Storing Fabric, Wood, and Metal

When people store items, they may not think about what things are made of and what prolonged storage may do to their belongings. Everything from furniture to machinery needs to be cared for and prepared for storage, especially if items will be stored for a long period of time. Depending on whether or not you rent a climate-controlled unit, there are steps to take to ensure your possessions are ready to go. At EZ Storage® in Philadelphia, we can help you find the ideal space, and we have both standard and climate-controlled units available.

Cleaning Fabric

If you have couches or chairs that you need to store, take the time to wipe down the surface with a fabric-safe cleaner. If you have leather furniture, make sure you pick a cleaner that’s made for the fabric, since the wrong compounds can wreak havoc on leather. Be sure that everything is dry before you place the furniture in storage and close the door, as wet fabric can be an invitation to mildew.

For microfiber couches and chairs, vacuuming and brushing are often the best ways to go. Rubbing alcohol can be used on some furniture to get out spots or spills, but be sure to check before you use any solvents or water on the fabric. Upholstery cleaners may seem okay, but some can do more harm than good if your couch isn’t made of the proper fabric. If you don’t have the time to research how to clean your couch, it may make more sense to hire a professional service to take care of everything before you move your furniture into storage.

Cleaning Metal

If your furniture has pieces that are made of nickel, brass, or another metal, it’s a good idea to polish them before storage. Oxidation can occur inside a standard storage unit, and even if you choose a climate-controlled space, you’ll want to polish and cover any metal with shrink wrap or plastic sheeting.

Put Antiques in Climate Control

Antique furniture that has old paint or original pieces made of copper or brass should be placed in climate control for proper protection. An old wooden chest can be at risk for damage inside a standard unit, and the last thing you want is to come back and find that your family heirloom has deteriorated or fallen apart.

Pad and Protect Everything

Once you’ve finished cleaning everything and it has dried properly, it’s important to find the proper padding and protection for each piece. Plastic covers can be a good choice for couches and chairs, and blankets and moving pads can protect furniture while in transit, as well as when it’s in your storage unit. Coverings will protect against dust while your things are stored, and if you accidentally bump one piece against another, there will be less risk of dents and scratches. You’ll also want to leave a bit of space around each piece so that there is proper airflow above, below, and around your furniture.

Fabric, wood, and metal all have specific needs when it comes to storage, and one way to protect everything you own is to choose a climate-controlled storage space. We have plenty of units available at our facilities across Philadelphia, and we’ll gladly help you find one that works for you. If you opt for a standard unit instead, there are a few more steps to take to ensure your property is ready for storage, but we assure you that your belongings will be safe and sound in any unit you choose.

Call or stop by to learn more about our self-storage solutions!