May
21

Tips for Storing Wooden Furniture

Ever noticed how much space your furniture takes up? If you are tired of living in cramped quarters, it might be time to move some of your belongings into a storage unit. You may decide to store your furniture if:

► You are moving out or downsizing. Moving into a smaller space can save you money on utility bills and rent (or mortgage) payments. If you are moving out for the first time, you may not be able to afford a spacious apartment for all your belongings.

► You are decluttering. You are not ready to sell your furniture, but you are ready to move it out of your way! When you are short on space, you may need a storage solution. Perhaps you would like to purchase a bigger home in the future, but you need to save up first. In the meantime, you can keep your wooden furniture in a storage unit.

► You plan to sell your house. When you are staging your home for a viewing, your goal is to make it look like no one lives there. You may decide to store some of your furniture to clear up space and remove personal belongings.

However, when you are storing furniture, anything that’s made of wood requires delicate care to prevent mold or deterioration.

Want to know how to store your wooden furniture without damaging it? Take note of these storage tips to keep your belongings safe for the long haul:

Clean Your Wood Furniture

You know that your belongings will gather dust while they’re in storage, but before you place them there, give them a thorough cleaning!

Dust, dirt, and hair are abrasive, which means they can scratch the surface of the wood. To avoid this, it’s best to wipe down your furniture before storing it.

Not all cleaning products are designed to be used on wood. Make sure to check the instructions on the product before applying it to ensure that it’s safe to use!

If you’d rather take the simpler approach of using hot water and a rag, wring out the cloth thoroughly before wiping down the wood. Excess water may damage the furniture.

Finally, allow the furniture to dry completely before moving it.

Disassemble Your Wood Furniture Before Storing

Whenever possible, try to take apart your furniture before storing it. Remove table legs, take off chair arms, and set aside the dresser drawers. It is easier to store separate parts than an entire piece of furniture.

Disassembling your furniture will reduce the chances that something will be damaged during the move!

Apply a Protective Coating to Protect the Wood

When it comes to storing exotic woods, the biggest source of concern is humidity. Wood is incredibly sensitive to moisture. Excess (or deficient) humidity will cause wood to:

• Rot and grow mold
• Deteriorate
• Shrink or swell

You can protect your furniture against moisture fluctuations by applying a polish, wax, oroil coating. These treatments can defend the wood against common moisture issues.

Here is a tip: don’t apply a coating the night before you move the furniture! It will take time for the treatment to dry and cure completely. Be sure to follow the product recommendations when it comes to the curing time—prepare to wait up to 2-3 weeks.

Cover it With a Breathable Cover

Add another layer of protection with a drop cloth or furniture cover. Look for covers that are breathable enough to allow for airflow—you don’t want to trap moisture on the wood! We recommend that you don’t wrap the wood in plastic for this reason.

Bring Cushions and Blankets

Keep your furniture secure and scratch-free by protecting it with pillows and blankets. We also suggest adding furniture pads to the bottoms of your belongings; they protect them from being scratched.

If your storage unit has a concrete floor, you may want to place a layer between it and your belongings. This is because concrete has high moisture vapor emissions, which could cause your wooden furniture to rot. A protective layer will also keep your items safe from any spills. Try placing a plastic sheet between your furniture and the floor.

Stack Items Carefully on top of Furniture

You have so much furniture, but only so much storage space—how will you fit everything?

Try to avoid overcrowding your storage unit. When too many items are stacked together, there is a higher chance that something will fall or scratch another object.

It may be worthwhile to hire a professional mover to help you carefully stack your items. Or you can ask a few friends who have experience storing furniture—just be sure to thank your friends for helping with your move!

Consider Decluttering

Ultimately, you will have an easier time storing your furniture when there is less of it. It can be difficult to part with items that have sentimental value to you.

However, ask yourself this important question: do you plan to use this item eventually, or are you only storing it because you do not want to get rid of it?

If you don’t anticipate using it, it may not be worth the hassle (or the expense) of cleaning, treating, disassembling, and storing your wooden furniture. Think carefully about which belongings are most important for you!

Check the Security Measures

Many of us have heard horror stories about what happens when storage units are broken into.

You can store your wooden furniture in the safest way possible, but if someone breaks into the unit, it will not matter. Your hard work will all have been for nothing.

Look for security features like camera surveillance, walls that reach the ceilings, and a multi-lock system. It may cost a bit more, but it will be worth it!

Seek out Climate Controlled Storage Units

Consistent temperatures and controlled humidity are the names of the game when it comes to storing wooden furniture. With a climate controlled storage unit, you’ll get both.

A climate controlled unit will maintain a steady temperature, balance moisture levels, and keep your furniture safe. This is especially important for antique or heirloom items, which are particularly susceptible to fluctuating conditions.

A storage unit offers you convenience, additional space, and peace of mind. To make the most of it, be sure to follow the above care tips when storing your wooden furniture. Doing so will prevent your furniture from rotting or being otherwise damaged.

By: Kayla Russell
Kayla is a part of the marketing team at KJP Select Hardwoods, your Canadian source for wood and woodworking products. KJP offers a diverse selection of products; their inventory features over 80 species of wood, including domestic and exotic hardwoods.