Whether you’re looking to downsize from a bigger home to a smaller one or leave a rented property in order to go travelling for a year, it’s likely that you’ll have some furniture and other large belongings that can’t go with you.
Selling some of these items online is a great way to make some extra cash, but you may want to hold on to those pieces with antique or nostalgic value. Storing this furniture long-term can be a daunting task, so we’ve rounded up 8 easy ways to help with the process.
1. Rent a storage unit
Renting a storage unit is a very flexible option. There are now many companies in the space offering storage units of different sizes on both short and long-term basis. These units are usually highly secure and monitored by the storage company. Depending on the contract, damage insurance may also be provided.
However, the cost of renting the storage unit needs to be considered. If you’re travelling for a year or two and just looking for a safe place to stash your belongings while you’re away, then renting a storage unit ticks most of the boxes. However, if you need to store furniture for a longer period of time then it would be more cost-effective to explore other options.
2. Hire a furniture removal service
Many furniture removal companies can provide storage services upon request. By hiring a specialist, you can sit back while they take care of the safe storage of your items.
Giffen Furniture Removal highlights that experienced furniture removal outfits will often use innovative methods to save space when storing furniture. Additionally, they may also have contacts with their local storage unit company to give you a better deal, saving you money in the long run.
3. Convert your garage
If paying for storage space is not a viable option, then converting a garage or shed into a home for your unused furniture is a cheap alternative.
This is also ideal for storing appliances that are too big to fit in your house (like a chest freezer).
You’ll need to initially organise the existing gear in your garage to clear some space. Make the most of the space you have left by using tips 4, 5 and 6 on this list.
4. Break it down before storing
Most furniture, especially modern examples can be disassembled into smaller parts. Taking the time to turn a few screws and carefully dismantle your furniture is worthwhile; it will save space and help prevent your items from being damaged during the removal and storage process.
Make sure you store all the parts for a particular item together. When it comes to putting your furniture back together again you’ll be glad that you did.
5. Use storage boxes
Another method of saving space is to use storage boxes. These can be stacked on top of each other to utilise the available verticle space and reduce the floor space used. This is an essential trick to getting the most out of small storage spaces. It also helps minimise the trips you need to take to the storage unit, during the removal process, since the same method can be used to maximise the carrying capacity of the removal van.
6. Invest in vertical storage
As an extension of the previous tip, investing in verticle storage will make it easier for you to utilise all of the available storage space. Hooks, shelves and cabinets are great for stashing smaller items (like books and tools) to reduce clutter. While racks will help organise larger items (like furniture, kitchenware and appliances).
7. Use multipurpose furniture
In the quest for affordable and eco-friendly housing, designers are increasingly turning to multipurpose furniture to save space. If you’re looking for extra storage space, then these innovative pieces may also be worth a look; not only will they handle several activities but they will provide additional storage spaces as well.
For example, a sofa bed will provide an extra sleeping place, saving space that would otherwise be
8. Prepare and protect your furniture
When storing your furniture over a long period of time it’s important to prepare your items for storage properly so that they remain in good condition.
Firstly, you’ll want to clean your furniture. Begin by wiping down your pieces with a clean cloth. Then, use an appropriate cleaner for the type of material (metal, wood, glass, etc.) and wipe down once more for an added layer of protection. Let the item breathe in a well-ventilated area and dry completely; this will ensure that there are no patches of trapped moisture (which can create marks of discolouration if unchecked).
Once your furniture has been cleaned and disassembled, it’s important to protect it using the right packing materials. Bubble wrap can be useful to wrap items that easily break (such as framed pictures, mirrors, lamps or blunt parts like chairs and table legs). As a general rule, however, avoid plastic package materials when possible; plastics can suffocate certain materials like wood and fabrics. Instead, use covers and sheets to keep dust away and allow air to circulate.
Featured image: Jazmin Quaynor/Pixabay
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