Clean each piece, let it dry completely, wrap it in breathable covers such as moving blankets or cotton sheets, and lift it off the floor. That keeps the dust off without trapping moisture against old wood and finishes, and a few simple habits in the unit do the rest.
Before it goes in
Dust polished wood gently with a clean, dry duster rather than a feather duster, which can scratch. Carved, inlaid or gilded surfaces are best cleaned with a soft brush, because a cloth can snag a raised edge. If you’ve used anything damp, give the piece a full day to dry before you cover it, and if you’ve waxed it, let the wax soak in fully first.
Empty the drawers and cupboards, and take off mirrors, marble tops and any loose fittings. Bag small hardware and tape the bag to the piece it belongs to, and carry glass, marble and mirrors upright, as they can break under their own weight when laid flat.
Wrapping
Breathable covers keep the dust off while letting air move. Moving blankets, felt or old cotton sheets all work well, and if you use bubble wrap, put a layer of cotton or felt between it and any polished surface. Tape the blanket to itself, never to the wood. Plastic sealed around furniture for months can trap moisture against it, so take off any plastic the removal company used once the piece is in your unit.
Setting out the unit
- Stand every piece on a pallet or boards, so nothing sits directly on the floor.
- Leave a gap between furniture and the walls, and between pieces, so air can circulate.
- Rest nothing on polished or veneered tops. If two pieces must stack, lay them face to face with a blanket between and let the frame or legs take the weight.
- Put the sturdiest pieces in first, against the walls, and the most delicate at the front, with a clear path to the back.
Keep an eye on it
Our units are standard self storage rather than climate-controlled, so careful preparation does the work, and a quick look on your visits helps too, especially through the winter. If a cover feels damp, dry and rewrap the piece. If you spot lifting veneer or fresh tiny holes in the wood, leave it as it is and ask a furniture conservator for advice.
Cover for antiques
Everything stored needs cover, through our contents protection or your own policy. Antiques are valued at their current market value rather than the cost of buying new. Our cover is for sudden events, such as a burst pipe, rather than slow damp from the air, which is why the preparation above is worth the time. If a piece is one of a kind or means a great deal to your family, call us before you book and we’ll talk it through.
When your furniture is ready, get a price online, or call us on 0800 2545585.
Related questions
- Will wooden or leather furniture crack or warp in a storage unit?
- Does contents protection cover damp and mould?
- How much contents cover do I need, and can I change it later?
- How do I protect furniture from dust during a renovation?
Further reading
- Icon, the Institute of Conservation: Furniture collections care guide