8 Tips for Properly Storing Your Furniture in a Self-Storage Unit

Even if your furniture doesn’t look visibly dirty, always dust and clean it before you put it in storage. While you’re doing this, take some time to inspect the condition of your piece — lift your sofa cushions and look into the corners of dresser drawers. This will allow you to double-check for crumbs, hair strands and other bits of debris that can attract pests in storage. Wiping off your furniture is also important because things like skin oils and sweat can degrade it over time.

Different types of furniture require different cleaning methods, so make sure you check the care label (if applicable) for each piece or follow these general guidelines:

Wood Furniture

Start by dusting the surface of your piece with a soft cloth. Use a mild wood cleaner to remove any dirt or grime, then apply a wood conditioner or polish to protect the finish. This helps prevent drying and cracking during storage. Avoid using vinegar or harsh chemicals on wood, as they can strip the finish and damage the surface.

Upholstered Furniture

Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly to remove dust and debris. Spot-clean any stains with a fabric cleaner (or a gentle mixture of Dawn soap and water), and wait for your piece to completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Throw in some herbal sachets to keep moths and other pests away. Don’t use excessive water or steam cleaners, which can leave the upholstery so damp that mold/mildew starts to grow before it can completely dry.

Leather Furniture

Clean leather surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking. Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners or ammonia, as they can dry out and damage the leather.

Mattresses

Ideally, you’ve used a mattress protector to keep your mattress free from spills and dust. Either way, vacuum both sides of the mattress to remove any particles that might be on the surface. Use a fabric cleaner to spot-clean any stains. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew and avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, which can degrade the fabric. If you own a mattress that contains a fiberglass interior, do not unzip the mattress or puncture the lining (this can result in all the fiberglass spilling out and creating a mess that’s near-impossible to clean).

Wicker and Rattan Furniture

Wicker and rattan furniture can be a little trickier to clean because dust and debris can settle into the woven material. Start by vacuuming the piece with a brush attachment, then use a soft cloth or small brush to remove dirt from any tight crevices. If needed, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap solution, but avoid soaking the material.

Before moving wicker or rattan furniture into storage, make sure it’s completely dry. Moisture can get trapped in the weave and lead to mold or weakened fibers over time. You should also avoid placing heavy items on top of wicker or rattan furniture, since the material can bend or lose its shape under pressure.

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture should be wiped clean and inspected for rust before storage. Pay close attention to joints, screws, legs and any spots where the paint or protective coating has chipped. If you notice small rust spots, clean them off and consider touching up the area before storing the piece, especially if it will be in storage for more than a few weeks.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is designed to handle sun, rain and changing temperatures, but that doesn’t mean it should go into storage dirty. Before storing patio chairs, outdoor tables, loungers or cushions, remove dirt, pollen, leaves and any mildew that may have built up during the season. Let each piece dry completely before covering or packing it away.

If your outdoor furniture has removable cushions, clean and dry them separately, then store them in breathable bags or bins. If you’re storing a full patio set, try to keep related pieces together so it’s easier to pull everything back out when the weather warms up again.

Larger furniture, especially irregularly shaped furniture, can take up a lot of storage space. To maximize space in your unit and make it easier to transport your pieces to the facility, disassemble anything you can before stowing it away. (Disassembling also reduces the risk of breaking or damaging parts during the move.) Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for taking your furniture apart, and keep any loose, small parts like screws, bolts and other hardware in plastic bags to ensure nothing gets lost en route to the storage facility. Label each bag with the name of the furniture piece it belongs to and tape it to the corresponding part to avoid a confusing hassle when it’s time to reassemble your furniture piece.

When it comes to renting a storage unit for your furniture items, the adage “measure twice, cut once” is especially true. The last thing you want is to find out that you can’t fit everything you want to store while you’re loading it into your unit. Once you know which pieces you’re going to store, you can use our Size Guide to get a rough idea of what unit size you might need. Then follow these tips:

How to Measure Your Furniture

• Measure Whole Pieces: For furniture that you won’t be taking apart before storage, use a tape measure to record the height, width and depth of each item. Be sure to measure the widest and tallest points to get accurate dimensions.
• Measure Disassembled Parts: If you’re planning on disassembling any furniture items, measure each component separately — this includes legs, tabletops, bed frames, etc.
• Consider Crowding: When choosing a storage unit size, factor in additional space for padding and protective coverings. You’ll also want to leave room for a walkway between items and some breathing room between pieces.
• Account for Odd Shapes: Some furniture items may have irregular shapes or protruding parts. Measure these carefully and consider how they will fit together with other items in the storage unit.
• Create a Layout Plan: Once you have all the measurements, sketch a layout plan for the storage unit to help you arrange everything efficiently.

Even if you have open storage space at home, it’s best to save those areas for non-furniture items. Furniture, especially items made with wood or leather, is particularly sensitive to heat/cold and moisture, which can lead to warping, cracking and mold growth. Home storage areas, particularly attics, garages and basements, can experience extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels, no matter what climate you live in. Climate-controlled self-storage units, on the other hand, are designed to maintain a stable temperature and humidity level. If your furniture includes items made with solid wood and genuine leather, or items that are fragile and valuable (like pianos, fine art and heirlooms), a climate-controlled unit is critical to maintaining your pieces while they’re in short- or long-term storage. On the other hand, outdoor furniture, camping gear and other hardy, weather-resistant items don’t necessarily need to be stored in a climate-controlled unit.

