How Do You Store Furniture in a Storage Unit?
Sep 8, 2026 / Alina Bradford
To store furniture in a storage unit, clean and dry each piece, disassemble furniture when practical, protect surfaces with appropriate coverings, and leave enough space for air circulation. You should also choose a storage environment (climate-controlled, drive-up, indoor) that makes sense for the type of furniture you’re storing and how long you plan to keep it there.
Key takeaways
- Clean and dry furniture before storing it to help prevent stains, odors, and moisture-related problems.
- Disassemble furniture when practical to save space and make large pieces easier to move.
- Use breathable furniture covers rather than sealing furniture tightly in plastic.
- Keep furniture off the floor when appropriate to allow airflow and provide an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid overpacking your storage unit so you can access belongings and maintain airflow.
- Consider climate-controlled storage for furniture that can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
- Store large and heavy pieces carefully to reduce the risk of scratches, dents or damage.
- Create an inventory list so you know what’s in storage without having to move everything around.
Clean your furniture before storing it
Before you do anything else, give every piece of furniture a thorough cleaning before it goes into storage. Dust, dirt, food residue, and spills can become more difficult to deal with after furniture has been sitting in storage for months.
Cleaning also gives you an opportunity to find existing damage before you put the item away. Plus, clean furniture doesn’t attract bugs and rodents that would just love to find the stale peanut butter and jelly sandwich your toddler hid under a couch cushion.
How you clean each piece depends on its material.
Wood: Dust the surface and use a cleaner appropriate for the finish. Allow the furniture to dry completely.
Fabric: Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly. Treat stains using a method appropriate for the fabric and let the piece dry completely.
Leather: Clean and condition leather according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t skip the conditioning step. It will help prevent your leather from cracking while in storage.
Metal: Remove dirt, oils (even smudges from your hands), and moisture, then make sure the surface is completely dry before storage.
Always remember, never put damp furniture into a storage unit. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can create problems over time. If it gets rained on while you are storing it, be sure to dry it using a fan or towels before locking up.
Disassemble furniture when possible
Taking furniture apart can make it easier to transport and can give you more room inside your storage unit.
Consider disassembling:
- Bed frames
- Tables
- Desks
- Shelving units
- Dining chairs
- Modular furniture
- Certain bookcases
Keep screws, bolts, and other hardware together in a labeled bag. Attach the bag to the furniture, when possible, using tape or zip ties or put it in a clearly labeled box placed at the front of the unit where it is easy to get to. There’s nothing worse than trying to put together an item and not knowing where the hardware is.
Take a few photos before disassembling complicated furniture. Those pictures can serve as a handy reference when you’re ready to put everything back together.
Don’t force furniture apart if it isn’t designed to be disassembled. Some pieces can be damaged by removing components that are permanently joined. If you don’t see screws or bolts, it’s likely that the piece is meant to stay together.
Protect furniture with the right materials
Furniture needs protection from scratches, dust and accidental bumps while it’s being moved and stored.
The right covering depends on the material.
Moving blankets: Useful for protecting wood, metal and other hard surfaces from scratches and bumps. You can wrap the item in the moving blanket, then use packing tape to keep the blanket from slipping off by taping the blanket to itself.
Breathable fabric covers: Good for upholstered furniture and mattresses because they provide protection while allowing some airflow. Good airflow can prevent mold.
Plastic sheeting: Can be useful for protecting items during transport, but avoid tightly wrapping furniture in plastic for long-term storage because trapped moisture can contribute to mold or mildew.
Cardboard: Can provide an extra layer of protection between furniture pieces, but don’t use cardboard as a substitute for appropriate moisture protection.
Pallets or shelving: Can help keep some belongings elevated and improve organization, depending on the storage unit and facility rules.
Tip: Avoid putting heavy objects directly on upholstered furniture. A couch may look like a convenient shelf, but it can permanently compress cushions or damage the upholstery.
How to store wooden furniture
Wood furniture requires some extra care because changes in temperature and humidity can affect the material.
Before storage:
- Clean the furniture according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Make sure it’s completely dry.
- Disassemble it if appropriate.
- Cover surfaces with moving blankets or breathable furniture covers.
- Avoid tightly sealing the furniture in plastic.
