How to Pack and Store Furniture in Self-Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Posted in: Moving AdviceStorage is a great way to make space in your home or as a temporary measure to keep your stuff safe if you’re between residences during a move. But the way you pack and store furniture could determine whether your belongings are still usable months or years down the road. From sensitive items like antiques to simple pieces like your kids’ picnic table, every piece of furniture has its own storage needs.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve outlined how you can prep, pack, and store your furniture to prevent damage, save space, and protect your investment.
Prepare Furniture for Storage
Before moving everything into your newly rented storage unit, take time to prepare your furniture properly. This helps minimize damage, saves space, and keeps your items in good condition.
Clean All Furniture Thoroughly
Cleaning furniture prior to storage can help minimize issues related to mold, dust, and pests. Furniture that goes into storage clean and properly wrapped is also more likely to be ready to use when you bring it into your next home. Here’s how to clean different types of furniture so it’s ready to be stored:
- Wooden furniture: Clean with a mild cleaner and either condition or polish the wood.
- Upholstered furniture: Vacuum and steam clean couches, chairs, and upholstered headboards.
- Metal furniture: Use mild soap and warm water to wipe down metal legs, frames, and patio furniture. A quick coat of metal polish can help ward off corrosion.
Make sure all furniture is completely dry before you start wrapping and packing. Any leftover moisture can lead to mold, rust, or other damage—ruining all the effort you put into prepping your items for storage.
Disassemble Large Pieces When Possible
Taking apart larger pieces will help you get furniture down your stairs, around tight corners, and into your storage unit.
When disassembling furniture, label all parts and keep hardware together in labeled baggies. Wrap legs separately in soft fabric or packing paper before placing them in a box or other packing container.
“Using moving blankets, risers, or pallet flooring for storage helps keep items off the ground. This reduces direct contact with the dirty floor and pests and also reduces the likelihood of water damage.”
Larger pieces, like tabletops and frames, should be wrapped individually. Make an inventory list that details the breakdown of each furniture piece and what hardware and tools you need for reassembly.
Wrap Furniture for Protection
Wrapping furniture for storage protects it from the elements and damage during transport. But what you wrap your furniture with depends on its materials and structure.
- Use shrink wrap to protect non-upholstered furniture. It’s also great at keeping drawers from shifting and for bundling loose items like curtain rods or table legs.
- Use bubble wrap to pad fragile items, including dishes, collectibles, and picture frames. You can also use bubble wrap for larger pieces, like lamps and computers, and to separate items stacked in boxes.
- Use moving blankets to protect large items that can’t be boxed or bubble-wrapped easily. This includes things like upright pianos, grandfather clocks, or antique desks. You can use these blankets the same way as any other packing material, by wrapping and securing them around the furniture pieces.
Pro Tip: Avoid placing shrink wrap directly on upholstery. The plastic won’t allow the fabric to breathe, which can trap moisture and promote mold and mildew growth. Always wrap upholstered pieces in breathable materials like moving blankets or bed sheets instead.
Best Practices for Packing Furniture
Here are some carefully curated self-storage furniture tips, including key insights HireAHelper has learned from helping people move for over 15 years. Following these guidelines will help keep your furniture safe, in good condition, and ready to be a part of your home again whenever you decide to bring it out.
Choose the Right Packing Supplies
Before you get started, take an inventory of everything you have to pack. You’ll then use this list to create a second list of corresponding packing materials.
Depending on what you’re putting into storage, you may need:
- Furniture pads
- Stretch wrap
- Sofa covers
- Mattress bags
- Plastic bins
- Cardboard boxes
- Tape
- Rubber bands
- Labels
- Bubble wrap
- Shrink wrap
- Packing paper/acid-free paper
Any furniture intended for storage should remain wrapped until it reaches your new home. That might mean skipping rented moving blankets in favor of other materials that can be left in storage indefinitely.
Label Everything Clearly
This is an important step both to know what you have in storage and to make unloading the unit easier in the future. Use painter’s tape and a marker to label all your furniture. Use a simple code system, like matching colors, to track multiple parts of a disassembled piece.
Smaller parts should be labeled individually or in groups in their respective baggies. Put smaller items in a larger box with a mini inventory attached, so you know where to find nuts and bolts when you need them. Or, you can tape the bag to the furniture they go to.
Common Mistakes When Packing Furniture
Packing can be hectic, and mistakes are extremely common. Check out these frequently seen moving errors and see how you can avoid them:
- Wrapping everything in plastic. Never wrap upholstered items in plastic, as you might trap moisture that could lead to mold and mildew. Be careful with bubble wrap and wooden furniture, too. The bubbles can leave unsightly impressions on more delicate finishes.
- Stacking improperly. Never stack furniture or boxes without double-checking positioning and weight. An item that’s off-center or heavier than the item below it could quickly lead to a devastating crash.
- Ignoring climate needs. Wood and leather furniture need extra TLC while in storage. That includes cozy surroundings kept at a relatively cool 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and controlled humidity at around 40-50%. Ignore those recommendations, and you could encounter splintered wood, cracked leather, and mold.
It can also be a mistake to take on too much on your own. Be realistic about what you can handle and hire help for packing and transport if it makes sense for your situation, especially if you have delicate or valuable belongings you want to move.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit
Furniture storage units can vary in square footage, ceiling height, and location. Some even offer helpful amenities, like climate control or video surveillance. Depending on what you’re storing and for how long, some of these amenities may be something you don’t need, or something that makes the difference in your stuff staying damage-free. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right storage unit for your furniture.
