To store furniture without damage, clean and dry it, take large pieces apart, cover it with breathable material, raise it off the floor and keep the space dry with stable temperatures. Moisture, pressure and pests cause most storage damage. This guide covers how to prepare each material, how to arrange a storage unit and how to store furniture long term.
Choose the Right Space
| Space | Suitable for | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-controlled storage unit | Wood, upholstery, leather, long-term storage | Lowest |
| Standard storage unit | Short-term storage in mild seasons | Heat, cold, humidity swings |
| Spare room | Most furniture | Sun fading near windows |
| Garage, attic or basement | Metal and plastic; wood only short term | Damp, heat, pests |
Wood is most stable at moderate humidity, roughly 40 to 55 percent. See how to protect wood furniture from humidity.
How to Store Furniture: Step by Step
- Clean everything and let it dry fully. Dirt and moisture cause mold and stains.
- Empty drawers and cabinets.
- Disassemble tables, desks and large cabinets; see how to disassemble furniture.
- Cover with breathable material: cotton sheets, moving blankets or furniture covers.
- Raise furniture off the floor on pallets or boards.
- Leave air gaps between pieces and the walls.
- Don't stack weight on upholstered seats, table tops or finished surfaces.
- Check on it every month or two.
How to Store Each Material
| Material | Before storing | In storage |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood and veneer | Dust and dry; wax if the finish allows | Breathable cover; no plastic against the finish |
| MDF and particleboard | Dry completely; check edges | Keep off the floor; never store damp |
| Upholstery | Vacuum and spot clean; dry fully | Fabric cover; store upright on its feet |
| Leather | Clean and condition | Breathable cover; away from heat |
| Glass and mirrors | Clean; wrap in paper then bubble wrap | Stand on edge, never flat |
| Metal | Wipe dry; light oil on bare steel | Keep dry to prevent rust |
Mixed-material pieces need the care of their most sensitive part. The Relievo Panel TV Console lists solid pine wood, ash veneer, MDF and glass, so it should be kept dry, covered with fabric and stored upright. The Curva 5-Drawer Chest-Black lists MDF, wood veneer and solid wood legs, and its care instructions say to wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Arranging a Storage Unit
- Heavy, sturdy pieces at the back and bottom.
- Sofas on their feet, not on end, for long-term storage.
- Table tops and mirrors on edge along a wall, padded.
- Leave a walkway so you can reach and inspect things.
- Keep hardware bags and manuals taped to their pieces.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Plastic sheeting or stretch wrap directly on wood, leather or fabric. It traps moisture.
- Storing anything damp.
- Furniture directly on a concrete floor.
- Heavy boxes on sofas, chairs or table tops.
- Food crumbs left in cushions or drawers, which attract pests.
Taking Furniture Out of Storage
- Let pieces adjust to room conditions for a day before reassembling.
- Air out any stale smell; see how to get a musty smell out of furniture.
- Clean by material with our furniture care guide.
- Tighten hardware and fix small issues with the furniture repair guide.
Related: how to pack furniture for moving and our moving checklist.
FAQ
Do I need climate-controlled storage for furniture?
It's the safest choice for wood, leather and upholstery, and for any storage longer than a few months.
Should furniture be wrapped in plastic for storage?
No. Use breathable covers. Plastic traps moisture and can cause mold and finish damage.
How long can furniture stay in storage?
Years, if it's clean, dry, covered, off the floor and in stable conditions.
How do I keep furniture from getting moldy in storage?
Store it fully dry, allow air to circulate, keep it off the floor and choose a dry or climate-controlled space.