- Keep pieces away from direct contact with the floor when appropriate.
- Don’t stack heavy items on top of delicate wooden surfaces.
If you’re storing valuable, antique or particularly delicate wooden furniture, consider whether climate-controlled storage is appropriate.
How to store upholstered furniture
Couches, chairs and other upholstered pieces can collect dust and odors if they’re stored improperly.
- Vacuum it thoroughly, and address stains. Make sure the fabric is completely dry before covering it.
- Use a breathable furniture cover that protects the upholstery from dust without trapping moisture.
- Avoid placing furniture directly against other items if doing so restricts airflow.
- Check the manufacturer’s care recommendations before storage for especially valuable or delicate upholstered furniture.
How to store leather furniture
Leather furniture should be cleaned and conditioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions before storage. Be sure to keep leather furniture away from excessive moisture and avoid tightly wrapping it in plastic for long-term storage. A breathable furniture cover can help protect the surface from dust while allowing airflow and avoid discoloration, mold, and mildew.
Don’t stack boxes or other heavy belongings on leather couches or chairs. Pressure can leave permanent marks or distort the cushions.
Also, make sure the piece has plenty of airflow around it. Stacking things on it can cause discoloration and humidity buildup.
How to store a couch
Couches can take up a lot of floor space, so planning matters. If the couch can be safely disassembled, remove the legs or other removable components. If you’re storing a sectional, separate the sections when practical. This can make the pieces easier to move and give you more flexibility when arranging your storage unit.
Wrap the couch with moving blankets or an appropriate breathable cover. Once in the storage building, keep the couch away from items that could scratch or stain the upholstery and avoid placing heavy boxes on top of it, which can warp the pillows and stretch springs.
How to store a mattress
Don’t just lean your mattress against a wall. These tips can help keep your mattress in tip-top condition while it’s in storage:
- Clean and vacuum the mattress before storage, then make sure it is completely dry.
- Use a mattress storage bag or other appropriate protective covering designed for storage. Avoid storing a mattress in a way that could permanently bend or deform it.
- Store the mattress in the position recommended by its manufacturer. Different mattress constructions can have different storage requirements.
- Don’t place heavy boxes on top of a mattress. They can damage the materials and leave permanent impressions.
Boxsprings should be treated with care, too. Avoid putting heavy things on top, since this can warp, or even break the wood.
How to store a dining table and chairs
First, disassemble the table, if you can. Remove the legs if they’re designed to come off and keep the hardware in a labeled bag. Roll each leg in a small moving blanket to prevent scratches. Then, wrap the tabletop with moving blankets or another suitable protective material. Old, clean, quilts work in a pinch.
Store chairs so they’re stable and protected from scratches. If you stack chairs, use some padding between them, like a moving blanket, dust cloth, or even an old sheet to prevent scratches. Remember to avoid creating unstable stacks that could fall when you access the unit.
Keep furniture off the floor when you need to
Keeping furniture elevated can help protect it from potential moisture or dirt on the floor. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, this can be particularly important. Depending on the furniture and storage facility, you may be able to use pallets, cinder blocks, or shelving to create space beneath certain items.
However, don’t assume every storage facility permits every type of platform or shelving. Check the facility’s rules before bringing additional equipment into your unit. For example, you may not be allowed to use pallets in an indoor storage unit, but it might be fine for drive-up units.
Don’t pack your storage unit too tightly
It can be tempting to use every available inch when you’re paying for storage. But cramming furniture and boxes together can make your unit difficult to navigate and can increase the chance of damage.
Leave enough room to:
- Walk through the unit.
- Reach frequently accessed belongings.
- Inspect furniture periodically.
- Move individual pieces without shifting an entire stack.
- Maintain reasonable airflow around stored items.
Think vertically when appropriate but be careful about stacking heavy belongings on furniture. Like I’ve mentioned before, heavy items can damage certain furniture items.
Consider climate-controlled storage
Not every piece of furniture requires climate-controlled storage, but some furniture may benefit from a more consistent environment. Consider climate-controlled storage for furniture made from or containing materials that can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as:
- Wood
- Leather
- Certain upholstered materials
- Furniture with delicate finishes
If you’re unsure whether your furniture needs climate-controlled storage, consider the material, its value, how long you’ll store it, and the conditions where you live.
