When it comes to storing furniture, the line between preserving cherished heirlooms and creating a scene from a storage-themed horror movie is surprisingly thin. Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or just need a little more breathing space, ensuring your furniture stays in tip-top shape is essential.
Enter Pink Hippo Self Storage — your quirky yet professional partner in all things storage.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the nitty-gritty of furniture storage with a few Pink Hippo perks sprinkled along the way.
Plan Before You Pack
Bulky furniture that you just can’t let go of yet like grandad’s old reading chair, an eight-seater dining table that is definitely too big but was just too wonderful to pass up, we understand the struggle of trying to manage your favourite furniture.
The secret to successful furniture storage begins long before you try get that sofa down those three flights of stairs. Did someone say “PIVOT”?
Start by Asking Yourself These Key Questions:
What Will I Store?
Take inventory of the furniture you’re storing. Make a list of all the furniture you would like to store and measure out roughly how much space you will need.
Knowing what you have will help you choose the right size storage unit (Psst! Pink Hippo offers furniture storage units in all shapes and sizes).
How Long Will I Store It?
Short-term storage might not require the same level of prep as long-term solutions, so it’s best to consider your storage duration from the get-go. In saying that, our flexible contracts mean you can extend your stay at any time or even move your belongings into a smaller unit.
Do I Need Access?
If you’ll be popping in and out, plan your storage layout for easy access to frequently used items. A good rule of thumb is to stack often-used items at the front of your storage unit, and less frequently used items in the middle or back. Ideally, you want to organise your unit in a way that creates one or more narrow corridors. This will allow you to access all items whenever necessary!
Clean Like You Mean It
Storing furniture without cleaning it first is like putting on socks after stepping in a puddle — just, no.
Here’s a quick cleaning checklist:
- Wood Furniture: Wipe with a microfibre cloth and use a wood-specific cleaner to remove dust and oils. For extra protection, consider applying a furniture polish.
- Upholstered Pieces: Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust, crumbs and pet hair. If possible, use a fabric cleaner to tackle stains and odours. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing — mould is never a fun surprise.
- Metal Furniture: Give metal surfaces a wipe down and apply a rust-preventive spray if needed.
A squeaky-clean start ensures your furniture will emerge from storage as fresh as it went in. And with Pink Hippo’s top-quality packing materials, your clean furniture will stay pristine, no matter the weather.
Disassemble When Possible
Big furniture is a big pain to move and store. Take it apart wherever you can:
- Remove table legs, couch arms and bed frames.
- Keep screws, bolts and other small parts in labelled bags.
- Wrap disassembled parts in protective materials like bubble wrap or moving blankets.
Not only does disassembling save space, but it also reduces the risk of damage during transport.
Wrap It Right
Show your furniture that you care by wrapping it up tightly for the duration of its time in storage. We suggest making use of:
- Bubble Wrap: Great for delicate items like mirrors, glass tabletops and fragile wood pieces.
- Moving Blankets: Perfect for larger items like sittees and armoires.
- Plastic Wrap: Use stretch wrap to secure cushions or protect upholstered furniture. Be cautious with plastic wrap on wood — it can trap moisture and cause damage.
Choose the Right Storage Space
Not all storage units are created equal. For proper furniture storage, consider these features:
- A Variety of Purpose-Built Units: Choose a storage facility with a range of storage unit sizes to suit any purpose.
- Flexible Lease Agreements: Tailor your storage duration to your needs with our hassle-free contracts.
- Affordable Prices: Quality storage doesn’t have to break the bank.
- Easy Accessibility Seven Days a Week: Convenience at its finest, ensuring you can retrieve your items whenever you need.
- Quality Packaging Materials: Protect your belongings with the best packaging supplies, preferably available on-site.
Store Smart
Strategic stacking is the key to maximising space in your unit while keeping everything safe:
- Heavy Items on the Bottom: Start with sturdy items like dressers or boxed tables.
- Light and Fragile Items on Top: Softer or more delicate pieces go higher up.
- Maintain Airflow: Avoid pushing furniture against walls to allow for air circulation.
Bonus tip for those that like to be extra organised: Create a labelled map or list of where everything is — future you will thank you when you’re hunting for that one elusive chair leg.
Check In on Your Relatives… No Wait We Meant Your Furniture Storage Unit
Whilst your storage unit can be treated like an extended member of the family (only to be visited on holidays or other special occasions), we’d argue that putting in a little bit of extra effort will do you (and your furniture) a world of good.
Periodically check on your furniture to ensure everything is holding up, and wrapping is secure and there is enough air being circulated. With Pink Hippo’s access hours, popping in is easy peasy.
Why Pink Hippo Is the Ultimate Storage Solution
Let’s talk about the Pink Hippo difference. Sure, we offer storage, but it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
- Convenience: Our locations (Reading, Dorking & Leatherhead) are easy to access, with flexible contracts to suit your needs.
- Supportive Team: Need help figuring out how much space you need? Our friendly experts are always ready to help.
- Cleanliness: Our facilities are as tidy as a freshly vacuumed sitting room.
- Pink Charm: Let’s face it — storing your furniture is just more fun with a hippo involved…
Wrapping Up
Storing furniture correctly doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little preparation, the right supplies, and a storage partner like Pink Hippo Self Storage, you can ensure your treasured pieces stay in great shape — ready to shine in your home whenever you need them.
Ready to give your furniture the five-star treatment? Visit Pink Hippo Self Storage today and find your perfect storage solution. Let’s make your storage journey as smooth and quirky as possible!