A lot of space is taken up by furniture that accumulates over time.If you don't want to get rid of a piece of furniture for good, then you need to find a place to store it.Regardless of where you store your furniture, it's important to take steps to keep it in good shape and maximize your space, both around your home and in your storage area.Break down and store furniture as efficiently as possible, protect delicate items and finish and use a few helpful tricks to stay organized.
Step 1: There is a storage unit to rent.
If you don't have enough room in your home to keep unneeded furniture, or if you need to get it out of the way in the long term, a dedicated storage unit is your best bet.Depending on the size of the commercial unit, you can choose a space that best suits your needs, and usually come with other features like climate-controlled spaces and even damage insurance.People who want to keep a lot of furniture in one place will find storage units useful.You will rack up fees the longer you keep your furniture in storage, so it may benefit you financially to come up with a long-term plan for your pieces.
Step 2: You could use an attic or basement.
If there isn't enough room in the upper or lower parts of your home, check it out.You won't have to go far to move the furniture in and out of the basement since it's well-insulated.It may not be worth the monthly fees to rent a storage unit if you have a few odds and ends.It's a good idea to keep them out of the way around your home.Take a look at the extra space in your home.Storage can be difficult in attics and basement because of the steep stairs and small entryways.
Step 3: You can put smaller items in a closet.
It's best to use closets for single pieces of furniture.Put the coffee table in a nearby supply closet or stack chairs or cushions against the wall.You can either sell them off or donate them until you find a use for them.Light fixture, stools, boxes of cookware, and decorations can be stored in an average-sized closet.If you use it frequently, make sure the closet is not cluttered.
Step 4: Make room in the house.
If space allows, set aside a corner of a freestanding garage or work shed for hard-wearing furniture, like card tables, folding chairs and metal and plastic outdoor pieces.Solid synthetic materials can be left in a minimal structure indefinitely, even if the temperature is not good for wood and upholstery.There should be enough space for furniture, vehicles, tools, and equipment.One advantage of storing furniture in a garage or shed is that you have all the tools you need to disassemble and reassemble it.
Step 5: Large pieces can be stored vertically.
Stand sofas, mattresses and cabinets on their ends around the edge of the storage space.To reserve valuable territory for broad, heavy and oddly-shaped pieces on the floor, fit the upright furniture close together.This is a more effective use of space, as it frees up more area for storage and allows air to flow between items.Use bubble wrap or towels to hold wobbly items together.It is possible for paintings and mirrors to collapse under their own weight when laid flat.
Step 6: You should disassemble everything you can.
One mistake people make when storing furniture is to simply throw it into the storage area as-is, not realizing that they can break them down and strategically arrange their parts to be less obtrusive.Tables, beds, cabinets and lamps should be dismantled whenever possible.If you break your furniture down into its smallest form first, you can double your storage potential.Keep the disassembled items close together to avoid confusion.Place screws, bolts, hinges, and other minuscule pieces in a plastic bag and tape them to furniture to keep track of them.
Step 7: Wrap up delicate items.
It is possible for furniture to become damaged when moving and packing close together.Lamps, end tables, stools and vases should be swaddled to keep them from breaking.There are padded furniture covers, bubble wrap or plush towels that work well for this purpose.Wrap items individually rather than in bundles.It's a good idea to leave some distance between fragile objects.
Step 8: Line up the floor.
The floor of the storage area is covered with plastic tarps or blankets.This will protect domestic floors from scratches while sparing delicate pieces a lot of wear-and-tear.A plastic tarp can act as a barricade.If you worry about damaging items, use wooden pallets to elevate them off the floor.Take precautions against flooding.If the water isn't dealt with quickly, it can ruin furniture.
Step 9: Drop cloths are a good choice for furniture covers.
If you cover all major pieces of furniture as soon as you put them into storage, you can prevent them from going through drastic changes in temperature and limit the amount of humidity they are being exposed to.This is important for wood and other organic items, as well as metals that can rust or tarnish.Dust can settle on items that are in storage for a long time.It is best not to completely seal items in plastic, as escaping water can become trapped and cause problems.
Step 10: The storage area should be kept at a warm temperature.
If you already pay for a storage unit, you may want to look for one that is climate-controlled to ensure that your furniture stays in good shape.If you are storing furniture in your home, make sure that the space you choose is well-ventilated and doesn't get too hot or cold.It will benefit the lifespan of your furniture if it is humid.Cold can cause materials to dry out, while heat can warp or even melt them.
Step 11: It's a good idea to watch for precipitation.
Most fabrics and materials degrade at a much faster rate if they are moist.It is also hospitable to mold, which can cause the discoloration of items and give them an unpleasant smell.Before you store an item, make sure it is completely dry and have a way of covering it to protect it from the elements.If there are leaks, drafts, or any other defects in the storage space, you should check it out.Wood furniture can warp, swell or split if it is exposed to water.