Furniture Storage Guide
Moving house, renovating, downsizing, or going abroad? Storing furniture properly protects your belongings and gives you flexibility when you need it. Whether you need short-term storage between moves or long-term storage while living abroad, this guide covers everything you need to know about storing furniture safely.
When Do You Need Furniture Storage?
Common reasons people store furniture with us:
- Moving house - temporary storage between properties or during completion delays
- Renovating or redecorating - keep furniture clean, safe and out of the way
- Downsizing - keep items for children/grandchildren or until you decide what to keep
- Moving in together - store duplicate furniture temporarily
- Travelling or working abroad - long-term storage for months or years
- Inheriting furniture - store items until you have space
- Seasonal furniture - garden furniture over winter, etc.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for Furniture?
The right size depends on how much furniture you're storing. Here's a guide:
20 sq ft
Perfect for: Student room furniture, small bedroom essentials
Fits: Single bed, small wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table, small desk
Think: One bedroom's worth of furniture
35 sq ft
Perfect for: 1-bedroom flat furniture
Fits: Double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, small sofa, dining table & 2 chairs, TV unit
Think: Compact flat contents
50 sq ft
Perfect for: 2-bedroom house furniture
Fits: Double bed, sofa, dining table & 4 chairs, wardrobe, bookcases, TV unit, coffee table
Think: Average family home essential furniture
75 sq ft
Perfect for: 3-bedroom house furniture
Fits: Contents of a 50 sq ft unit plus: Additional bedroom furniture, larger sofa, sideboard, office furniture
Think: Full family home
100+ sq ft
Perfect for: 4-bedroom house or full house contents including bulky items
Fits: All the above plus: Garden furniture, appliances, extra storage items
Space-saving tips:
- Store sofas upright on their arms (if arms are flat and supportive)
- Store bed frames vertically to use height rather than floor space
- Disassemble large items like dining tables
How to Prepare Furniture for Storage
Proper preparation protects your furniture and ensures it stays in perfect condition, whether you're storing for weeks or years.
Step 1: Clean Everything Thoroughly
- Wipe down all surfaces with appropriate cleaners
- Vacuum upholstered items thoroughly
- Ensure everything is completely dry before storage (damp causes mould)
- Remove and wash any removable covers if possible
Step 2: Treat Wooden Furniture
For long-term storage, protect wooden furniture with wood oil:
- Test if wood needs oiling: splash water on it
- If water beads up: wood is fine
- If water soaks in: treat with wood oil
- This keeps wood 'fed' and prevents cracking
Step 3: Disassemble Large Items
- Take apart beds, dining tables, desks where possible
- Keep all fittings/screws in clearly labelled bags
- Tape bags to the furniture piece or store in marked boxes
- Take photos of assembly for easy reassembly later
Step 4: Protect from Scratches
- Wrap furniture in moving blankets, towels or fabric sheets
- Don't use plastic wrap - it traps moisture
- Use breathable materials only
- Protect corners and edges of wooden furniture
Step 5: Organize Your Storage Unit
- Place blankets/towels on the floor to protect furniture
- Store items you'll need first closest to the door
- Use vertical space - store beds and sofas upright
- Keep cushions and seat pads in labelled boxes
- Create an inventory list
How Much Does Furniture Storage Cost?
Storage costs depend on several factors:
What affects the price:
- Size of unit - Larger units cost more; choose the smallest size that fits your needs
- Location - City centre stores typically cost more than suburban locations
- Contract length - Long-term contracts (6+ months) usually offer better monthly rates
- Features - Climate control adds cost but protects valuable furniture
Save money on furniture storage:
- Choose a longer contract for better rates
- Disassemble large items to need less space
- Store sofas and beds vertically to use a smaller unit
- Store only what you truly need
Can You Store Furniture in a Garage?
