Prepare Your Upholstered Pieces For Long-Term Storage

Posted on: 17 October 2016

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When you place your items in storage, you expect to take them out of storage in the same condition in which you placed them inside. In terms of household items like upholstered furniture, whether or not this statement is true has everything to do with you. If you want to keep your couch, dining chairs, and other upholstered pieces in good condition, make sure you're mapping out the right plan.

Select The Right Unit

Storage units come in a number of different configurations, including size varieties and climate control options. Start by ensuring the unit is appropriately sized. When the space is too small, you will have to cram your items inside the unit. For upholstered pieces, this type of environment is problematic. Storing items on top of the furniture or squeezing it into a corner increases the risk of damage to the padding, leaving permanent imprints in the upholstered surface.

In terms of climate control, it's best to choose a unit with a controlled temperature setting, particularly when it comes to long-term storage.

Clean The Pieces

Dirty furniture isn't just unattractive, it's also damaging. Even if your pieces aren't visibly dirty, it's important to still perform a light cleaning. When you allow dust, dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants to remain on your furniture while in storage, they can permanently damage the fabric.

In the case of bacteria, this can even increase the chance for mold development. The bad thing about mold is that it can quickly spread, traveling from your upholstered pieces to other items in the unit. Review your furniture care instructions and clean each piece as directed. Make certain you are performing this step well before you plan to put the item in storage to ensure adequate time for drying.  

Store Properly

The most critical part of protecting your pieces is to store your items properly. First, ditch the plastic wrap. A number of moving companies will wrap pieces in plastic as part of the moving process. While okay for a short, across town move, in the long-term, this plastic will only increase the likelihood of mold and mildew development. Moving blankets or regular blankets and sheets are best.

It's also a good idea to place your pieces on top of a pallet or some other elevated surface. In the event of an accident like a flood, raising the pieces off the floor can significantly minimize the risk of damage.

Remember, your efforts will directly impact the condition of your pieces, so make sure you are doing your part. For more information, contact local professionals like Lockwood Brothers Inc