How to Safely Store Furniture During Extended Travel or Relocation

Published: April 22, 2024

Traveling for an extended period or relocating to a new city can be an exciting adventure. However, the logistical hurdles associated with storing your furniture during this transition can quickly become a source of stress. Traditionally, people have relied on favors from friends with available garage space or rented impersonal self-storage units. These options often come with limitations – inconvenience, potential security concerns, and the risk of furniture damage due to improper storage conditions.

Fortunately, there’s a modern and innovative solution: portable storage containers. These secure, weather-resistant units are delivered directly to your location, eliminating the need to rent a truck and haul furniture across town. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your furniture remains safe and sound during your extended absence:

Planning for Safe Furniture Storage

The first step is to meticulously assess your storage needs. Consider the duration of your travels or relocation. Will your furniture be in storage for a few months or several years? Next, meticulously inventory the types of furniture you’ll be storing. Are there delicate pieces requiring extra care, or is it mostly sturdy furniture? This initial assessment will guide your decisions regarding the size and features of the portable storage container you choose.

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

While traditional storage options like a friend’s garage or a self-storage unit might seem like viable solutions, they come with inherent drawbacks. Relying on a friend’s space can be inconvenient for both parties, and self-storage units often have limited access hours and can feel impersonal. Portable storage containers address these concerns by offering a secure, customized storage solution delivered directly to your doorstep. They provide the convenience of on-site packing and loading, ensuring your furniture remains undisturbed throughout the storage period.

Preparing Furniture for Storage

Before packing your furniture into the container, dedicate time for thorough cleaning and inspection. This crucial step removes dust, dirt, and debris that could attract pests or cause mildew growth during storage. Pay particular attention to upholstered furniture and crevices where dust bunnies tend to accumulate. A quick vacuuming and wipe-down with a disinfectant solution will do wonders in safeguarding your furniture.

For certain furniture pieces, disassembly might be a wise space-saving strategy, particularly for items like bed frames, bookshelves, or large dining tables. Disassembling these pieces not only allows for more efficient packing within the container but also minimizes the risk of warping or damage during transport or due to shifting weight within the storage unit. Remember to meticulously label and bag all disassembled parts to ensure a smooth reassembly process upon your return.

Packing and Loading the Portable Storage Container

Now that your furniture is clean and prepped, it’s time to focus on packing and loading the portable storage container. Invest in essential packing materials like furniture pads, thick moving blankets, and stretch wrap. Furniture pads offer an extra layer of protection against scratches and dents, while moving blankets provide a cushioning effect during transport. Securely wrap furniture legs and sharp corners with stretch wrap to prevent them from snagging or causing damage to other pieces during transit.

Once you’ve prepared your furniture, it’s time to strategically load the container. Here’s where creating a safe and organized storage environment is critically important. Start by placing heavier items like dressers and bookcases at the bottom to create a stable base. Lighter furniture pieces like chairs and ottomans can be strategically stacked on top, ensuring proper weight distribution to prevent damage. Utilize the vertical space efficiently by placing boxes filled with pillows or cushions on top of furniture to avoid crushing. Leave a small aisle between furniture pieces to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture build-up. Finally, don’t forget to take an inventory of the furniture you’ve loaded into the container for easy reference upon retrieval.

Store Your Furniture with Portable Storage from UNITS Maryland!

For the best storage container solutions in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland, rely on UNITS Maryland. Our containers are fully portable and can fit just about anywhere thanks to our innovative ROBO system. No matter what your needs may be, we have a container that works for you. Contact us today at (443) 842-7400 or fill out our contact form to get started.