Furniture is one of the more expensive things most people store, and one of the easiest to damage if it's not prepared properly first. Wood, upholstery and metal all need slightly different care.
Why Storage Conditions Matter More for Furniture
Boxes of books don't much mind a bit of temperature change. Furniture does. Damp warps wood, encourages mould in upholstery, and corrodes metal fittings over time. A clean, dry unit — like the ones we provide — solves most of this on its own, but a bit of preparation makes a real difference too.
Wooden Furniture
Wipe down wooden pieces before storing to remove dust and any moisture. A light coat of furniture polish or wax on solid wood can help protect the finish over a longer stay. Wrap pieces in furniture covers or blankets rather than plastic sheeting where possible — plastic can trap moisture against the surface, which does more harm than good.
Upholstered Furniture
Vacuum sofas and armchairs before storing to remove dust and discourage pests. Cover with breathable fabric covers rather than airtight plastic, for the same moisture reasons as wood. If a piece has removable cushions, consider storing them separately, upright, rather than left compressed under weight for months.
Metal Fittings and Frames
Wipe metal legs, frames and fittings to remove moisture, and consider a light protective coating on anything prone to rust. Keep metal furniture off direct contact with the floor where you can — a wooden pallet or board underneath helps.
General Storage Tips for Furniture
- Disassemble what you can — flat-packed pieces store more safely than assembled ones
- Don't stack heavy boxes directly on upholstered furniture
- Leave a little airflow space rather than pushing everything flush against the walls
- Raise furniture slightly off the floor with pallets or boards where possible
When It Matters Most
This all matters more the longer furniture will be in storage, and more still for pieces you actually plan to use again rather than sell. If you're storing furniture during a renovation, a house move, or while downsizing, our Furniture Storage service is built specifically around keeping it in the condition you left it.
Packaging supplies, including furniture covers, are available on site — get in touch if you'd like to check availability before you arrive.
