How to Prepare Furniture for Storage: A Complete Guide

Before placing your valuable furniture and household items into a storage unit, it’s essential to follow the right steps. Whether you’re storing for a few months or over a year, good preparation will help your belongings stay clean, safe, and in excellent condition.

At Stash It, we’ve created this simple step-by-step guide to help you get the most from your storage space—while also protecting your items for the long haul.

1. Clean and Dust Thoroughly

Start by giving each item a good clean. Use a gentle cleaner that’s suitable for the material—such as wood, metal, leather, or fabric.

Cleaning before storage removes dust, dirt, and grime. This prevents long-term stains, bad smells, or material damage. As a result, your items will stay in better condition throughout their time in storage.

2. Disassemble Larger Furniture

Next, disassemble bulky items like tables, bed frames, and shelving units. Doing this helps you save space and lowers the risk of damage.

Be sure to store all screws, bolts, and small pieces in clearly labeled bags. Then, tape the bags to the matching furniture pieces. This makes reassembly fast and easy. Plus, it makes stacking and arranging inside your unit far more efficient.

3. Wrap Soft Furnishings Carefully

Protect upholstered furniture—such as couches, chairs, and mattresses—by wrapping them in breathable covers or plastic wraps made for storage.

Avoid using standard plastic wrap for long periods, as it can trap moisture and cause mold. Instead, opt for covers that allow air to flow. For added peace of mind, Stash It sells high-quality mattress bags and furniture covers on-site.

Check out our range here.

4. Use Padding to Prevent Damage

After wrapping, take one more step to protect your items. Use padding materials like moving blankets, foam sheets, or protective cloths.

These materials shield furniture surfaces from scratches, dents, or pressure marks. They’re especially helpful when you’re stacking items or storing them for an extended time.

5. Choose Plastic Containers with Lids

For smaller items, documents, or personal belongings, plastic containers are best. Choose ones with secure lids to keep out dust, pests, and moisture.

Unlike cardboard, plastic won’t break down over time. It also stacks better, saving space and keeping things organised.

Bunnings has a great range here.

6. Create a Barrier Beneath Your Items

Don’t place your furniture or boxes directly on the concrete floor. Instead, use a layer of cardboard, wooden pallets, or plastic sheeting.

This simple barrier prevents moisture transfer and helps keep everything cleaner over time. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in protecting your things.

7. Arrange Items Strategically

Once you’re ready to load your unit, begin with the largest and heaviest items. Place these along the back and sides.

Then, stack lighter or smaller items on top. Leave a pathway through the unit so you can reach what you need without unpacking everything. Stable stacking is key—so avoid creating towers that could tip over.

Need help? The Stash It team is happy to assist you in planning your storage layout.

8. Maintain Airflow for Ventilation

Good airflow prevents mold, moisture, and stale odours. To keep your unit fresh, don’t cram everything tightly together.

Instead, leave small gaps between your furniture pieces. This helps air circulate throughout the space.

Fortunately, Stash It’s storage units are designed with airflow in mind. Built-in air gaps near the roof allow natural ventilation across the entire building.

9. Take Extra Care During Wet Weather

If you’re moving on a rainy day, take extra precautions. Water can sneak into your storage items if you’re not careful.

Here’s how to protect your items:

• Dry off boxes and furniture with old towels before storing

• Use waterproof coverings as temporary rain shields

• Never store damp or wet items (especially fabrics, clothing, or bedding)

If anything does get wet, dry it thoroughly before placing it in storage. This will help you avoid mildew, odours, and long-term damage.

Final Tip: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Taking time to prepare your furniture properly will help ensure it comes out of storage in the same condition it went in.

At Stash It, we offer a full range of packing supplies, including covers, boxes, and padding materials to make your move easier. Need help or have questions about what to use?
Our friendly team is always happy to help!