How to arrange furniture in a storage unit
Think about your storage unit as a small room rather than a giant closet. Start by placing larger furniture toward the back or along the sides. Leave an aisle so you can reach items without unloading the entire unit. Place frequently accessed belongings closer to the entrance.
You can also use the vertical space inside your unit when appropriate. For example, smaller boxes can be stacked on stable surfaces, provided the stack won’t damage the furniture underneath or topple over.
Keep an inventory as you load the unit. Numbering boxes and creating a simple map can save you a lot of frustration later.
How to store furniture long term
Long-term storage requires a little more planning than storing furniture for a few weeks.
Before putting furniture into long-term storage:
- Consider climate-controlled storage for sensitive materials.
- Keep an inventory of everything you’re storing.
- Plan to check on your belongings periodically. Look for signs of moisture, pests, dust accumulation or damage. Check that furniture covers remain in place and that nothing has shifted or fallen.
- Reconsider whether the items are worth the ongoing storage cost after several months.
How much furniture fits in a storage unit?
The amount of furniture you can store depends on the size and shape of each piece and how efficiently you arrange the unit. Public Storage offers a range of unit sizes, including 5 × 5, 5 × 10, 10 × 10, 10 × 15, 10 × 20 and 10 × 25 feet. Here is a list that can help you decide the best size for you:
Storage unit sizes for furniture
| Storage unit size | Comparable space | Furniture that may fit |
| Locker | Small closet shelf | Small furniture pieces, such as stools, side tables or a few small boxes |
| 5 × 5 | Large closet | A small piece of furniture, such as a dresser, nightstand or chair, plus boxes |
| 5 × 10 | Walk-in closet | Bedroom furniture, such as a bed frame, mattress, dresser and nightstands |
| 5 × 15 | Large walk-in closet | Bedroom furniture, a small dining set or furniture from a small apartment |
| 10 × 10 | Small bedroom | Furniture from about two rooms, such as a sofa, bed, dresser, dining table and chairs |
| 10 × 15 | Large bedroom | Furniture from a two-bedroom apartment or home, including sofas, beds, dressers and tables |
| 10 × 20 | One-car garage | Furniture from a larger home, including multiple bedrooms, living room and dining room furniture |
| 10 × 25 | Large garage | Furniture from a four-bedroom home or a large collection of household furniture |
The amount of furniture that fits depends on the size and shape of each piece, whether furniture can be disassembled and how efficiently the unit is organized. Storage unit availability and dimensions vary by location.
Furniture storage FAQs
How should I prepare furniture for storage?
Clean and completely dry each piece before putting it in storage. Disassemble furniture when practical, protect surfaces with moving blankets or breathable covers and avoid tightly wrapping furniture in plastic for long-term storage.
How do I protect furniture from mold in storage?
Start by making sure the furniture is completely clean and dry before storing it. Avoid tightly wrapping furniture in plastic because trapped moisture can contribute to mold and mildew.
Use appropriate breathable covers, avoid overcrowding the unit, and consider climate-controlled storage for furniture that may be sensitive to environmental changes.
Regularly checking your belongings can also help you catch signs of moisture before they become a bigger problem.
Should I wrap furniture before putting it in storage?
Yes, furniture should generally be covered to protect it from dust and scratches. Use breathable furniture covers or moving blankets. Avoid tightly sealing furniture in plastic because it can trap moisture.
Should I disassemble furniture for storage?
Disassemble furniture when it is designed to come apart, and doing so makes it easier to move or store. Bed frames, tables, and some shelving units can often be taken apart. Keep all the hardware in a labeled bag so you can reassemble the furniture later.
Can I store a couch in a storage unit?
Yes. Clean and dry the couch before storage, then cover it with a breathable furniture cover. Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of it and leave enough space around the couch to access other belongings.
Can I store a mattress in a storage unit?
Yes. Clean and dry the mattress thoroughly before storage, then use an appropriate mattress storage bag or protective covering. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for positioning and avoid placing heavy items on top of the mattress.
How long can furniture stay in a storage unit?
Furniture can remain in storage for months or years when it is properly prepared and stored in an appropriate environment. For long-term storage, periodically check your belongings for signs of moisture, pests, or damage.