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Storage
Climate-controlled storage units have temperature and humidity controls built in. This helps protect sensitive items, like wooden furniture and electronics, from excessive heat, cold, and humidity.
“Any furniture intended for storage should remain wrapped until it reaches your new home. That might mean skipping rented moving blankets in favor of other materials that can be left in storage indefinitely.”
Standard storage units are not temperature- or humidity-controlled. These units may be more affordable than climate-controlled units, but you’re leaving your stored items at the mercy of certain environmental conditions.
You may want to consider paying extra for climate-controlled storage if you’re storing:
- Wood or leather furniture
- Electronics
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Musical instruments
- Expensive clothing made of sensitive fabrics
- Photographs
- Collectibles, including stamps, old books, coins, or comics
Storage Unit Size Guide for Furniture
To find your ideal storage unit size, you’ll need to consider the size of your property and what furniture you’re storing. In addition to the footprint of the unit, also think about height (you may have to ask the storage facility directly). Tall items like hutches and bookshelves will require extra clearance.
| General Unit Size | Specific Unit Size | What It Can Hold |
| Small | 5×5 (25 sq. ft.) | A few small pieces of furniture plus boxed accessories/decor |
| Small | 5×10 (50 sq. ft.) | Studio apartment boxes/furniture |
| Small | 10×10 (100 sq. ft.) | Furniture from a one-bedroom apartment |
| Medium | 10×15 (150 sq. ft.) | Furniture from a small two-bedroom apartment |
| Medium | 10×20 (200 sq. ft.) | Furniture from a 2-3-bedroom apartment |
| Large | 10×30 (300 sq. ft.) | Furniture from a 3+-bedroom home |
Of course, how many items ultimately fit in your storage unit depends on how efficiently you pack and stow your belongings. Learning how to disassemble, pack, and stack furniture like a pro can help you maximize your storage space.
Location, Access, and Security Considerations
The size of your unit is important, but these other factors are worth taking into account:
- Hours of access. Some properties are open 24/7, while others are limited to daytime hours.
- Property location. Consider how easy it will be to drive to the unit and retrieve items without a lengthy commute.
- Unit accessibility/location. Is your unit on the ground floor, so you can just drive up? Or will you have to haul items up an elevator or stairs to access storage?
- Surveillance. Some facilities have security measures in place, such as video surveillance, gated access, or human patrols.
Always read the fine print of your storage unit contract. Some facilities only offer contracts with set time periods, meaning you won’t get a refund if you remove your items early. On the other hand, a short-term contract could result in rate increases every time you renew your agreement.
How to Organize a Storage Unit for Furniture
The key to safe and efficient storage unit organization is to have a solid, well-thought-out plan in place before you start moving your items.
- Elevate furniture off the ground. Using moving blankets, risers, or pallet flooring for storage helps keep items off the ground. This reduces direct contact with the dirty floor and pests and also reduces the likelihood of water damage.
- Stack strategically. Save space by stacking items with heavy, more durable pieces on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Leave aisles for access. You don’t want to create a situation where you have to unpack the front half of your unit to reach items in the back. Leaving access aisles ensures you can easily retrieve pieces throughout the space.
If you know in advance you’ll be retrieving certain items first, put those into the storage unit last. Items that are least likely to be used, like a bed for a guest room or outdoor furniture, can be stored at the back of the unit.
Specialty Considerations by Furniture Type
In addition to following general guidelines for packing for storage, these tips apply to specific types of furniture.
- Upholstered furniture: Let these pieces breathe by wrapping them in fabric, not plastic, and stowing them without other items stacked on top.
- Wood furniture: Store in a climate-controlled unit with closely monitored temperature and humidity.
- Mattresses and bed frames: Use mattress bags for extra protection. You can store these items flat or upright, depending on space.
- Office furniture and desks: Disassemble these pieces to save space, wrapping and packing large desktops and smaller legs separately. Electronics, like computers, should be tucked into original packaging or wrapped in foam and bubble wrap.
When moving heavy furniture into your storage unit, stick to proper lifting techniques and use a dolly whenever possible. Hire help if you’re moving multiple heavy items or even just one piece that’s realistically beyond your solo capabilities. You’ll be doing yourself and your furniture a favor.
Moving Forward With Self-Storage
When it comes to furniture, storing your items properly could mean the difference between enjoying your favorite recliner and dining room table or paying extra for repairs or replacements. Have a plan, take the time to pack everything properly, and choose a storage unit that makes the most sense for your belongings.
Need a place to store your furniture during your move? Explore moving container options that offer the perfect alternative to traditional moving truck rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep furniture from getting moldy in storage?
The best way to keep stored furniture from getting moldy is to stow it in a climate-controlled storage unit. This reduces exposure to temperature fluctuations and excess moisture. Also, be sure to use the proper protective wrapping based on your furniture’s material, such as avoiding using shrink wrap on anything upholstered.
What’s the best way to wrap a couch for storage?
Couch storage hacks include cleaning the upholstery first, then removing any loose cushions and packing those separately. Cover the main part of the couch in moving blankets and pad corners as necessary.
Can I store furniture in a non-climate-controlled unit?
Less sensitive furniture, such as patio furniture, can be stored in a non-climate-controlled unit since they are at relatively low risk of damage from temperature or moisture.
What should I not store with furniture?
To ensure maximum furniture protection, never store furniture alongside flammable materials, liquids, chemicals, perishable goods, or any heavy and unsecured items that could fall and cause damage.
How long can I safely keep furniture in storage?
You can keep your items in long-term furniture storage for years as long as each piece is wrapped carefully and you’ve chosen a climate-controlled unit. The exact length you can safely store pieces depends on the fragility and makeup of each item.
