How to Store Different Types of Furniture Safely
Most furniture storage advice focuses on the process: clean it, cover it, take it apart. But how you prepare furniture for storage also depends on what it is made from. Wood behaves differently from leather, which behaves differently from fabric upholstery or metal. Getting the material-specific details right means your furniture comes out of storage in the same condition it went in — whether that is six weeks or six months later. This guide covers what each material type needs so you can prepare properly rather than discovering a problem when you come to collect.
Solid Wood Furniture
Wood is among the most sensitive materials to the storage environment. In damp conditions it absorbs moisture and can warp, swell, or develop mould. In very dry conditions it can crack and split. Polish or wax solid wood pieces before storage to seal the surface and help them retain moisture through temperature changes. Use breathable dust sheets as covers — plastic traps condensation against the surface and accelerates the problem.
Avoid placing solid wood items directly on a concrete floor. Concrete draws moisture from below, and even in a covered unit, wood resting on concrete can absorb enough humidity to warp over a few months. Pallets or timber risers provide the necessary airflow underneath. If you are storing wooden furniture long-term, check on it after the first month to catch any early signs of moisture absorption before the damage becomes serious.
Upholstered Fabric Furniture
Fabric upholstery is vulnerable to dust, moisture, and pests during storage. Any food residue, skin oils, or pet hair left in the fabric will attract insects over a longer storage period. Clean fabric items thoroughly before storage and let upholstered pieces dry completely before wrapping.
Use breathable furniture bags or clean cotton sheets rather than plastic. Plastic prevents the fabric from breathing and can encourage mildew within a few weeks. Where possible, store fabric pieces elevated off the floor and with some clearance from the walls to allow airflow around them.
Leather Furniture
Leather needs slightly different preparation from fabric. Apply a good leather conditioner before storage — ideally about a week before the item goes into the unit. This helps prevent cracking during a long storage period. Leather that dries out completely can crack, and that damage is usually permanent.
Breathable covers are essential for leather too. Plastic against leather causes the surface to sweat and can damage the finish over time. Keep leather items from direct contact with other pieces to avoid marking the surface.
Metal and Glass
Metal furniture is prone to rust in humid conditions. Before storing metal items — steel bed frames, metal shelving, chrome fittings — wipe the surfaces with a light oil. This provides a thin protective layer against moisture. Chrome fixtures can also develop surface tarnish during extended storage in damp air; a wipe-over with a dry cloth followed by a light application of oil before wrapping gives adequate protection. Wrap all metal pieces in clean blankets or bubble wrap rather than leaving surfaces exposed.
Glass tops from tables or display cabinets should be stored vertically where possible. Glass stored flat is more vulnerable if anything is accidentally placed on top. Mark each glass piece clearly and keep it in a stable position in the unit, away from areas where other items are being moved.
Mattresses
Store mattresses flat, not on their side. A mattress left standing upright for several months will sag and lose its structure permanently. Use a breathable mattress bag rather than plastic. Place nothing on top of a stored mattress, and keep it elevated off the floor if possible to allow airflow.
Dismantling and Labelling
Large pieces — bed frames, wardrobes, dining tables — should be dismantled before storage wherever possible. This reduces the risk of damage in transit and in the unit, takes up less space, and usually reduces costs. Keep all screws and fixings in clearly labelled bags and tape each bag to its relevant piece so nothing gets separated. Photograph each item before dismantling anything complex so you have a reference when you reassemble.
Choosing the Right Facility
Before booking any storage, confirm:
- Is the facility covered and weatherproof? Open-air or poorly sealed units expose furniture to rain, frost, and humidity.
- How are items physically stored? Sealed individual containers offer significantly better protection than goods stored loose in a shared room with other customers’ belongings.
- What security is in place? CCTV and an alarmed facility reduce the risk of theft and provide evidence in the event of a claim.
- Is insurance available? Check whether your home contents policy covers goods held in commercial storage. If not, ask whether the facility provides cover and what the terms are.
F Smith & Son provides containerised storage at our Croydon depot. Items are placed in sealed containers, wrapped in protective blankets, and held in a monitored, covered facility. We are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and Which? Trusted Traders. For a free storage quotation, contact our team. For more advice, visit the F Smith & Son Advice Hub.