A Guide to Storing Furniture in a Self Storage Unit 

Home Self Storage: How to Store Furniture

Are you moving house, decorating, or need to create more space? Storing furniture correctly protects your valuable pieces and gives you the breathing room your home needs. Home self storage offers practical solutions for furniture storage, whether you need short-term space during renovations or long-term protection for cherished items. 

Getting furniture storage right involves careful preparation, clever packing techniques, and choosing facilities that are designed to protect your belongings.

Why Choose Home Self Storage for Furniture

Home self storage offers advantages that garages, lofts, or spare rooms may not provide for furniture storage. Professional storage facilities offer controlled environments specifically designed to protect furniture from damage, dampness, and deterioration. Our facilities offer comprehensive security, including site-wide CCTV, intruder alarms, and smoke detectors, which provide better protection for your furniture compared to typical home storage spaces.

Storage units also free up living space without forcing you to permanently part with valued furniture. Whether you are between homes, creating space for a growing family, or protecting furniture during renovations, home storage solutions offer the flexibility that your situation requires.

How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit

Strategic packing and placement techniques maximise space efficiency and protect furniture from damage.

Disassembling Larger Pieces

Breaking down furniture, such as beds, wardrobes, and bookshelves, reduces space requirements and makes items easier to protect. We recommend keeping the original assembly instructions or taking detailed photos before disassembly to simplify reassembly later.

Store screws, bolts, and small hardware in clearly labelled bags taped securely to corresponding furniture pieces. This organisation prevents the loss of important components and removes confusion during reassembly.

Protecting Furniture During Storage

Use quality packing materials to protect furniture throughout storage. Our box and packaging supplies provide everything needed to protect furniture, including bubble wrap, furniture covers, and protective materials.

• Fabric Items – Use breathable covers instead of thick plastic, which traps moisture. Breathable materials reduce dust accumulation and prevent colour fading while allowing air circulation.
• Glass and Fragile Elements – Wrap glass shelves, mirrors, and delicate components thoroughly in bubble wrap for extensive protection.
• Wooden Surfaces – Cover wooden furniture with dust sheets to prevent scratches and protect finishes from dust and debris.
• Metal Components – Wrap metal elements to prevent scratching and maintain the protective polish applied during cleaning.

Smart Stacking Strategies

Place heavier furniture at the bottom of stacks with lighter items on top. Do not place sharp objects or heavy items on top of fabric furniture, as this could cause it to tear or compress.

Position the furniture you will need first near the front of your storage unit for easy access. Items stored long-term can go towards the back, where they won’t block access to frequently used pieces.

Additionally, avoid overfilling your storage unit, as cramped spaces increase the risk of damage and promote mould growth due to poor air circulation. If your furniture doesn’t fit comfortably, consider upgrading to a larger unit.

How to Prepare Furniture for Storage

Furniture preparation prevents damage and keeps items in good condition throughout storage.

Cleaning Different Furniture Types

Clean all furniture thoroughly before storage to prevent dampness, mildew, and pest problems. Each furniture type requires specific cleaning approaches:

1. Fabric and Leather Furniture: Use upholstery cleaners for deep cleaning fabric sofas, chairs, and cushions, removing all crumbs and debris that may attract pests. Leather furniture needs specialised cleaners to maintain its condition and prevent cracking during storage.
2. Wooden Furniture: Scrub wooden pieces with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Treat wood with suitable products to prevent woodworm and rot, especially when storing furniture for extended periods.
3. Metal Furniture: Polish metal pieces thoroughly to remove existing oxidation and reduce tarnish build-up during storage. This protection is especially important for antique or decorative metal furniture.

Important Drying Period

All furniture must be completely dry before placing items in your storage unit. Moisture trapped in furniture or packing materials creates an environment that fosters mould and mildew, which can permanently damage furniture pieces.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size for Your Furniture

Choosing the ideal storage unit size is key to cost efficiency and the protection of your furniture.

Assessing Your Storage Needs

Take inventory of furniture pieces you plan to store. Measure larger items, such as sofas, wardrobes, and dining tables, to calculate approximate space requirements. Disassembling furniture helps reduce the storage space needed.

Understanding Storage Unit Capacities

Storage units come in various sizes to accommodate different furniture storage needs:

• 10-25 sq ft units – Perfect for small furniture items, single chairs, small tables, or boxed flat-pack furniture during moves.
• 50-75 sq ft units – Accommodate furniture from one or two rooms, including sofas, beds, and medium-sized items.
• 100-150 sq ft units – Store furniture from three to four rooms, and are ideal for house moves or major decluttering projects.
• 200+ sq ft units – Handle furniture from entire homes, and are ideal for long-term storage during extended relocations.

Our size guide helps you select the ideal unit for your furniture storage needs, ensuring you pay only for the space you require.

How to Store Furniture for the Long Term

Long-term furniture storage requires additional considerations to protect the condition of furniture over extended periods.

Climate Considerations

Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause damage to furniture over time, especially to wooden pieces, leather items, and fabric upholstery. Consider climate-controlled storage for valuable or sensitive items that will be stored for extended periods.

Regular Inspections

Schedule periodic visits to inspect stored items for signs of damage, moisture issues, or pest problems. Early detection prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger problems, which can cause damage to furniture and compromise its condition.

Documentation and Insurance

Photograph furniture before storage and maintain detailed inventories. This documentation is key for insurance purposes and helps you recall what you’ve stored, especially during long-term storage.

Get Secure Home Self Storage Solutions From The Self Storage Company 

Storing furniture correctly not only protects your pieces but also creates the space your home needs. At The Self Storage Company, we offer secure, accessible self storage facilities across various locations, including Edgware, Hemel Hempstead, Waltham Abbey, Welwyn Garden City, and West Molesey. Our storage units range from 15 sq ft to 200 sq ft, accommodating any furniture storage requirement.

Our facilities combine comprehensive security, convenient access during operating hours, and expert guidance to ensure your furniture stays in excellent condition throughout storage. With flexible monthly contracts and transparent pricing, you get the storage space you need without long-term commitments or hidden costs.

Contact us to discuss your furniture storage needs and discover how our home self storage solutions can provide the required space for your furniture pieces.