Storing your furniture: 5 tips
Furniture storage done right
Whether it’s an extended stay abroad, a move to a smaller apartment or moving into your first home with your partner. Life takes us through various phases that sometimes require us to say goodbye to beloved furniture and memorabilia. However, instead of hastily handing over your belongings to the first interested party or even disposing of them, it often makes more sense to storing furniture safely.
In our role as a self-storage company in Vienna and Brunn am Gebirge, we specialize in offering this special service. You can store furniture securely at STORE ROOM and retrieve it at any time if required. This is flexible and saves time. However, there are some important aspects to consider when renting a storage unit. We have therefore put together five valuable tips for you to ensure a smooth storage experience.
1. The right storage compartment for your furniture
Rent a storage unit for furniture
Book a furniture storage
When storing your home furnishings in a storage room, a general rule of thumb is to allocate about a tenth of your living space for furniture storage. For example, a 100m² apartment would typically require a 10m² storage unit. However, this is just a rough estimate, as the quantity of items can vary greatly from person to person.
It helps to visualize your largest and bulkiest furniture to get a better idea of the necessary storage size. For a more accurate estimate, it’s recommended to create a storage plan in advance. This approach ensures you choose the right space and avoid surprises.
2. Furniture storage: Create a storage plan
Plan your furniture storage
Self-storage companies typically provide detailed information about their available storage units and their exact dimensions. This makes it easy to create a plan in advance for optimal furniture and item storage. Start by listing all the items you plan to store and arranging them by size. For smaller items, it’s a good idea to group them into boxes or moving boxes during the planning stage. You can then draw a scaled version of the storage space on paper and place the items accordingly. This helps ensure everything fits and is organized efficiently.
Calculate the space which is needed
If drawing isn’t your thing, STORE ROOM has you covered. Their storage space calculator allows you to digitally set up your storage unit in just a few clicks. You can select from over 30 different pieces of furniture and household items from the kitchen, bathroom, and more, and the software will determine the ideal dimensions of your storage unit. This ensures you avoid paying for unused space and helps you find the perfect storage solution quickly and easily. Storing your furniture has never been more straightforward!
3. Pack and protect furniture properly
Pack and protect your items
After carefully planning and selecting the right storage unit, it’s time to focus on packaging and protecting your items. For fragile and delicate items like vases, paintings, or mirrors, bubble wrap is a must to ensure their safety. If you prefer not to use bubble wrap, blankets or plenty of newspaper can also serve as protective materials to cushion your items and prevent damage during storage. Taking these precautions ensures your belongings stay in great condition throughout their time in storage.
Bulky furniture vs. smaller pieces
For large and bulky furniture like cupboards, display cabinets, or tables, it’s best to dismantle them before wrapping them in cardboard or foil. This helps prevent scratches and saves valuable space in your storage unit. Dismantling also makes transportation easier and reduces storage costs. Keep small parts like screws and keys in separate bags to avoid losing them and to simplify reassembly later.
Smaller items should be packed in sturdy boxes. Ensure the boxes are durable enough to handle the weight and stacking during storage. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with newspaper or similar materials to provide extra protection and stability. Avoid overloading the boxes to protect your back and your belongings. Following these tips will help ensure your furniture and items are stored safely and efficiently.
Store your upholstery
When storing upholstered furniture, mattresses, or similar items, it’s crucial to use protective covers or sheets to prevent soiling or damage. These simple precautions will help preserve the material of your leather couch and save you from unnecessary stress.
Equally important is to avoid moisture at all costs. Moisture can create an ideal breeding ground for mold, turning your storage space into a hazard rather than a safe place for your belongings.
STORE ROOM offers high-quality packaging materials for all your needs. If you’re concerned about fragile items like mirrors or works of art, trust our expertise to ensure they remain safe. When you’re looking to rent a furniture storage unit, we’re the perfect contact to help you store your items with peace of mind.
4. Optimize storage costs
Save money with the right storage unit size
Before storing your furniture, it’s important to evaluate whether it’s worth keeping. That once-stylish chest of drawers you bought at a good price from your trusted Swedish furniture store might no longer hold its value. Not because of fleeting trends, but because the cost of storing it for months may outweigh the benefit. In some cases, replacing it with a new piece might make more sense. Always consider the size of the item, as more space means higher storage costs. These factors should be carefully considered when choosing furniture storage.
Store beloved and antique furniture
The decision of whether items are worth storing is ultimately subjective. Beyond the material value, the intangible value of a piece plays a significant role, which can be hard to quantify. For example, your grandparents’ old glass cabinet may not attract attention at a flea market in Vienna, but as a cherished memento, it holds immeasurable sentimental value. In such cases, it may be better off in storage than at a waste collection center.
5. Temporary furniture storage: the right transport aid
Move your furniture into your storage room
Once the planning, decision-making, and packing are complete, the most challenging part still lies ahead: the actual furniture storage. Larger furniture or pieces that cannot be dismantled can be tricky. But don’t worry—STORE ROOM is here to assist with transportation. You can borrow a suitable transport vehicle from our location in Vienna South. As a new STORE ROOM customer, you can even use the transport vehicle free of charge if you make a six-month or annual advance payment.
Use furniture transport companies
Alternatively, you can leave the entire storage process to our experienced experts. This option is especially practical if you need to store furniture from an apartment on the fifth floor in Vienna.
As you’ve learned, there are many details to consider for a smooth furniture storage experience. But with our 5 tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid any potential hurdles.
Choose a storage unit near you
Would you like to store furniture nearby? Discover our STORE ROOM locations now.
