Do you have a large, bulky piece of furniture like a couch that won’t fit in your home or apartment? Are you wondering how to store a couch in a storage unit but don’t know where to start? Storing and protecting your couch in a storage unit is the perfect solution. Not only will it keep your possessions safe and secure, but it can also be very cost-effective.
Whether you’re looking to store your couch long-term or just for a few months, there are several steps you can take to ensure your furniture is stored safely and securely in a storage unit.
In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look into how to properly store your couch or other furniture items in a storage unit so that they look good as new!
What Will You Need?
Before you begin storing your furniture, make sure to gather the right supplies. You’ll need some bubble wrap or packing paper to protect the couch from dust and other elements that may degrade its condition while in storage. Additionally, you’ll also need heavy-duty moving blankets for extra protection.
You should also have a few pieces of cardboard on hand, which will come in handy for any fabric that needs to be covered. Lastly, ensure you have enough plastic wrap or shrink-wrap to cover the entire couch before storing it.
8 Easy Steps on How to Store a Couch in a Storage Unit
Once you have all your supplies gathered, it’s time to prepare your furniture for storage.
Step 1: Thorough Cleaning
The first step in preparing your couch for storage is to give it a thorough cleaning. Vacuum the entire couch, paying special attention to the crevices where dust and crumbs often accumulate. If your couch has a fabric cover, consider washing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For leather or vinyl couches, wipe them down with a suitable cleaner. This step is essential to prevent any existing dirt or stains from setting in during storage. Ensure the couch is completely dry before moving on to the next step to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Step 2: Disassemble the Couch
Disassemble the couch into smaller, more manageable pieces. This usually means removing the legs and any loose cushions. Taking the couch apart makes it easier to transport and helps you fit it into a smaller storage unit.
Keep all screws and other small parts in a labeled bag to avoid getting lost. If your couch has a reclining function or a sofa bed, ensure these are safely collapsed and secured. Take care when handling these parts as they can be heavy and awkward.
Step 3: Wrap and Protect the Couch
Now it’s time to wrap your couch for protection. Begin by wrapping loose cushions or removable parts in bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure all surfaces are covered, and secure the wrapping with packing tape. Next, cover the main body of the couch with moving blankets, ensuring all areas are fully covered and protected.
Secure the blankets with tape or stretch wrap. Consider wrapping the entire couch in a stretch wrap or plastic for added protection. This will provide an extra layer of defense against dust, moisture, and pests during storage.
Step 4: Move the Couch to the Storage Unit
After thoroughly wrapping and protecting your couch, the next step is moving it to the storage unit. Always recruit a helping hand or two for this, as couches can be heavy and awkward to maneuver. Use a dolly or furniture slider to prevent causing any damage while moving.
Remember to lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury. Secure the couch in a vehicle with straps to prevent it from moving or tipping over during transit. Once you arrive at the storage unit, use a trolley or dolly to move the couch inside safely and efficiently.
Step 5: Position the Couch Correctly in the Storage Unit
With the couch safely inside the storage unit, it’s now time to position it correctly to maximize space efficiency and protect the furniture. Store the couch vertically (on its end) to save floor space if possible. However, make sure it is stable and will not tip over.
If you’re storing other items in the unit, ensure the couch isn’t squashed or pressed against other items; it needs space. Suppose the couch has to be stored horizontally (lying flat), never place heavy items on top, as this can damage the couch’s structure over time.
Also, avoid placing the couch directly on the floor; use pallets or cardboard to protect it from moisture and pests. Leaving space around the couch also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of mildew and mold.
Step 6: Cover and Seal the Couch
After positioning the couch correctly, the next step is to cover and seal it. This step is crucial to protect your couch from dust, pests, and moisture, especially for long-term storage. Use a furniture cover or a large sheet to cover the couch completely.
You can also use a plastic cover for added protection but remember to poke a few small holes in the plastic to allow the couch to breathe and prevent condensation, which could lead to mold growth.
Secure the cover in place using bungee cords or rope to ensure it doesn’t slip off. This step will provide additional protection, keeping your couch in good condition while it’s in storage.
Step 7: Regular Check-ins
Even after taking all the precautions and steps to store your couch, checking on it regularly is essential. Plan to visit your storage unit once every few months to ensure the couch is still in good condition. During these visits, check for signs of moisture, pests, or any other potential damage.
Regular check-ins allow you to intervene and take corrective measures if something seems off, thus ensuring the couch remains in the best possible condition during its time in storage.
Step 8: Retrieve and Reassemble
When the time comes to remove your couch from storage, carefully reverse the process. Remove the protective cover and check the couch thoroughly for any signs of damage or pests. Once you’ve confirmed that the couch is in good condition, move it out of the storage unit.
Remember to use a dolly or trolley for this process to avoid injury. Upon reaching your destination, reassemble any parts you disassembled during packing. Ensure you refer back to any instructions or photos you took during the disassembly to help in this process. Finally, give your couch a quick clean or dust off before settling it back in your home.
Following these steps, you should find your couch just as you left it, ready to be used and enjoyed again.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Roll your couches on their sides before storing them. This allows you to save a considerable amount of space since the length of the couch is cut in half when doing this.
- If you have any non-removable cushions, consider packing and storing them separately from the couch frame. This will help protect the cushion material from any dirt or dust accumulating in the storage unit.
- Make sure your couch is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth over time.
- Take a picture of your couch before packing it away for easy reference when you need to retrieve it later.
- Wrap your furniture in plastic wrap or blankets for extra protection against dust and dirt. This will also help keep your furniture looking great for years to come!
By following these steps, you can easily store a couch in a storage unit without worrying about damage from dust, dirt, moisture, or other elements. Just ensure you have the right size unit to fit your furniture, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful storage experience.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Damp Storage Units: Moisture can severely damage your couch over time. This is why ensuring that the storage unit you choose is dry and well-ventilated is crucial.
- Only Store With Cleaning: It’s important to thoroughly clean your couch before storing it. Any dirt or stains can become permanent over time unless addressed beforehand.
- Avoid Stacking Items on The Couch: Placing heavy items on top of your couch can strain and warp the frame, leading to irreversible damage.
- Don’t Leave It Uncovered: Leaving your couch unprotected in a storage unit can expose it to dust, dirt, and insects. Always use a furniture cover or plastic wrap to keep it safe.
- Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes: Sudden temperature shifts can cause materials to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or other damage. Ensure your storage unit has a stable temperature.
Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your couch remains in excellent condition while stored away. With the right preparation and careful storage, you can keep your furniture looking great for years!
Conclusion
Consequently, how to store a couch in a storage unit can be the right solution for anyone looking to free up some much-needed space without having to part ways with the piece of furniture permanently.
It’s important to consider the size of your couch when you choose a storage unit and to consider preparing it for long-term storage by wrapping it in plastic or covering it with blankets.
Remember to use industry-approved moving materials such as furniture pads and dollies to protect your property and the facility’s walls when putting your couch into storage.
Overall, you should be able to find and choose the perfect storage unit for your needs. Good luck, and enjoy having more room!
