Container storage is a great option for those who are re-locating, moving home or moving into temporary accommodation. It offers a helpful and cost-efficient storage option for those who need to store their furniture and possessions for a longer time period.
If you have now arranged your longer-term options and the time has come when you need to start considering how to prepare your possessions for storage, then we have some good furniture storage advice to help you out. Below you will find helpful and expert advice on preparing furniture for long-term storage.
- Give everything a good clean
Dirty items should never be put into storage. Not only might the dirt turn into mould over time, but it is likely to generate a bad odour that could cling to everything else in your storage unit or container.
Therefore, be sure to vacuum sofas and fabric upholstered items, as well as treating them with fabric upholstery cleaner if necessary. Wipe away dust and dirt from wooden or plastic pieces of furniture with a damp cloth and soap, and polish metal with metal cleaner to remove any oxidation and avoid a build-up of tarnish. Also, be sure that there are no food items left in drawers or cabinets as this will attract mould, odours and unwanted critters too!
- Take items apart
It might seem like a time-consuming job, but the safest and most space-efficient way to store furniture is to disassemble it before it goes into storage. This will make it much easier to pack, carry and fit into the storage unit, as well as reducing the likelihood that it will break or scratch in transit.
If you are taking out screws, nuts, bolts and other small pieces when you disassemble items, then be sure to put them into a clear bag and attach them to the other pieces of furniture so they don’t get lost. You can also speak to your removal’s expert about whether they offer a disassembling service, if you need assistance in doing so.
- Make sure everything is covered or wrapped securely
Furniture and other items shouldn’t be put into storage without being covered or wrapped up carefully. Wrapping each item in either old sheets, cloths, blankets, tissue paper or bubble-wrap will ensure they don’t get damaged or scratched against other items, both in transit, and at the storage unit. It’s recommended that wooden and fabric furniture is not wrapped in plastic sheeting as it can trap in moisture, which would allow mould to form on the objects.
Smaller items can be wrapped and placed in strong storage boxes together, whereas larger pieces of furniture will need to be wrapped separately to protect from dust and moisture. Fragile items such as furniture with glass, TVs, mirrors and artwork require extra precautions. You can first wrap these delicate items with tissue or cloth, and then place them in dedicated picture boxes for extra security. These boxes are usually long, wide and relatively flat to mould closely to the shape of the object inside.
Here are McCarthy’s Storage World, we are experts in storage! If you need further and advice regarding your storage needs, then feel free to give our team a call on 0113 262 6500
or fill in our online form to get a storage quote in minutes.
