Keeping Furniture In Great Shape When Your Storage Unit Does Not Have A Climate Control Feature

20 April 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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If you need to store furniture while you prepare to move to a new home, you will want to take the necessary steps in ensuring its safety while in a storage facility. It is best to rent a unit that offers climate control to ensure pieces are not left in an area with excessive humidity levels, which could cause damage as a result. If you do not have this option, use the following tips to make sure your furniture remains in the best possible condition while awaiting a move to its new home.

Keep Wood From Rotting

Wooden pieces can become rotted if moisture is present upon their surfaces for any length of time. To avoid this, it is best to keep all wooden furniture covered. The covering you use however, will make a difference in a dry piece or one that has moisture trapped along the very wood you are trying to protect. Avoid using plastic, bubble wrap, or shrink-wrap on any wood surface. Since these materials do not allow airflow, they can actually cause damage to your wood furniture if moisture had been present upon the piece before it was wrapped. Stick with cloth furniture bags to keep debris from landing on each item while giving it the benefit of air flow to help keep it dry.

Protect Fabric From Mildew

Any fabric surface you decide to store will need to be prepped by ensuring it is totally dry before you place it in the unit. Clothing, curtains, and other loose material pieces can be placed in a dryer for several minutes before placing in a plastic storage tub with a protective lid. Fabric couches and chairs or mattresses should be cleaned before storing. This will help reduce the chance of molding. Use an antibacterial cleaner on each piece to remove grime. Place the furniture outdoors in a sunny area for several hours before wrapping with shrink-wrap to protect from debris in the unit.

Add Polish To Metal Items

Any brass, silver, or nickel furniture items you intend to store would fare better if they had a polishing session before heading to the unit. Wipe a metal polish on the piece with a piece of microfiber cloth. This will help keep the piece of furniture from becoming oxidized while in the unit. Use the furniture polish every few weeks to keep oxygen from discoloring the decor. 

Place Items Appropriately

No matter what your furniture is made from, it should be kept away from moisture. Do not place any important items directly in front of the door so any water that may seep inside from a large storm will not ruin your items. It is best to check the seal on the door before signing a rental agreement for this reason. Items that would become ruined by moisture should be elevated so condensation on a cement surface will not be a problem. Use plastic coasters under the legs of furniture to help keep them dry. Continue here for more information.