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Whether you are an individual or a business that needs to store valuable and delicate furniture, there are several steps you need to take to ensure your furniture is stored safely and securely other than merely typing "storage units near me" into Google. Whilst finding a reputable storage facility is a key step, there are other steps you must follow to prepare and ready your furniture before it is placed in its storage unit.
If you have never stored furniture before and are unsure what the steps we refer to are, then do not panic. We have explained each of them below, and if you follow each one it should ensure that your furniture is in the same excellent condition when you retrieve it as it was when you placed it into storage.
Dust And Clean Your Furniture
Before placing your furniture in storage, it is important that you dust and clean it thoroughly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially damage your furniture whilst it is in storage. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean your furniture, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the surfaces.
Disassemble Larger Furniture
For larger furniture, such as beds, sofas, chairs, or bookcases, it may be necessary to disassemble them before storing them. This will make it easier to transport the furniture, and it will also help to reduce the risk of it being damaged during storage. Ensure you keep all of the accessories and assembly instructions in a safe place so that you can easily reassemble the furniture when you are ready to use it again.
Protect Your Furniture With Padding
For furniture with surfaces that might be easily damaged by scratches or bumps, such as leather and wood, when placing this in storage you must protect it by covering it with padding. Ideally use foam padding, but if none is available, blankets or large towels will suffice. Pay particular attention to corners, edges and protruding parts such as wooden chair arms.
Cover Your Furniture With Plastic Sheeting
For added protection, consider covering your furniture with plastic sheeting. This will help to prevent dust, dirt, or other debris from settling on your furniture during storage. It can also help when it is being carried to and from the removals van if it is raining. Use a breathable plastic material to prevent moisture build-up underneath it, and avoid using plastic material that could potentially stick to the surface of your furniture and damage it when being removed.
Insist Upon Using Climate-Controlled Storage Units
If you are storing delicate or valuable furniture, a climate-controlled storage unit is a must. These units are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which can help to prevent damage from environmental factors such as heat, cold, or moisture. This is particularly important for furniture made from wood or other natural materials that can be affected by changes in temperature or humidity.
Elevate Your Furniture Off The Floor
To further protect your furniture from damage caused by moisture, or worse, flooding, you should take steps to elevate it off the floor. This will help to prevent any water or moisture from seeping into the furniture which can cause warping or other damage. Use pallets or blocks to elevate the furniture, ensuring that each item’s weight is evenly distributed, and each item is safely secured in place.
Organise And Label Your Furniture
This might not be necessary if you are only storing one or two items, but if you are storing a lot of furniture then you should follow this advice. Use labels or markers to identify each item of furniture, and create an inventory to keep track of what is in storage.
Insure Your Furniture
Finally, you must insure your furniture to protect your investment should any damage or loss occur during storage. Check with your storage provider to see what insurance options they offer and that the coverage provided is adequate.
