Let me guess, you bought a new, sleek leather couch or a hand-carved mahogany dining set, and now you’re stuck with perfectly good old furniture that deserves better than the curb. A storage facility is a smart solution, but storing furniture is a completely different animal from stacking boxes and trinkets. There are a few additional steps and preparations worth knowing before you move anything in.
First and foremost, determine what material your furniture is made from. Different materials have different vulnerabilities, and knowing this upfront helps you prepare properly. For example, wood furniture is prone to chipping and cracking when exposed to dry conditions. Coating it with a protective wax or polish before storage is a worthwhile step.
Leather furniture benefits from a similar treatment. A good protective wax reduces the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuation during storage. Taking the time to identify your furniture’s materials lets you tailor your preparation and choose the right protective measures before anything goes into the unit.
How big a unit would I need to store my furniture?
This question seems a bit obvious, but the size of your unit does matter. Consider if the unit is large enough to comfortably accommodate your furniture. Now, what do I mean by comfortably accommodate your furniture? I’m talking about ventilation. Ventilation is a critical component in preserving your furniture. When storing your furniture, try not to store your furniture pressed against a wall. If possible, elevate your furniture off the floor with pallets to help facilitate better airflow. This will help keep any potential mold at bay.
Have you prepared Your Furniture for storage?
One of the fundamental storage preparations for storage is to disassemble the furniture as much as possible for easier storage. This’ll allow you to make the most of the space and help better protect it. As tempted as you may be to wrap your furniture in plastic wrap or cover, don’t do it.
Doing so will increase the odds of heat and moisture damage by preventing adequate ventilation. There are, however, specialized storage covers you may use to keep your furniture safe. Specifically, when it comes to mattress storage, you should definitely invest in a mattress storage bag to help ward off potential little critters.
In the case of leather furniture, the best preparation prior to storage is to coat the leather with a protective wax or polish to help reduce the effects of temperature change and moisture. When it comes to wood furniture, you’ll look at a more extensive care preparation because wood is susceptible to splitting and cracking due to dryness.
One of the best methods to prep wood furniture prior to storage is coating it with a protective wooden wax or polish. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the polish; it’s better to use too much than too little.
Ideal Storage | Commercial Ave. Kingston, Washington 98346 United States
Do you need storage? Contact us. We have great prices, and we’d be happy to discuss options to find the right solution for your needs!