When renovating, redecorating or moving, many people turn to secure storage units as a resource for storing furniture and keeping things out of the way. It's easy to just move everything into the unit and not think much of it, particularly if you expect that it will only be there for a short time. But it's important that you protect your furniture any time you put it into storage, particularly if you're storing wooden furniture. Wooden furniture is susceptible to scratches, warping, rotting and other damage if not stored correctly. Here are some tips to care for your wooden furniture for safe storage.

Before Storing Wooden Furniture

You should never put wooden furniture into storage without first making sure that it is protected. Clean the wood thoroughly, then apply a quality furniture polish or an even layer of linseed oil to the wood before you move it to storage. This adds essential moisture to the wood to protect it from drying out while it's in storage. Since drying can cause the wood to split and crack, it's best not to skip this step.

Choosing the Right Facility

Where you store your wooden furniture is just as important as how you store it. Look for a facility that provides you with climate-controlled options. A climate-controlled unit has a consistent temperature and humidity level at all times, keeping everything inside from experiencing temperature shifts that can be damaging.

Wood can contract in the cold weather and will expand in the heat. These changes will ultimately lead to cracks and damage to the wood, weakening its structural integrity. Additionally, humidity in the air can promote mold and mildew growth. Since these things can thrive in dark, damp spaces, keeping your storage unit's humidity levels under control can keep it at bay. Climate control in your storage unit will help you avoid this risk by keeping the environment consistent.

Maximizing the Use of Space

If you're storing wooden furniture in a space with other items and the space is somewhat cluttered, you might find it easier to disassemble the furniture and store the separate pieces. When you take it apart, it's easier to wrap and protect each individual component.

Whether you store it in pieces or fully assembled, you should also consider elevating it. While you keep your furniture directly on the floor in your house, doing so in a storage unit can hinder air ventilation and leave the legs vulnerable to any moisture that may be in the ground or concrete pad.

The more attentive you are to how you store your wooden furniture, the better your chances will be of preserving its condition. With the tips presented here, you can keep your furniture safe whether you're storing it for a brief renovation or for long-term protection.

For more information, contact a business such as Ventu Storage Center.