Wood drawers and cabinet doors.

How to Store Wood Furniture in a Storage Unit

Lockaway Storage | October 8, 2024 @ 12:00 AM

There's a reason that wood is a classic material for furniture: it's versatile, beautiful, and can run the gauntlet from rustic charm to high-class elegance. Whether you have antiques you're looking to preserve or wood furniture that just doesn't fit in your current space, there are plenty of reasons to put your furniture into self storage for a while; what matters the most is making sure it's properly cared for once it gets there. By storing wood furniture correctly, you can protect against long-term wear, pest damage, and environmental deterioration.

Recognizing Different Types of Wood

Before we get into the specifics of how to store wood furniture, let's distinguish between the main types of wood that are used for furniture – since these two require different methods of care. Furniture wood can be divided into two categories: hardwood (oak, maple, mahogany, etc.) or softwood (pine, spruce, cedar, etc.). 

  • Hardwood: Furniture made of hardwood is renowned for its durability and longevity.
  • Softwood: Although softwood furniture is beautiful, it needs special maintenance and is more vulnerable to moisture damage.

How to Store Wood Furniture Safely

1. Clean the Furniture Thoroughly It's crucial to give any wood furniture a thorough cleaning before storing it. Over time, oils, dust, and grime can build up on your furniture and do permanent damage to the wood. Be proactive about cleaning to stop this damage before it starts.

  • Dust every surface with a microfiber cloth.
  • Use a wood cleaner or a solution of water and dish soap to clean the wood. Instead of wetting the wood, give it a little wipe and then use a soft towel to completely dry it.
  • You may want to seal the wood before storage, adding an additional layer of protection with a high-quality furniture polish or wax.

2. Disassemble Furniture if Possible Taking apart your larger or bulkier furniture items – like bed frames, tables, and chairs – reduces the possibility of damage occurring during storage and transit.

  • Take the cushions off of chairs/sofas and the legs off of tables.
  • Smaller parts, screws, and bolts should be kept in clearly marked plastic bags and firmly taped to the furniture they belong to.

3. Wrap the Furniture with Care An additional layer of protection against dust, scratches, and moisture is a good idea for both hardwood and softwood furniture.

  • For hardwood furniture: cover each piece individually with a breathable material, such as cotton sheets or moving blankets. Steer clear of covers made of plastic or vinyl since they can retain moisture and eventually cause the wood to bend or crack.
  • For softwood furniture: Since softwood is more susceptible to moisture damage, it needs particular protection. Use several layers of airy cloth and make sure to keep plastic out of contact with the wood.

4. Select the Appropriate Storage Unit Choosing the right kind of storage unit is essential when storing wood furniture, particularly softwoods.

  • Climate-controlled storage units: Changes in humidity and temperature can be especially harmful to softwood furniture made of pine or cedar. By putting your furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit, you keep it out of the elements, which lowers the possibility of warping, cracking, or mildew development. Using climate control is very strongly advised for softwoods.
  • Non-climate-controlled units: As long as the wood is adequately covered, a non-climate-controlled storage unit may be enough protection for storing hardwood furniture like oak or mahogany. However, climate-controlled units are usually a safer choice if humidity or extreme temperatures are a common occurrence in your location.

5. Position the Furniture Properly in the Unit 

  • When you're storing wood furniture in a storage unit, you should avoid placing it directly on the ground. The furniture can be raised off the ground by using thick blankets or wooden pallets. This keeps moisture from penetrating the wood, which can happen even in storage units with climate control.
  • Allow enough space between the objects so that air can circulate properly. Good ventilation in your unit is essential in order to avoid moisture buildup, which over time can result in mold, mildew, or damage.

6. Regularly Check On Your Stored Furniture It can be easy to put stored items away until you need them, but routine inspections can help you make sure your wood furniture is still in good shape over time and let you act quickly the moment that you see anything worrying.

Why Proper Storage Matters

If you know how to properly store wood furniture in a storage unit, you may save yourself a lot of effort and possible damage. Wood is a natural substance that responds to variations in humidity and temperature, regardless of whether it is softwood or hardwood. Improper storage can cause warping, rotting, or even cracking. If you take the extra effort to clean, disassemble, wrap, and choose the right storage conditions, it's guaranteed that your wood furniture will come out of storage looking just as wonderful as the day it went in.

AUTHOR
Lockaway Storage
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