Storing Like A Champ

Whether you are planning on moving to a small apartment or are downsizing, self-storage units are a great option if you need space for your furniture items. Remember to choose a climate-controlled unit to ensure temperature fluctuations and mold don't damage your furniture items. The following tips will help you prepare your furniture before keeping it in a self-storage unit.

Clean Everything Thoroughly

You should never put dirty furniture in a self-storage unit. Cleaning reduces the likelihood of mold and dust in the unit. The cleaning method varies depending on the material of the furniture.

For example, plastic furniture should be cleaned with mild soap and water. When cleaning wooden furniture, use a wood cleaner to protect the finish on the wood. For fabric items like seat cushions, use a fabric cleaner. Make sure you polish metal sections with a metal cleaner to remove any oxidation. Only pack the furniture items when they are completely dry.

Disassemble Large Pieces

The next step in preparing your furniture for self-storage is disassembling. Remove legs from sofas and tables. Take drawers from dressers and remove mattresses from beds. Unscrew shelves and take head and footboards from bed frames.

Disassembling makes it easy to pack and transport your furniture. It also minimizes the risk of damage to items and allows you to optimize your space in the self-storage unit. Make sure you follow the furniture instruction manuals and the appropriate tools when disassembling furniture. 

To make it easier for you to reassemble the pieces, take pictures of the furniture at each stage of the disassembly process. Ensure all the bolts, screws, and hinges are in a sealable plastic bag and attached to the furniture item they came from.

Packing Furniture

The last step of preparing your furniture for self-storage is packing it. You should use the appropriate packaging and wrapping material. For example, wrap fragile items with soft padding or blankets and add bubble wrap on top of them. 

However, bubble wrap should never be placed directly over leather or wood surfaces. This could lead to condensation, which attracts mold and mildew. If the storage facility has a concrete floor, lay down a sheet to protect the furniture. Sheets or drop cloths protect your furniture from gathering dust. For mattresses, use plastic covers.

In Conclusion

Self-storage units provide additional space when you have run out of room in your house. When shopping for a self-storage unit, make sure you factor in things like how long you want to store your furniture, whether the unit is climate-controlled, there is security in the unit, and how often you need to access the facility. Keep these tips in mind when looking for a self-storage facility near you.