Optimize Your Self-Storage Unit: Tips for Furniture Storage

Furniture is one of the more common things that are stored in self storage units. There are lots of reasons why couches, sofas, desks, and tables get a temporary home in storage – furniture can be put away during renovations or moving, there might be a family heirloom that doesn’t fit current tastes, or offices might be downsizing. Whatever the reason, furniture will be safe and secure at NationWide for as long as you need. 

If you are looking for a place to store furniture, look no further. At NationWide Storage, we see a lot of clients bringing in furniture big and small, and some have the perfected the process. We have gathered a few tips to share so that storing furniture will be easy and smooth for you.

Step 1: Clean it up

It is important to take the time to properly clean your furniture before you store it. Vacuuming thoroughly  or having the pieces professionally steam cleaned if needed – means that the furniture will be fresh and ready when the time comes to unpack it again. If there is already a smell brewing and it’s not dealt with before, it will only get worse in time, especially if you are putting a furniture cover on it for storage.

Make sure that all furniture is very dry especially anything that has fabric on it (rugs, sofas, pillows, chairs).. Storing something that is even a little bit damp can cause mold to grow and spread – potentially ruining valuable furniture beyond the point of repair.

Step 2: Disassemble and label

Taking the legs of couches or chairs, disassembling shelving units, storing glass shelves carefully, and unscrewing lightbulbs are things that you can do that will make the long-term furniture storage more manageable and save space in your storage unit. And don’t forget to label! We suggest using ziplock bags with black sharpie, and then affixing that bag to the furniture. We all think we’ll remember what belongs where. However, we’ve seen it happen time and again where no one can match the proper bag of screws with the right disassembled shelf!

If you really want to make it easy for yourself when it comes time to put things back together, you can document the process with photos. Additionally, keep the assembly instructions with the furniture or bookmark them on your computer.

Step 3: Use blankets and covers

Some people invest in proper moving blankets, but we’ve seen old (clean) bedding do the trick, too. Covering the furniture will protect it from dust and grime – especially if you are considering long-term storage and if the item is valuable. Don’t go too far though, you don’t want to tightly wrap the furniture in plastic casings. If you do, moisture can sneak in and damage the item underneath – even in climate-controlled units. The best thing to do is to drape a breathable sheet over the furniture.

Step 4: Plan ahead

Knowing how much furniture over time you are going to store isn’t always possible. However, getting the correct sized storage unit for the number of items you will have is important.   Feel free to speak to the storage experts at NationWide Self Storage or use our online self storage calculator to get an idea of what size is best for your items.

Keep in mind that you will probably want  to be able to get in and out, and it might be important to access some things at the back of the unit. Planning which items will go where and how they will fit together is important. Remember not to stack too high, with heavier items on the bottom. If something is highly valuable, it should probably have a space of its own. Additionally, all the pieces of an item (like a bed frame) should be kept together in one spot.

NationWide Self Storage provides free  dollies and carts  but it might be an idea to employ the help of a friend or a professional mover if something is heavy or awkward to move. Storing a couch is not worth hurting your back over!

Are you looking for a self storage locker in Kamloops, Burnaby or Vancouver? Keep your office or home furniture safe and secure by giving us a call.  Our self storage experts offer free tours and can find you the exact size of unit that you need. We can also offer the best deal for the right length of time you need.