When You're On the Outs With Your Furniture: Top Tips For Storing Your Furniture in an Outdoor Storage Unit

Whilst relocating or planning a future move, you might need to store some of your furniture in a furniture storage unit. Because outdoor storage units are typically the most reasonably priced, your furniture may be stored in a unit that's not climate controlled for quite some time. This means that you'll need to take a few extra precautions if you want your furniture to be in good condition when you go to retrieve it. Here are the top tips for storing furniture in an outdoor storage unit. 

Purify For Protection

Thoroughly clean all fabrics -- including sofas, chairs, mattresses, and anything else containing fabric -- prior to placing it in the storage unit. Dirty fabric is an invitation for bacteria and mold to take over, especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. After cleaning, wood can be similarly protected with a specialised wood protectant. This can help wood resist shrinking and expansion due to temperature extremes. 

Create Cosy Cover Ups

All wood and fabric parts of furniture should be closely wrapped in plastic. Secure the plastic with medium or heavy duty packaging tape, making certain that no part of the furniture is left exposed. Because the furniture will be exposed to extreme temperatures and possibly moisture, it's wise to double layer the plastic sheeting. An additional benefit of plastic sheeting is that insects like termites won't be able to reach the wood.

Polish to Make Pretty

If you're storing any metal -- including the legs on tables or decorative objects -- it requires special care. Use a specialised metal polish to lend protection to the metal whilst it's stored. In addition to making metal look shiny, these types of polishes can help prevent oxidation as well as repelling dirt. Whilst not essential, you can also wrap metal furniture in the same plastic sheeting used for wood and upholstery. 

Elevate for Excellent Protection

When you opt for outdoor storage, it's best to plan for a certain amount of environmental issues. This includes problems like moisture entering the storage unit during a rain storm or as snow melts. Water exposure can cause mold growth, wood rot, severe water stains, and other damage. This water exposure can be avoided if you elevate all furniture with wood pallets. Arrange all furniture on one or more pallets for an extra boost of protection from the elements. 

If you've been concerned about leaving your furniture in an outdoor storage unit, use the tips above and you'll feel more confident about keeping your possessions in top condition whilst in storage. Contact your local furniture storage provider for even more helpful tips.