4.8/5 Excellent | based on 167 reviews
Whatsapp: 07980 899 732
Furniture storage can give you breathing space during a house move, renovation or change in living arrangements. However, protecting a sofa, dining table or bed takes more than finding somewhere it will fit. Cleaning, suitable covers and careful positioning all help keep your furniture in good condition until you need it again.
At Multi-Store, we offer personal self storage in Guildford and Aldershot for household belongings. In this guide, we explain how to prepare different furniture materials, organise your unit and avoid common mistakes when storing bulky or delicate pieces.
1. Choose the Right Unit for Furniture Storage
Start with a list of everything you intend to store. Measure the largest pieces, including sofas, wardrobes and mattresses, and check whether they can be dismantled. Allow room for protective wrapping and a route to anything you may need to collect.
Doorway width and access matter as much as floor area. A wardrobe might fit inside a unit but still be difficult to manoeuvre through its entrance. Speak to our team about your largest items before arranging delivery.
Our guide to how much storage space you actually need can help you plan your space. For a wider look at security, access and rental arrangements, read what to look for when renting a personal self storage unit before booking.
2. Clean Furniture and Let It Dry Completely
Dust, crumbs and everyday spills should be removed before furniture goes into storage. Vacuum upholstered furniture carefully, including beneath cushions and along seams, and use cleaning products suitable for the fabric or finish.
Wipe wooden furniture with an appropriate cleaner and dry it thoroughly. Avoid soaking joints, veneers or unfinished surfaces. Clean leather according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a suitable conditioner only where recommended.
Give everything enough time to dry before wrapping it. Upholstery can feel dry on the surface while retaining moisture inside. If a piece becomes wet during loading or transport, let it dry fully before covering and storing it.
Tip: Prepare furniture ahead of moving day so you are not packing freshly cleaned, damp cushions into the unit.
3. Dismantle Larger Pieces Where Practical
Taking apart suitable furniture makes it easier to move and helps you use storage space efficiently. Bed frames, removable table legs and some shelving units are useful starting points, provided they are designed to be dismantled.
Photograph the furniture before you begin and keep the assembly instructions. Put screws, bolts and fittings into labelled bags, then keep them together in a clearly marked box. Label matching panels so you can identify them later.
Do not force apart glued joints or repeatedly dismantle fragile flat-pack furniture. Some pieces are better moved intact. Remove loose shelves, mirrors and glass components separately, and protect exposed edges before carrying them.
4. Use Suitable Covers for Each Material
The best wrapping depends on the item. Clean furniture blankets and breathable covers can help protect surfaces from dust and light knocks. Keep adhesive tape on the packaging rather than directly on wood, leather, fabric or painted finishes.
Sofas and upholstered chairs
Use a suitable breathable furniture cover and avoid compressing cushions beneath heavy objects. Do not seal damp upholstery inside plastic. Support the frame evenly and avoid placing a sofa on its arm or end unless the manufacturer confirms this is suitable.
Wooden furniture
Protect corners, legs and polished surfaces with clean padding. Avoid tightly wrapping wooden furniture in plastic for extended storage, as trapped moisture can become a problem. Make sure any cover is suitable for the finish and intended storage period.
Glass and mirrors
Wrap glass components individually and protect their corners. Use purpose-made packaging where possible. Store mirrors and glass panels upright with appropriate support, secured so they cannot slide or fall. Keep heavy furniture and boxes away from them.
Mattresses
Use a clean mattress storage cover and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on positioning. Many mattresses are best stored flat on a clean, level, supportive surface. Avoid folding them or leaving heavy belongings on top, which can affect their shape.
5. Plan the Layout Before Unloading
Decide where the largest pieces will go before filling your unit. Position heavy furniture on a stable base, with lighter items arranged around it. Keep pieces in their normal orientation wherever practical and avoid balancing awkward items against one another.
Use sturdy, clean supports where appropriate to keep furniture clear of the floor. They must support the weight evenly without creating a tipping risk. Leave a little space between stored items and the walls, and avoid packing everything so tightly that covers snag when you remove a piece.
