Wood is one of the most popular materials for furniture, especially tables, dressers, and chairs. However, wood is sensitive to moisture and humidity, especially if they are not protected with a sealant or properly stored. While climate-controlled storage units are recommended for wood furniture pieces, they may not be accessible or affordable to everyone.
The good news is that your wood furniture can still be stored in a unit and remain in good condition, but you will need to complete some extra steps to ensure longevity. Preparing your furniture before storage and following proper storage techniques will help keep your wood pieces looking brand new after being in a storage unit.
Clean The Furniture Beforehand
Before you put furniture in storage, it is important to do the proper prep work to remove dust, debris, or residue from the furniture. Cleaning well before putting wood furniture in storage will prevent damage from long-term buildup or attracting moisture to certain areas of the wood. Cleaning off debris can also prevent it from settling into the wood, leading to lines, rings, or weak spots when you pull it out of storage. After cleaning, make sure that the piece is completely dry before wrapping it with protective material and putting it in an uncontrolled storage unit.
Don’t Wrap In Plastic
When packing furniture, many assume that a plastic wrap is the best option when furniture is placed in long-term storage. Wood furniture, however, should never be wrapped with plastic as it can trap moisture underneath, leading to warping or discoloration on the wood. Especially because the humidity is not controlled in these units, keeping moisture off the furniture piece itself is essential to longevity. Investing in high-quality furniture covers and other packing supplies can help protect your wood pieces from damage, mold growth, or chipped corners.
Create A Barrier Between Furniture And Concrete
Most storage unit renters will place different items directly on the ground, but putting wood furniture on the floor of your storage unit can put your items at risk of flooding and colder temperatures. Positioning furniture off the ground by placing it on pallets or blocks to keep the base of these pieces from ground moisture. While flooding is uncommon for most storage facilities, the risk is never zero. Ensuring good airflow around the furniture and elevating heirloom pieces will give you peace of mind that you may not have without a climate-controlled unit.
Ensure There Is Good Airflow Around The Wood Furniture
Good ventilation and airflow into the unit can help limit the humidity inside the space and prevent moisture in the air from settling on your furniture. Proper ventilation will decrease the risk of damage while in storage. Choosing protective materials that are breathable will allow for air to circulate and help keep the furniture safe from harsh temperatures that could cause warping. Ventilation can also help protect other materials that may be present in your unit, including paper and metal, so if you can not utilize a climate-controlled unit, ventilation is your next best bet for a variety of belongings.
Why Climate-Controlled Is Better
Climate-controlled storage units provide better humidity control, prevent extreme temperature fluctuations, and decrease the chances of mold growth. These controlled units are best for antique furniture pieces, wooden furniture, leather, and important documents. Climate-controlled storage will be adjusted based on the outside weather and your different climate environments that come with the changing seasons. Storage units come in a variety of sizes, including ones that provide climate control. Renters will be able to find a unit that fits all of their items and meets their budget needs.
Self-Storage From 700 Block Storage
700 Block Storage offers a variety of storage options for those in the Salt Lake City area. We have a variety of sizes to choose from, including climate-controlled storage units. Our facility is modern, secure, and easily accessible to all different renters, making us the top choice for those moving to the area, remodeling their home, or students needed some extra space while living in a dorm.
Whether you have antique furniture or electronics, our storage units can benefit you.
The 700 Block Storage facility is easily accessible by elevator, has constant surveillance, and modern security systems, which set us apart from other storage facilities. We want to reach many different renters and provide you with peace of mind while items are out of your possession. Reach out to us to begin storing your wood furniture today!
