When using a storage rental for furniture, you expect it to remain in the same condition it was in when it was first put away. Because it will be sitting in a storage space, unmoving, it is a common misconception that your furniture can be left as is. However, preparation is necessary to keep bacteria, mold, friction, and other damaging elements from harming your belongings. Here are the three most important steps you can take to ensure that your furniture remains in great condition.

How to Prep Furniture for Your Storage Rental

Clean Everything

Even if your home is spotlessly clean, your furniture still harbors bacteria and other microbes that can grow in storage. You may choose to have your furniture professionally cleaned, or do it yourself with cleaners designed for specific materials: wood, leather, upholstery, and plastic. Upholstered furniture can also be steam-cleaned to eliminate bacteria. 

Treat Surfaces

Even if you have chosen climate controlled storage, you should make sure that your items are looking their best and are fully protected before storing them. Once your furniture is clean, treat items with conditioners, stain repellants, or both. Wood and leather can dry out, so conditioning these surfaces is especially important. Plastic items don’t need to be treated, only cleaned.

Cover Pieces

Your furniture will likely come into contact with other surfaces during transportation and storage. Using plastic or fabric covers can prevent scrapes, scratches, dings, and dents on the way to your unit, and will do the same when you remove your items later. Specially fitted protective covers are available, or you may opt to drape a simple plastic or fabric sheet over your belongings.

Once your items are prepped, you’re ready to place them in a storage rental. Windmill Storage and Business Park serving Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, MT, provides secure, video-surveilled self-storage that you can access at any time. Visit their website to view all of their services, and call (406) 892-8900 for more information.