indoors or outside!
About Xtra Storage Companies –
Are you looking for affordable and reliable public storage in Miami to store your clothing items and other accessories? Xtra Storage Companies is your one-stop destination! Our self-storage units are safe, affordable, and climate-controlled to maintain your articles in the best possible condition. We also have self-storage units of all sizes to meet your requirements. You can reach out to us by filling out our online contact form.