Storing Antique Furniture

Many antiques, including pieces of furniture, hold sentimental value or could produce a significant return if sold. Many people keep these items in a storage unit that they rent. A quality protection plan can help maintain the condition of different kinds of antique furniture. Here, Clifton Rt. 46 Storage shares tips for proper antique furniture storage.

Tips for Antique Furniture Preservation

Whether you’re moving, trying to free up space, or want to maintain a piece’s value, you must store antique furniture properly. Practical storage methods can make items last longer and hold their potential resale value. Actions to take to keep antique furniture safe during all aspects of the storage process include:

Thoroughly Preparing Furniture

Before your items go into storage, they must be readied appropriately. Ahead of putting antique furniture in a unit, maintenance activities to perform include:

• Inspecting surfaces and parts: Check each item you plan to store for damages. Take care of necessary repairs before you put a piece away.
• Beautifying items: By bringing items to their best condition possible before storage, you can help keep them intact for the long term. Ways to do this include:
  • Cleaning and dusting pieces to remove debris
  • Using antibacterial cleaner on cushioned furniture
  • Applying polish or wax to leather and wooden surfaces to help prevent water damage
  • Making sure objects are completely dry before storing them so they don’t carry in moisture
• Breaking pieces down: If an item has removable parts, disassemble it to help create more unit space. Wrap any glass elements you remove from furniture in bubble wrap and protect the inside of drawers taken out of a cabinet or dresser with blankets or towels.
• Adding extra protection: Cover a piece’s legs and corners with acid-free tissue paper, packing paper, or furniture pads to prevent dents or scratches. Don't cover items with plastic wrap that could trap moisture on surfaces, potentially leading to mold growth.

Selecting the Proper Storage Location

You should choose a unit that can best accommodate your antique furniture storage needs. Ensure it's within a well-guarded facility. Look for a dry space that can protect your items from extreme temperatures. Check that your objects won’t be vulnerable to discoloration or fading that can be caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Pick a large enough unit that’s easily accessible and kept clean.

Placing Items Strategically

Once you’ve selected a storage unit, consider how to place things in it. Lay down support structures such as plastic pallets or wooden blocks to elevate items and reduce water damage risks. Then, bring objects inside carefully, putting heavy pieces in the back of the unit and lighter ones in the front. Don’t stack items to eliminate weight stress and to help maintain airflow. After setting your items, shield them with sheets, blankets, or drop cloths to protect them from dust, and keep all coverings in place with painter’s tape.

Checking on Your Objects

Maintenance practices shouldn’t stop after you put items in a storage unit. Inspect your space and its contents frequently. If you notice any issues with your pieces or storage structure, quickly address them. Consider buying insurance to cover any costs for damaged or ruined antique furniture items.

Keep Antique Furniture Safe at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage

For a quality location that protects antique furniture and other items, choose Clifton Rt. 46 Storage in Clifton, New Jersey. All units in our well-lit gated facility are guarded by 24/7 digital surveillance monitoring. We provide customers with an access code for additional security. We offer affordable rates and convenient payment options through our e-commerce software. Contact us today to schedule a site tour, review our policies, or learn more about antique furniture storage.