The Do’s and Don’ts of Long-Term Storage

Storing furniture in a storage unit requires a bit of planning and care to ensure that your pieces remain in great condition. Whether you're storing items temporarily during a move or for the long term, following the right steps will help protect your furniture from damage. At Alliance Self Storage, we provide secure and accessible storage solutions to meet your needs. Here are the best practices for storing furniture in a storage unit: 1. Clean Your Furniture First Before storing any furniture, thoroughly clean and dry each piece. Dust, dirt, and moisture can cause long-term damage or mold growth. Wipe down wood surfaces with a damp cloth and use appropriate cleaning products for fabric or leather upholstery. 2. Disassemble Large Items If possible, disassemble large furniture pieces like bed frames, bookshelves, or tables to save space and prevent damage. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware in a labeled bag taped to the furniture piece. 3. Use Furniture Covers Protect your furniture with protective covers. For fabric-covered pieces like couches and chairs, consider using furniture moving blankets or plastic covers to shield against dust and dirt. Avoid using plastic covers directly on wood or leather, as they can trap moisture. 4. Store Furniture Upright Whenever possible, store large furniture pieces like couches, armchairs, or mattresses upright. This helps save floor space and reduces the risk of fabric or cushions getting compressed or damaged. 5. Use Pallets or Raised Platforms Place your furniture on pallets or raised platforms to protect it from moisture and potential flooding. This also helps with air circulation around your items. 6. Stack Furniture Carefully Stack furniture pieces in a way that avoids putting weight on delicate or upholstered parts. For example, avoid stacking heavy items on top of couches or chairs. Stack pieces like tables and dressers to optimize vertical space. 7. Wrap Delicate Furniture in Moving Blankets For items that are fragile or have delicate finishes, use moving blankets or foam padding to protect them from scratches or dents. Wrap the furniture securely and use packing tape to keep the blankets in place. 8. Keep Furniture Away from Walls Leave some space between the walls of the storage unit and your furniture. This prevents your items from absorbing moisture from the walls, which can cause mold or mildew buildup. 9. Use Anti-Moth or Pest Control Products To protect your furniture from pests, place mothballs or pest-repelling sachets around your stored furniture. This is especially important for wood furniture and fabrics that attract insects. 10. Visit Your Storage Unit Regularly Check on your furniture periodically to ensure everything is in good condition. If you’re storing items for an extended period, make sure to rotate pieces and inspect for any signs of damage or pest infestation. Secure Storage with Alliance Self Storage At Alliance Self Storage, we provide secure, clean, and easily accessible storage units for all your furniture storage needs. Whether you're storing items temporarily or for the long haul, our units are the perfect solution. Contact us today to find the ideal storage space for your furniture!