While garages seem convenient, they're not ideal for furniture storage:
Problems with garage storage:
- Temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand, contract, warp and crack
- Humidity and damp lead to mould on upholstery and mattresses
- Pests can damage furniture
- Not secure - easier access for theft
If you must use a garage:
- Keep furniture off the floor using pallets
- Wrap loosely in fabric (not plastic)
- Ensure items are completely dry first
Why self storage is better:
- Ambient temperature year-round (no extreme heat or cold)
- Dry, well-ventilated indoor units
- Secure with CCTV and individual locks
- Pest control measures
- Climate-controlled options available
Is Furniture Safe in Self Storage?
Your furniture is secure with Safestore:
Security measures:
- CCTV monitoring throughout the facility
- Alarmed buildings
- Individual padlocked units - you hold the only key/code
- Pest prevention and fire safety systems
- Staff on-site during opening hours
Access your furniture anytime:
- Access during store opening hours (typically 7 days a week)
- You're the only person with access to your unit
- Use our trolleys and loading bays to move items easily
- No appointment needed
Unlike external storage containers or lock-ups, our indoor units protect furniture from weather, temperature extremes, and unauthorized access.
What Furniture Can You Store?
We store all types of household furniture (as long as it's not on our prohibited items list):
Living room:
Sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, TV units, bookcases, sideboards
Bedroom:
Beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chest of drawers, bedside tables, dressing tables
Dining room:
Dining tables, dining chairs, display cabinets, sideboards
Home office:
Desks, office chairs, filing cabinets, shelving units
Kitchen:
Washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges, freezers (must be empty and clean)
Outdoor:
Garden furniture, barbecues, outdoor seating
Unusual or valuable items? Our storage consultants can advise on suitable storage for antiques, pianos, or custom furniture.
Long-Term Furniture Storage
Planning to store furniture for months or years? Here's what you need to know:
How long can you store furniture?
Store for as little as one month or as long as you need. Many customers store furniture for years while living abroad, downsizing, or keeping items for family.
Long-term storage benefits:
- Discounted rates for longer contracts (6+ months)
- Flexible access whenever you need items
- Climate-controlled options for valuable pieces
- No limit on storage duration
Best practices for long-term storage:
- Use climate control for wooden, leather, or antique furniture
- Prepare items properly (see preparation guide above)
- Visit periodically to check condition if storing for years
- Consider insurance for valuable items
Furniture Storage FAQs
How much does it cost to store furniture?
Costs vary by unit size and location. A 35 sq ft unit (suitable for 1-bed flat furniture) typically starts from competitive weekly rates, while larger units for 3-4 bed houses cost more. Long-term contracts offer better rates.
What size storage unit do I need for a 2-bedroom house?
Most 2-bedroom house furniture fits comfortably in a 50 sq ft unit (approximately 7ft x 7ft). This accommodates a sofa, dining set, double bed, and storage furniture. See our size guide above for more details.
Can I access my furniture storage unit anytime?
You can access your unit any time during store opening hours, typically 7 days a week. No appointment needed - just turn up with your access key/code.
Do I need climate-controlled storage for furniture?
Climate control is recommended for long-term storage (6+ months), wooden furniture, leather items, antiques, or upholstered pieces. It maintains consistent temperature and humidity to prevent warping, cracking, or mould.
How long can furniture stay in storage?
Furniture can stay in storage indefinitely. We offer contracts from one month to several years. Many customers store furniture for years while living abroad or downsizing.
Can I store a sofa in a storage unit?
Yes, sofas are one of the most commonly stored furniture items. You can store sofas upright on their arms to save space, as long as the arm is flat and supportive.
Do you provide insurance for stored furniture?
Contents cover is required for the duration of your stay. You're welcome to use your own insurance if it meets our criteria. Alternatively, we offer StoreProtect, our own contents cover designed specifically for self storage.
Can I store mattresses and beds?
Yes, beds and mattresses can be stored. Ensure mattresses are clean and dry before storage. Store mattresses flat or on their side. Bed frames should be disassembled if possible and can be stored vertically to save space.
Find Furniture Storage Near You
Ready to store your furniture safely and securely? Find your nearest Safestore location:
Or browse furniture storage by city:
Need help choosing?
Our storage experts can help you:
- Calculate the right unit size
- Compare costs and locations
- Answer questions about preparation
- Book a viewing