Ready to find a climate-controlled unit near you? Use our Storage Locator.

How you store your furniture may also depend on how long you plan to keep it in storage. A piece that’s only going into storage for a few weeks during a move may not need the same level of preparation as a dining table, leather sofa or bedroom set that will be stored for several months or longer.

For short-term storage, focus on the basics: clean each piece thoroughly, make sure it’s completely dry and protect it from scratches, dust and shifting during the move. You may be able to keep some larger items assembled if you have enough room in your storage unit and don’t need to maximize every inch of space. Even then, it’s still a good idea to cover furniture with moving blankets, keep mattresses in mattress bags and avoid placing anything directly against the wall.

For long-term storage, take a more careful approach. Wood furniture may dry out, crack or warp over time if it’s exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Leather can also dry out or become damaged without the right preparation. If you’re storing these items for several months or longer, clean and condition them beforehand, use breathable covers and strongly consider a climate-controlled storage unit.

You’ll also want to be more mindful of how items are arranged. Avoid stacking heavy pieces on top of upholstered furniture, mattresses or anything with delicate legs, arms or cushions. Leave small gaps between items so air can circulate, and try to keep furniture elevated off the floor with pallets, shelving or another stable base. If you’re storing furniture long-term, plan to stop by occasionally to check for moisture, pests, loose covers or anything that may have shifted over time.

While you’re getting your furniture ready for storage, be sure to use the right packing materials to protect your pieces from any accidental nicks, scratches and dents that might occur during the moving/storing process. 

• Use furniture pads or moving blankets to cover wooden surfaces for wood furniture. Wrap the pieces in plastic wrap to secure the pads and keep out dust and moisture.
• Cover upholstered furniture with fabric or old sheets to protect it against dust and dirt. Avoid using plastic directly on the fabric as it can trap moisture and cause mold.
• For leather furniture, use breathable covers specifically designed for leather. These covers protect against dust while allowing air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
• For mattresses, use mattress bags to shield them from dust, dirt and pests. Ensure the bag is sealed tightly to maintain cleanliness during storage.

Remember to take extra precautions to protect fragile or delicate furniture. Use furniture pads or blankets to wrap things like glass tabletops, mirrors and intricate woodwork, then secure the padding with tape or stretch wrap to ensure it stays in place. Wrap glass and other breakable parts with bubble wrap for additional cushioning, and use corner protectors for items with sharp edges to prevent chipping.

Organizing your furniture is key to maximizing space and making sure your items stay in good condition. Place larger, heavier items at the back of the unit and lighter, more fragile items towards the front. While you may be tempted to stack items, avoid this, especially if you plan on storing your pieces long-term. Stacking your furniture can lead to the items underneath being crushed, disfigured or damaged over time, even if the items you place on top don’t seem heavy.

You should also leave small aisles between items to allow easy access and proper air circulation. Keep your pieces a few inches from the wall — and, if possible, on elevated platforms like wooden pallets, cinder blocks or shelving units to keep them off the ground. Storing your pieces too closely together can lead to moisture buildup, which may result in mold and mildew growth. 

As a reminder, keep these best practices in mind when storing your furniture to ensure it stays in good condition.

Do’s (Best Practices for Safe Storage)

Dust, vacuum and clean every furniture piece

Make sure everything is completely dry before wrapping or storing it

Inspect wood, leather, fabric and metal pieces for existing damage

Disassemble large items like bed frames, tables and sectional sofas when possible

Place screws, bolts and other hardware in labeled plastic bags

Measure your furniture and sketch out a rough storage unit layout

Use furniture pads, moving blankets, breathable covers and mattress bags

Avoid wrapping upholstered or leather furniture directly in plastic

Choose climate-controlled storage for wood, leather, antiques, heirlooms and other sensitive pieces

Keep furniture slightly elevated off the floor when possible

Leave a few inches of space between items for airflow

Store frequently needed pieces toward the front of the unit

Ask your storage facility whether they offer mattress bags, covers, moving blankets or other supplies

Don’ts (Avoid These Mistakes)

• Don’t store furniture while it’s still damp.
• Don’t wrap fabric or leather furniture directly in plastic. Use breathable covers, sheets or furniture pads instead.
• Don’t leave mattresses uncovered; use a mattress bag instead.
• Don’t place furniture directly on the floor if you can avoid it. Use pallets, shelving, cinder blocks or another stable base to keep pieces elevated and allow for better airflow.
• Don’t overpack your unit.
• Don’t stack heavy items on delicate furniture.
• Don’t forget to label hardware.
• Don’t skip climate control for sensitive items.

If you’re not sure which supplies to use, ask your storage facility whether they offer mattress bags, moving blankets, furniture covers or other packing materials that can help protect your items.

Even if you’ve followed all these steps to store your furniture, don’t forget to check on your pieces regularly. This will allow you to identify and tackle any issues — like moisture buildup or damage — before they get worse. Examine your furniture for signs of mold, mildew, pests and any damage, especially on fabric and wood surfaces. Double-check covers to make sure they’re secure. If you notice moisture, add silica packets or moisture-absorbing products to keep things dry. If you need to add more furniture pieces to an already crowded storage unit, you can always upgrade to a larger unit at the same facility. Similarly, if you end up selling or taking furniture out of your unit, you can easily downsize to make sure you’re only renting the amount of space you need.

Ready for more storage and organization tips? Head to the SmartStop blog.