How to store antique furniture
When moving, many people choose to place their things in storage units. This is a great idea if you want a temporary solution. On the other hand, some people also use storage for things they don’t have the room for. Finally, storage units are excellent for storing items that are valuable, such as antique furniture. If you want to keep it in a safe place where it won’t get damaged, you should know the right way to keep in intact. In this guide, you will learn how to store antique furniture and make the most of it for the longest time.
Prepare it before you store your antique furniture
Before you put your antique furniture in storage TX, you should prepare it the right way. One thing you can do for each piece of furniture is to wipe it down with a damp cloth. This will remove the dust or any remaining dirt that might have got on there. For a more detailed clean, you should consider each item individually. Think which material the pieces are made of.
For example, for wooden furniture, you can use wax that is safe for the wood. However, you should do this at least two weeks before you store it so that it has time to dry. On the other hand, for leather furniture, you can use special oil that is made for this purpose. Whatever the piece, you should be careful what you use. You don’t want to damage it before you even put it in storage.
When you pack antique furniture, you need to use the proper materials. For example, for fragile items such as mirrors and paintings, you should use plastic bubbles to wrap them. This will protect it from getting broken during transfer, but also from outside factors in the storage. For large pieces such as chairs or sofas, you should buy plastic sheets to cover them. This will stop dust and dirt from getting on the furniture, but make sure that you don’t use too much plastic. If you do, mold and mildew might permanently damage your valuable furniture.
Disassemble before storing
Because it is more fragile than traditional furniture, antique furniture can also break more easily. Especially if there is too much weight on it over a longer period of time. For this reason, you should disassemble or take apart any piece of furniture you can. Check to see if you can disassemble the frame of your bed or couch. Moreover, the legs of chairs and tables can come off in most cases. Also, you should also remove any drawers in dressers or cupboards. However, keep in mind that you will have to assemble it at some point. Keep the parts of the same piece of furniture together. If you need to, write instructions on how to assemble it again.
If you aren’t sure how to disassemble before you store antique furniture, don’t force it. You might end up breaking a valuable piece, which will cost you. Instead, hire professional movers McKinney TX to do it for you. They will know exactly how to handle your antiques in the right ways. While professionals movers cost a little more, you will actually save money in the long run because you won’t need to replace your expensive furniture.
Have climate control when you store antique furniture
Temperature can have a big impact on furniture, especially that which is antique. That is why you shouldn’t store it in places that experience big changes. Places like garages, attics, and basements can be extremely bad for your furniture. You need to know how to properly store wooden furniture before you put it in storage. Wood can contract in high temperatures and eventually crack, and the same goes for leather. Moreover, direct sunlight is also detrimental. If it is exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time, leather can fade and look worn out very fast.
For optimal storing, you should store antique furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit. These units have constant temperature year-round and are ideal for climate-sensitive items, such as wood and leather. Also, they will prevent sunlight from damaging your items. Whatever your situation, you should opt for these units because they will ultimately save you money and protect your valuables.
Be careful not to stack
When you organize a storage unit, you want to maximize the space you have. That is why many people resort to stacking pieces on top of each other. While it may save some space, it is definitely a bad idea. Antique furniture can break more easily than traditional and stacking it can cause it to snap. Instead, you should try installing shelving in your unit. This will give you more vertical space without putting pressure the items themselves. Alternatively, you can place things inside each other. For example, you can pack something light such as a lamp inside your dresser or cupboard.
Choosing the right size storage unit can be a difficult task. You should keep in mind how many items you actually have for storage. Both too big and too small storage units can cause you problems, so make sure to think ahead. No need to spend more money than you actually have to.
Always have insurance when you store antique furniture
If you are putting these items in storage, it means that they are probably valuable to you. That is why you should do everything you can to protect them. However, even if you prepare the furniture as best as you can, you can’t always plan for everything. Unpredictable things can happen that may cause damage.
That is why it is always a good idea to invest in insurance when you store antique furniture. It is an added cost, but one that will give you peace of mind. Anything that happens, such as flood damage, fire, or any natural disaster, you will know that your items are protected.