Five Storage Tips For Upholstered Furniture

A storage unit is the perfect solution if you need to stash your furniture and belongings for a short time, but you want to make sure everything survives storage unscathed. Upholstered furniture, such as couches, chairs, and even mattresses, requires a few special preparations before you stash them in your storage unit.

Tip #1: Clean Everything

Small bits of food particles, body oils, pet hair, and dirt can attract bugs to feed inside the upholstery. Natural fibers are especially at risk from the larvae of carpet beetles and clothing moths. At the very least, vacuum the upholstery or mattress thoroughly before storing. If the fabric is washable, consider using an upholstery shampooer to deep clean the upholstery, or removing cushion covers and washing them.

Tip #2: Air It Out

Everything must be dry before you store it, otherwise mildew and mold becomes a very real issue. If you shampooed your upholstery, you may need to wait a few days for it to dry completely before you take it to storage. Furniture may still hold some moisture, especially in humid climates, even if you skipped shampooing. Letting it air out in the sun for a few hours can ensure any moisture in the fibers evaporates.

Tip #3: Choose a Unit

Climate controlled units are your best bet, since these are controlled for both temperature and humidity. When it comes to upholstery, humidity is your biggest concern because it can lead to mildew and moisture. Make sure the unit you pick has drive up access – this makes it easier to unload and move the furniture, which minimizes the chances for damage.

Tip #4: Protect the Furniture

You can further protect your furniture in the storage unit by setting it on top of pallets. This allows air to circulate beneath the furniture, and provides some protection in the rare case of a flood. You also need to protect the upholstery from dust and dirt in the air. Store mattresses in plastic mattress bags and wrap upholstered furniture in plastic wrap. You can purchase large spools of this plastic wrap where packing materials are sold.

Tip #5: Check In Occasionally

Chances are your furniture will be just fine in storage, but it's still a good idea to check in on everything about once a month. This ensures you catch any problems early, such as pest issues or mildew problems. The earlier you catch a problem, the more likely that you can prevent the damage from ruining your furniture.

If you aren't comfortable doing any of these things or don't have to tools to do it, contact your local self storage unit company, such as National Self Storage - Denver, to get more helpful tips and help on how to protect your upholstery and get the most out of your storage unit.