How Do You Prepare Your Furniture Before Storage? 10 Expert Tips from Etqan

Storing furniture properly is crucial to keeping it safe, clean, and in perfect condition while it’s away. Riyadh’s climate high heat, dust, and occasional humidity can damage wood, leather, fabrics, and other materials if stored incorrectly. At Etqan Furniture Storage Company, our experts have years of experience helping clients protect their valuable furnishings. Here are 10 essential tips to prepare your furniture before storage.

1. Clean Everything Thoroughly

Before storing, clean every piece of furniture:

• Dust surfaces, polish wooden pieces, vacuum upholstery, and wipe down leather furniture.
• Removing dirt and oils prevents stains, mold, and pest infestations during storage.

2. Disassemble Large Furniture

Take apart large items such as beds, wardrobes, and dining tables.

• Remove legs, shelves, and detachable parts.
• Label screws, bolts, and small components in clearly marked bags for easy reassembly.
• This saves space and reduces the risk of damage during transport or storage.

3. Wrap and Protect Surfaces

Use high-quality packing materials to protect furniture surfaces:

• Bubble wrap, moving blankets, or padded covers for wood and glass.
• Corner protectors for tables, mirrors, and delicate edges.
• Plastic wrap for upholstered furniture to protect from dust and moisture, but avoid completely sealing leather or wood these need to breathe.

4. Cover with Breathable Fabric

For long-term storage, use breathable sheets or covers rather than plastic sheeting for wooden or leather furniture.

• Breathable covers prevent condensation, which could cause mold or warping.
• Etqan experts recommend cotton or linen covers over furniture when possible.

5. Treat Wood and Leather

Protect natural materials before storage:

• Apply furniture polish or wax on wooden pieces to prevent drying or cracking.
• Use leather conditioner for sofas and chairs to maintain softness and prevent splitting.

6. Protect Against Pests

Furniture can attract pests if left untreated:

• Use mothballs, cedar blocks, or pest deterrents in storage areas (avoiding direct contact with surfaces).
• Etqan warehouses also have professional pest management systems to safeguard stored items.

7. Keeps Drawers Slightly Open 

Avoid closing drawers and cabinet doors tightly during storage:

• Leaving them slightly ajar allows air circulation and reduces the risk of warping or odors.
• Remove valuables or fragile items from drawers and cabinets before storing.

8. Label EveryThing Clearly

Label each item or box with:

• Contents and room of origin.
• Special handling instructions (fragile, top-heavy, heavy item).
• This simplifies retrieval and reduces the risk of mistakes during transport.

9. Protect Glass and Mirrors

Fragile surfaces need extra care:

• Wrap mirrors, glass tables, and framed art in bubble wrap and cardboard corners.
• Etqan experts often recommend vertical storage of mirrors and glass panels rather than laying them flat to prevent breakage.

10. Choose Climate-Controlled Storage for Sensitive Items

Certain furniture types are more sensitive to temperature and humidity:

• Wooden antiques, leather sofas, electronics, and delicate textiles benefit from climate-controlled storage.
• Etqan’s storage facilities maintain stable temperature and humidity levels to prevent cracking, mold, or fading.

Bonus Tip: Professional Packing Services

If you have high-value, fragile, or antique furniture, consider professional packing:

• Etqan offers trained movers who can pack, wrap, and transport your furniture safely.
• This reduces risk and ensures peace of mind while your furniture is in storage.

Conclusion

Proper preparation is key to keeping your furniture safe during storage. From cleaning and disassembly to protective wrapping and climate-controlled storage, following these 10 expert tips from Etqan ensures your furnishings remain in excellent condition ready for use whenever you need them.For safe, professional furniture storage in Riyadh, contact Etqan Furniture Storage Company for expert guidance, flexible storage options, and complete peace of mind.