How To Store Furniture in a Non-Climate Controlled Space

Storing furniture in non-climate controlled spaces such as your garage or a storage shed might seem like a straightforward solution for freeing up space in your home. However, these environments pose their own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining the quality and durability of your furniture. At My Storage, we understand the value of your furniture and offer practical tips to help you store your items safely, even in non-climate controlled conditions.

Steps to Storing Your Furniture

  1. Clean Your Furniture: Before storing, clean each piece of furniture thoroughly. This includes vacuuming upholstered items and wiping down wood and metal parts with suitable cleaners. Ensure all items are completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
  1. Prepare Your Furniture: Disassemble larger items where possible. Remove legs from tables and chairs, and take out drawers from dressers. This not only saves space but also minimizes the risk of damage during transportation and storage.

  2. Invest in Quality Packing Supplies: Use furniture covers made from breathable material to protect against dust, dirt, and scratches. Avoid plastic wraps as they can trap moisture and cause damage. Cushioning materials like blankets can protect furniture from bumps and scrapes.

  3. Prepare Your Furniture: Disassemble larger items where possible. Remove legs from tables and chairs, and take out drawers from dressers. This not only saves space but also minimizes the risk of damage during transportation and storage.
  1. Invest in Quality Packing Supplies: Use furniture covers made from breathable material to protect against dust, dirt, and scratches. Avoid plastic wraps as they can trap moisture and cause damage. Cushioning materials like blankets can protect furniture from bumps and scrapes.

  2. Leave Space for Air Circulation: Avoid packing your furniture too tightly together. Leave enough space between pieces to ensure good air circulation. Proper airflow helps prevent the buildup of moisture and reduces the risk of mold and mildew forming on your furniture.

  3. Protect Fragile Items: For fragile pieces such as glass table tops or mirrors, provide extra protection. Wrap them in bubble wrap or thick blankets and clearly label them as fragile. Store these items in a way that they don’t bear weight and are less likely to be bumped or moved.

How To Manage Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations

The biggest concerns when storing furniture in non-climate controlled spaces are temperature fluctuations and humidity, both of which can significantly affect the integrity of different materials.
  • Use Moisture Absorbers: Products like silica gel or calcium chloride can help manage humidity levels around your furniture.
  • Raise Your Furniture: Keep furniture off the floor on pallets or blocks to improve air circulation and prevent moisture absorption from the ground.
  • Inspect Your Furniture: Visit your storage space regularly to inspect for signs of mold, pests, or water damage and adjust your preventive measures as needed.
  • Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintaining good airflow is vital in controlling the storage environment. If possible, use ventilated covers or open the storage area periodically to let air circulate, reducing the risk of mold and mildew buildup on your furniture.
  • Seal Cracks and Openings: To minimize external temperature and humidity impacts, ensure any cracks or openings in the storage unit are sealed. This can help stabilize the internal environment and protect your furniture from external weather conditions.

Use Thermal Insulation: Adding insulation materials to the walls of your storage unit can help buffer temperature extremes, especially in metal units that can conduct heat and cold. Insulating materials can be an effective barrier against temperature spikes and dips.

How to Choose the Right Furniture Covers

When storing furniture, especially in non-climate controlled environments, choosing the right covers is essential for ensuring the protection and longevity of your pieces. Here’s how to select the appropriate covers that balance protection with the need for air circulation:

  1. Breathable Covers: It’s vital to select covers that promote good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew. Natural fabric covers made of materials like cotton are ideal as they allow the furniture to breathe while shielding it from dust, dirt, and light exposure. 
  2. Padded Covers: For items that are more valuable, fragile, or susceptible to temperature fluctuations, padded covers provide an additional layer of protection. These covers typically feature built-in padding that cushions the furniture against bumps and knocks that could occur during movement or as a result of things being placed on or against them. 
  3. Water-Resistant Covers: While not entirely necessary for all indoor scenarios, water-resistant covers can be beneficial if there’s a risk of water intrusion, such as in basement storage areas or in outdoor sheds. These covers help to repel moisture and provide a barrier against potential water damage.
  4. Tailored Fit: Whenever possible, choose furniture covers that are tailored to fit the specific type of furniture you are storing. Properly fitting covers enhance protection by covering the entire piece without leaving portions exposed or creating pockets that trap moisture.

