Clean and dry first
Wipe down wood, vacuum fabric and make sure everything is completely dry. Dirt and moisture are what cause most problems in storage, not time.
Dismantle what you can
Take legs off tables, separate bed frames and remove shelves. Put screws and fittings in a labelled bag and tape it to the main piece so nothing gets lost.
Wrap properly
Use blankets or dust sheets for wood and upholstery. Bubble wrap is good for glass and corners, but avoid wrapping wood tightly in plastic for long periods as it can trap moisture.
Stack with care
Never stack heavy items on sofas or mattresses. Stand mattresses on their side, keep sofas upright and put drawers and wardrobes against the walls. Use the drawers themselves to store light items like linen.
Leave a little air
Leave a small gap between furniture and the unit walls so air can move. It helps keep everything fresh over longer stays.
Checklist
- Clean and dry every piece
- Bag and label fixings
- Blankets or dust sheets
- Bubble wrap for glass and corners
- Pallets to keep items off the floor
- Mattress covers