How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit

If you’re planning to store your furniture, you’ve come to the right place. As one of London’s top storage facilities, our team are experts in all things…you guessed it: storage.

Join us on a whistle-stop tour of how best to store your furniture in a storage unit.

Step-by-step furniture storing guide

Moving your furniture into short or long-term storage might seem daunting, but with the correct planning and approach, it needn’t be.

Follow these furniture storage tips for a stress-free experience.

1. Consider your storage options

While storing your belongings in your loft, spare room, or basement might suffice in the short-term, it’s not appropriate for every situation. If you have a few items to store or are looking for a longer-term solution, you may want to use a storage unit.

Storage solutions can prove helpful in many scenarios. If you’re looking for affordable furniture storage in London, drop Storage X a line.

We’ll even pick up and drop off your items for free.

2. Clean thoroughly

Be sure to clean your furniture before moving it into storage. As well as being hygienic, cleaning will help prevent any deterioration while in storage.

• Use wipes to remove dust from wooden or plastic furniture.
• Hoover fabrics and get rid of stains with upholstery cleaner.
• Polish metal with a cloth and metal cleaner to remove oxidation.
• Get rid of any mildew, rust or mould to avoid it spreading.

3. Take everything apart into smaller chunks

Dissembling your furniture makes it easier to move.

You don’t have to dissemble it entirely, but taking chest-of-drawers out and removing bed rails, for instance, will make the removals and storage process much easier and reduce the likelihood of breakages. Don’t forget to put screws, bolts, etc., into a small bag and attach it to the appropriate piece of furniture!

4. Cover furniture with protective material

The next step is to ensure that your furniture is sufficiently covered and protected.

Place protective covers and dust sheets over your furniture to protect it from the elements and dust. Although plastic covers are available, use dust sheets for wooden furniture (these are more breathable).

Glass items such as mirrors, display cabinets, picture frames and tabletops need a little more TLC. Secure these in bubble wrap – or eco-friendly alternatives if you’d prefer.

5. Choose a secure storage unit

Opt for purpose-built storage with strong security credentials. At Storage X, we have an on-site management team and CCTV surveillance, which minimises the risk of your items going missing or being stolen. Our storage units are stackable and utilise space efficiently, meaning you only pay for the space you need.

6. Rent a car or van

Don’t forget to hire transport to get your belongings from your home and into storage. If you’ve got a few small items, your car might suffice, but you might require a van. It’s also important not to strain yourself – with furniture, you’ll probably need an extra pair of hands.

At Storage X, we pick up your items for free, so you don’t need to worry about comparing removal companies. That’s one less thing on your to-do list!

7. Don’t put too much inside

Finally, don’t overdo it!

Cramming as many furniture items into your unit as possible will lead to a Jenga-like experience when you need your items back. It’s a good idea to leave space so that you can get to the back of the storage room and position items you might need back first nearer the front of the storage facility.

Why do people store furniture?

People store furniture in storage units for several reasons, not just when moving house. Here are a few of the most common:

• Getting carpets cleaned – you might decide to move your furniture into short-term storage if you’re getting your living room or bedroom carpets professionally cleaned.
• Renovating or decorating – Although most builders and renovators do their best to avoid damaging your items or getting them dirty, putting them into temporary storage can be a safer bet and make trades people’s lives easier.
• Storing family valuables – You may need storage space if you inherit some furniture but don’t have room for it in your home.
• Selling a home – Some people use short-term storage to declutter their flat or house in preparation for estate agent photos and viewings.
• People moving in – It might be that you’re growing your family, or you have a parent or relative moving in. Or perhaps you’re getting a lodger in to help with costs. If you need to make room, storage can help.
• Storing furniture between moves – If you’re renting out your property or downsizing but think you want to keep your furniture, you can store it until you find space or decide what to do with it. The same goes for if you need to store your furniture between moves.

What size storage unit will I need to store my furniture?

At Storage X, we offer three different sizes of self-storage units. Our flexible rolling contracts mean you can scale up (or downsize) your storage requirements at short notice.

Small: 17.5 sq ft

Perfect for students and personal items, our small storage units fit around 15 medium-sized storage boxes, a couple of suitcases, a chair and a guitar.

Medium: 35 sq ft

Designed to fit the belongings of a studio or one-bedroom flat, our medium units fit around 30 medium-sized storage boxes, suitcases, a double bed, armchair, desk and a TV.

Large: 70 sq ft

Suited to a one or two-bedroom property, our large storage units can accommodate approximately 50-sized boxes, two double beds, two sofas, a dining table and six chairs.

Book storage for furniture

We’re the most affordable furniture storage company in London. Book for next-day availability, and we’ll come and collect your items from your London address. When you need your furniture back, we’ll deliver it to you anywhere in the UK.