Make sure your sofa is clean and completely dry, cover it with something breathable such as a furniture blanket, raise it off the floor and keep heavy things off it. Plastic is ideal for the move itself, keeping off dust, dirt and scuffs, but once the sofa is in your unit, take the plastic off or open it up, because plastic can trap moisture against the fabric.
Before it leaves home
- Vacuum it all over, including under the cushions and down the sides, where crumbs collect.
- Let it dry fully. If you’ve spot-cleaned anything, give it time before you cover it. Leather just needs a wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
- Take off loose cushions. They can travel in a large box or under their own cover, so they keep their shape.
- Try not to move it on a wet day, as damp that goes in with a sofa stays with it.
On the move: plastic is your friend
A polythene sofa cover slides on easily and protects the upholstery from dirt, dust and handling marks in the van. Our Box Shop sells a cover for 2 and 3 seater sofas, plus chair covers for the dining chairs. A thick transit blanket over the top adds cushioning against knocks.
In the unit: let it breathe
- Take the plastic off, or leave the open end loose, so air can move around the sofa.
- Use a breathable cover instead: a furniture blanket, a cotton dust sheet or an old cotton bedsheet keeps dust off without trapping moisture.
- Stand it on a pallet or a few boards, so it isn’t sitting on the concrete floor.
- Leave a small gap between the sofa and the walls, and between it and other furniture.
- Keep boxes and heavy things off the seat and arms, where steady weight can leave dents.
Short of floor space? Many sofas can stand on their end, which can save a lot of room. Our guide to standing a sofa on its end explains how to check your sofa can take it.
On your visits
Lift the cover now and then and feel the fabric underneath, especially through the winter. If anything feels damp, let it air and give us a call. Our units are standard self storage rather than climate-controlled, so a dry start and good airflow do the real work.
When you’re ready, get a price online, or call us on 0800 2545585 and tell us what you’re storing: we’ll help you choose a size with room for the sofa to breathe.
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