3 Tips For Preparing Your Old Wooden Furniture For Long-Term Storage
If you need to downsize your belongings because you are moving to a smaller home, you may have decided to put some of your wood furniture in storage. If so, use the following three tips for preparing your old wooden furniture for long-term storage.
Polish Your Furniture With Lemon Oil Daily Before Moving
Because the wood from which your furniture is constructed is old, it may have a tendency to dry out quickly. If moisture is not maintained within the grain, the wood could crack or split when you go to move it from your home to the storage unit.
Starting a week or two before you move, apply lemon oil to the furniture. The oil will nourish and moisturize the wood, making it more supple and pliable. This will reduce the risk of it being damaged when you handle it.
Apply a Coat of Furniture Wax Before Storing the Pieces
On the day that you place the furniture in storage, applying a coat of furniture wax over the wood will help protect it in a couple of ways. If you have been applying lemon oil as suggested in the previous section, the wax will seal in the moisture to keep it from drying out while in storage.
The wax can also protect the wood from scratches and dust while it sits in the unit. Also, unless you have rented a climate controlled unit, the protective layer will keep water from staining and damaging the wood.
However, do not apply the wax until you arrive at the storage unit. If you put the wax on at your home, the surface may be too slippery for you to handle, increasing the risk of dropping the furniture while you are moving it.
Cover the Furniture with Fabric
Along with applying the wax to the wood, you should also cover the wooden furniture with fabric, such as a large sheet or blanket. Doing so adds a second layer of protection from dust and dirt.
However, do not cover the furniture with plastic. Although the plastic may seem to be a sturdier choice, it can also trap condensation and moisture inside the covering. This moisture would then be in direct contact with your wood furniture, increasing the chances of it suffering severe water damage.
Using the above tips can help your old wooden furniture stay intact, clean, and damage-free while it is in storage. If you have any questions or are interested in a climate controlled unit, contact the storage unit business, likeU-Stor-It, from which you will be renting the unit for more tips and to see what types of units they have to offer.
Share