Should You Shrinkwrap Your Furniture?

Shrinkwrapping can protect furniture from dust and pests effectively, but it’s crucial to use it wisely to avoid damage. Ensure furniture is completely dry before wrapping, as moisture under the shrinkwrap can lead to mold. Also, consider how long the furniture will be stored; shrinkwrap is great for short-term but can restrict airflow and cause issues like warping if used for too long, especially in non-climate-controlled areas.

Use shrinkwrap that is designed for furniture, ensuring it’s not too tight to allow some air movement. For long-term storage, lighter, breathable covers like cotton might be a better choice as they protect while allowing air circulation, helping to prevent moisture buildup and damage.

Climate-Controlled vs. Non-Climate Controlled: Make the Right Choice

While non-climate controlled spaces can be adequate for short-term storage or less sensitive items, climate-controlled storage is advisable for:

  1. Valuable or Antique Furniture: Vintage and heirloom furniture can be seriously damaged by shifts in temperature and humidity, which may cause the wood to warp or crack. Climate-controlled storage ensures a stable environment to preserve the structural and aesthetic values of these precious pieces.
  2. Extended Storage Periods: For long-term storage, maintaining the quality of your items is essential. Climate-controlled environments help prevent degradation caused by environmental fluctuations, such as the rusting of metal, fading of fabrics, or cracking of wood finishes, ensuring your belongings remain in excellent condition over time.
  1. Sensitive Materials: Furniture made from materials like leather, wood, or metal is particularly vulnerable to extreme conditions. Leather can dry or mold, wood can warp or crack, and metal can rust when exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Climate-controlled units offer a consistent setting that safeguards these materials, preserving the integrity and appearance of your furniture. 
  2. Electronics and Instruments: If you’re storing items that are not strictly furniture but often stored alongside it, like pianos, electronics, or other delicate instruments, climate control is essential. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can permanently damage electronic components and delicate wood constructions.
  1. Artwork and Collectibles: Similar to antique furniture, artwork and collectibles such as paintings, sculptures, and rare items need stable conditions to preserve their quality and integrity. Climate control helps avoid harmful expansions, contractions, or moisture that can ruin these valuable pieces.
  2. Upholstered Items and Fabrics: Items with fabric such as sofas, chairs, and mattresses also benefit from climate-controlled environments. These items are prone to mold and mildew if exposed to moisture and can also become homes for pests if left in an unstable environment.

Secure Your Belongings with My Storage: Top Solutions for Every Season!

My Storage offers climate-controlled units perfect for keeping valuables safe in any season. Located conveniently across Toronto and the GTA, our facilities are easy to access. Our expert team is ready to assist you in finding the ideal storage solution to ensure your belongings remain in top condition. Trust My Storage for secure and flexible options. Visit us today for stress-free storage solutions. Happy storing!

FAQs About Storing Furniture In A Non-Climate Controlled Space

To protect wooden furniture, clean and dry it thoroughly before storage. Use furniture polish to add a protective coating, and cover it with breathable cotton covers to guard against dust and moisture. Elevate furniture off the ground on pallets to improve air circulation and minimize moisture absorption.

Yes, upholstered furniture can be stored, but it requires careful preparation. Vacuum the upholstery to remove dust and debris, treat any stains, and ensure it’s completely dry. Cover with breathable fabric covers and avoid plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew.

It’s advisable to check your furniture every 2-3 months. Look for any signs of moisture, mold, or pests. Also, airing out the space occasionally helps to keep the air fresh and reduces the risk of moisture buildup.

Breathable materials such as cotton sheets or specially designed furniture covers are best. These materials allow air circulation while protecting from dust and light exposure. Avoid plastic shrink wrap as it can trap humidity and cause condensation, potentially damaging your furniture.

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