A storage unit is a sensible solution for people who run out of room in their home or office to store furniture. It gives you the opportunity to use your extra furniture at a later date, especially if the pieces were expensive and still in good condition. However, you’ll be able to optimize your the unit when you know the correct way to pack and store your items in it. These steps will tell you how to do it.

3 Steps on How to Pack & Store Furniture

1. Clean Furniture

Each piece of furniture must be adequately cleaned before storage. Wipe down metal, wooden, and plastic components with a clean cloth. Vacuum upholstery and use a fabric-safe cleaner to remove odors. Use a multipurpose cleaner for steel and a  solution of mild soap and water for wood or plastic furniture. Start the cleaning process one day before they'll be wrapped up to give them time to dry completely. Any remaining moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow while they’re in storage.

2. Wrap Items

The way you wrap furniture is critical to their preservation in storage. Protect leather and wooden furniture by wrapping them first with old blankets followed by a packing wrap. Use a breathable wrap for upholstery. Choose a material that's porous enough to prevent odors from developing but can be wrapped tightly to stop moisture from getting inside the furniture fivers and crevices. Secure glass and other fragile items in packing paper first before encasing them in bubble wrap. Avoid using plastic packing as it can cause condensation in certain materials. Drop cloths and old blankets are better options than plastic.

3. Organize Items

Do not cram everything inside your storage unit. Come up with an organized system that will allow you to access items easily. Place large furniture pieces in first, followed by boxes. Put in small items last. Make sure there's space in between each piece to allow proper air ventilation and create an aisle in the storage unit, so you can maneuver when you need to retrieve an item.

If you're looking for a secure storage unit to house your extra furniture, Affordable Lock Box is the company to contact. The storage facility is based in Texarkana, AR, and offers secure storage, truck rentals, and U-haul supplies. Check out their website or call (870) 773-7606 to discuss your storage needs with one of their staff.