Keep a clear access route if you expect to visit. Put frequently needed belongings near the front and label components so that you can find them without unpacking the whole unit.
For ideas about the other household belongings you might store alongside furniture, see what you can store in a personal storage unit.
6. Avoid Heavy Stacking and Uneven Pressure
A sturdy-looking item is not necessarily suitable for supporting a stack of boxes. Weight can mark polished surfaces, distort upholstery or strain furniture joints during storage.
Avoid placing heavy loads on sofas, mattresses, glass tables or delicate cabinets. Keep dismantled panels padded and securely supported, following the manufacturer’s advice where available. Never lean them where they could topple when another item is moved.
You can use the space inside suitable cupboards for lightweight, clean belongings, provided the furniture remains stable and nothing presses against doors or hinges. Empty it again before moving it. If you need to build a precarious stack to fit everything in, ask about a larger unit.
7. Consider Moisture and the Length of Storage
Furniture storage needs can change with the seasons and the length of your stay. Inspect the unit before moving in and discuss whether its conditions suit your belongings, particularly if you have antiques, delicate veneers or valuable upholstered pieces.
Ask about ventilation and any temperature or humidity controls you need. Do not assume that every storage unit provides the same environment. Specialist furniture may need advice from its manufacturer or a conservator before being stored for several months.
Where practical, check your belongings periodically for changes such as musty smells, damp covers or movement in stacked items. Raise concerns with the storage team promptly. Moisture absorbers may help in some circumstances, but they cannot replace a suitable environment or properly dried furniture.
8. Keep a Record Before Moving In
Photograph your furniture before wrapping it, including existing marks or damage. Make a simple inventory with the item name, its condition and where you placed any fittings or removable parts. Keep a copy somewhere you can access without visiting the unit.
Discuss the protection arrangements required for your booking and the value of your belongings with our team. Confirm the relevant terms before moving in, particularly for valuable or unusual pieces.
Furniture Storage in Guildford and Aldershot
Whether you are making room for builders or waiting for your next home to be ready, preparing furniture properly helps make storage easier. Choose enough space, dry everything thoroughly and use covers that suit each material. A careful layout also makes collection simpler when it is time to bring your belongings home.
At Multi-Store, our personal self storage options in Guildford and Aldershot give you somewhere to keep household furniture while you need extra space. Contact our team with your furniture list, measurements and expected storage period so we can help you choose a suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a sofa in a storage unit?
Yes, a sofa can be stored in a suitable unit. Clean and dry it thoroughly, use a breathable cover and support its frame evenly. Keep heavy items off the cushions and check doorway measurements before moving day to avoid difficulties.
Should I wrap furniture in plastic for storage?
Plastic is useful for some purposes, but tightly sealing furniture can trap moisture. Use breathable covers for suitable upholstered and wooden pieces. Choose protective packaging for each material, and make sure everything is completely dry before you cover or wrap it.
How do I protect wooden furniture in storage?
Clean and dry wooden furniture, protect its corners and use clean padding over delicate surfaces. Avoid placing tape directly on the finish. Keep pieces supported evenly, allow space around them and check that the storage environment suits the furniture involved.
Can I store a mattress on its side?
Check the manufacturer’s guidance first. Many mattresses should be stored flat on a clean, supportive surface because prolonged storage on their side may affect their shape. Use a suitable cover, keep the mattress dry and avoid stacking heavy belongings on it.
What size storage unit do I need for furniture?
The right size depends on your furniture dimensions, how much can be dismantled and whether you need access during storage. Make an inventory and measure bulky pieces. Our team can help you assess suitable space before you arrange your move.
How long can furniture stay in storage?
Furniture can be stored for short or longer periods when its preparation and storage conditions are suitable. The material, wrapping and environment all matter. For extended storage, inspect belongings periodically and seek specialist advice for antiques or particularly delicate pieces.
Can I store other household items alongside furniture?
Yes, suitable household belongings can share the unit with your furniture. Pack and label them separately, keep heavy boxes away from fragile pieces and leave access where needed. Check the provider’s restrictions before bringing anything that may be unsuitable for storage.