How to Store Furniture: A Complete Guide

Why Proper Furniture Storage Matters

Storing furniture incorrectly can lead to expensive problems. Dust settles into fabric, wood warps in humidity, and metal rusts when exposed to moisture. These issues do not show up overnight but slowly damage couches, tables, and chairs until repairs become unavoidable. Proper furniture storage stops this process by keeping furniture dry, clean, and stable. Lakeside Storage uses climate-controlled units to block extreme temperatures and balance humidity levels, creating a safe space for furniture.

People often underestimate how quickly small problems grow. A sofa left in a damp garage might develop mold, or a wooden dresser stored near a window could fade from sunlight. Without climate control, leather cracks, fabric discolors, and drawers stick. Lakeside Storage prevents these issues with secure units that maintain consistent air quality. Their approach protects furniture so it stays in the same condition as the day it was stored.

Preparing Furniture for Storage

Measure Your Furniture

Write down the height, width, and depth of every item. Sofas and bed frames often take up more space than expected, and measuring helps avoid renting a unit that’s too small. Lakeside Storage offers units ranging from closet-sized lockers to rooms large enough for entire households. Matching furniture to unit sizes saves money and keeps items organized. Always leave extra space for walking aisles to access items later.

Clean Thoroughly

Dirt left on furniture attracts pests and causes stains. For wood, wipe surfaces with a dry cloth followed by a light polish. Fabric couches need vacuuming to remove crumbs and pet hair. Use a gentle stain remover on spills to prevent them from setting. Metal furniture benefits from a quick wipe with a soft cloth and a rust prevention spray.

Disassemble Larger Items

Take apart anything that can be broken down. Remove table legs, detach bed frames, and unscrew shelving units. Place screws and bolts in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture. This saves space and prevents parts from getting lost. Keep disassembled sections flat to avoid bending or cracking during transport.

Wrap and Cover

Use cotton sheets or canvas covers instead of plastic. Plastic traps moisture, which leads to mold on wood and fabric. For fragile items like glass tabletops, wrap edges with bubble wrap and secure them with tape. Never seal covers tightly. Allow air to circulate around furniture. Place wooden pallets under heavy items to keep them off the floor.

How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit

Storing furniture correctly involves smart organization and protective techniques. Focus on preventing physical damage and environmental exposure to keep items in excellent condition.

• Lay wooden pallets or cinder blocks on the floor to lift furniture away from moisture.
• Place heavy items like dressers at the back and lighter pieces near the front for easy access.
• Stand mirrors and glass tabletops upright to avoid cracks from pressure.
• Wrap the table legs in bubble wrap and tape them to the underside.
• Leave drawers and cabinet doors slightly open to prevent warping and musty odors.
• Use furniture pads or blankets between stacked items to prevent scratches.
• Secure tall bookshelves to unit walls with straps to prevent tipping.
• Store fragile items in labeled boxes on top of sturdy furniture, never on the floor.
• Add silica gel packets inside drawers to absorb residual moisture.
• Leave 3-4 inches of space between furniture and walls for airflow.

Tips for Long-Term Furniture Storage

• Leave at least six inches between furniture pieces for airflow.
• Place mothballs or cedar blocks near upholstered items to repel insects.
• Choose a storage unit with enough space to walk around and inspect items.
• Visit every three months to check for pests, mold, or unusual odors.
• Keep an inventory list taped to the unit wall for quick reference.
• Store mattresses flat in breathable bags to avoid sagging.
• Lift sofas and bed frames with wooden blocks to protect against floor moisture.
• Wrap the table legs in old towels to prevent dents and scratches.
• Avoid storing items like candles, which can melt and stain furniture.

Packing Specific Furniture Items

• Couches and armchairs: Cover with breathable fabric slips. Store cushions separately in ventilated boxes.
• Dining tables: Remove the legs, wrap each in bubble wrap, and tape them to the underside.
• Bookshelves: Empty shelves and lay flat to prevent warping.
• Mattress storage: Use a breathable mattress cover and store the mattress flat (never on the side).
• Dressers: Leave drawers slightly open to let air circulate inside.
• Outdoor furniture: Clean with mild soap, dry thoroughly, and apply UV protectant spray.
• Lamps: Remove bulbs and wrap shades in tissue paper before boxing.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Picking the right storage unit requires balancing space, security, and environmental controls. Climate-controlled units are non-negotiable for wood, leather, or upholstered furniture. Measure all furniture beforehand to estimate the unit size needed. A cramped space risks scratches from overcrowding, while oversized units waste money. Look for facilities with 24/7 security, pest control, and drive-up access for hassle-free loading.

Lakeside Storage simplifies this process with units ranging from 5×5 feet for single items like mattresses or dressers to 10×30 feet for entire households. Our climate-controlled units maintain stable humidity levels, which is critical for preventing wood expansion or fabric mildew. Unlike garages, our sealed units block pests, and flexible month-to-month leases adapt to short-term or long-term needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Furniture

• Storing dirty furniture attracts bugs and rodents.
• Wrapping wood or fabric in plastic causes condensation and mold.
• Stacking heavy items on delicate furniture, leading to dents and breaks.
• Using outdoor storage spaces without climate control.
• Forgetting to check on items for over a year, allowing damage to go unnoticed.
• Placing furniture directly on concrete floors without pallets.
• Overfilling units, making it impossible to inspect items.

How Lakeside Storage Simplifies Furniture Storage

We design our climate-controlled units to protect furniture from Florida’s humidity and heat. Wood stays warp-free, fabric avoids mildew, and leather resists cracking thanks to stable air quality year-round. Units range from 5×5 feet for single items like mattresses or dressers to 10×30 feet for full households or business storage needs. Every space includes 24/7 security cameras, gated access, and pest control to keep belongings safe.

Our team helps customers select the right self-storage unit size and shares practical tips for preparing furniture. We prioritize easy access and clean, organized spaces to simplify storing and retrieving items. For details about climate control benefits or reserving a unit, contact our team directly.