Furniture storage in a basement can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With a little bit of planning and some creative storage solutions, you can make the most of the space you have available.
Make sure you understand what type of furniture you’re storing, how long you’re going to store, and the climate in the basement. After confirming all these, you now have to consider some storage tips such as cleaning your furniture before storage, disassembling, covering, labeling and grouping.
If you’re thinking of storing your furniture in a basement and don’t know where to start, we’re here for you. Here’s everything you need to know before you store your furniture in the basement.
Things to Consider Before Storing Furniture in the Basement
Type of Furniture
One of the things you need to consider when storing furniture in the basement is the type of furniture. Not all types can survive in the basement. Others are not as comfortable to store in the basement. For example, couches and chairs are not ideal for the basement because they can get musty and moist.
Storage Options
When storing furniture in a basement, you have two main storage options: upright or horizontal. Upright storage is better for smaller items such as tables and chairs. It’s also a good option for pieces of furniture that you plan to use often. Horizontal storage is better for larger items such as sofas and beds. It takes up less space and is ideal if you don’t have much room in your basement.
Climate
The climate in your basement can also affect the type of furniture you store there. If the basement is damp, you should avoid storing any furniture made of wood. Wood can rot and deteriorate when exposed to moisture for long periods. If the basement is cool or cold, you should avoid storing any fabric upholstery furniture. Fabrics can become brittle and crack in low temperatures.
The time
How long are you going to store the furniture? If you only need it for a few months, the basement can work well. They’re cheaper, and you can access them whenever you need to. However, if you’re going to store the furniture for a year or more, a storage unit is a better choice. It’s cheaper in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about the furniture being damaged by moisture.
The Value of Your Furniture
You don’t want to put any valuable furniture in the basement or a storage unit. The humidity and moisture can cause damage over time, which will lower the value of your furniture. If you have any antique pieces, it’s best to keep them in a climate-controlled environment.
Tips to Safe Furniture Storage in the Basement
Keep Off the Floor
Always make sure the furniture doesn’t touch the floor. The moisture will cause the wood to warp and the metal to rust. The floor is also exposed to insects and rodents, and you don’t want your furniture being damaged by these creatures.
You can keep the furniture off the floor by using pallets or blocks. You don’t have to buy any of these since you can as well make them yourself.
Inspect and Clean Furniture Before Storage
Make sure to inspect the furniture before you store it. Check for any damage to the wood, metal, or fabric. If you find any damage, you should fix it before storing the furniture.
You should also clean the furniture before you store it. This will help protect it from dust and dirt. If you store your furniture with dirt and dust, it will be harder to clean later. Dirt can also damage your furniture if it sits there for a long time.
Store Furniture in a Dry Place
When you store furniture, it’s important to store it in a dry place. If you store it in a wet place, the furniture can become damaged. You can protect your furniture from moisture by using storage bins or wrapping the furniture in plastic.
Plastic covers will give your furniture extra protection against moisture. If you’re using storage bins, make sure that they are made from a moisture-proof material.
Store Furniture in a Cool Place
Another thing to remember when storing furniture is to store it in a cool place. If you store your furniture in a warm place, the furniture can become damaged. The best place to store furniture is in a room with an air conditioner or a basement.
If you’re not able to store your furniture in a cool place, you can use a fan to help keep the furniture cool. Another option is to use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Use Furniture Covers
If you are going to store your furniture for an extended period, it’s advisable to cover them properly. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and pests. There are a few different ways to cover furniture:
- Use a furniture cover
- Wrap the furniture in plastic
- Put the furniture in a storage container
- Cover the furniture with a sheet or blanket
Every time of furniture cover works for different situations. No matter what method you choose, make sure that the furniture is completely covered. This will help protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition.
If you’re using a furniture cover, make sure that it’s made specifically for furniture. It should be large enough to fit the piece of furniture and have ties or straps to keep it in place. Also, ensure you invest in good-quality furniture covers to serve you throughout the storage period.
Take Everything Apart
Before storing furniture in the basement, make sure you take everything apart. Take your time to disassemble everything you can, including desks, chairs, tables, and beds. If you have any trouble doing this yourself, ask a friend for help.
Taking things apart will make it easier to move and store. This will also reduce the likelihood of your furniture breaking, scratching, or becoming damaged while transporting or in storage.
Once you disassemble the furniture, ensure you mark and keep every part in a safe place. Also, put the bolts, screws, fallen wrenches, hammers, and other tools used to disassemble the furniture in a safe place.
Pack Furniture Carefully
Once you’ve disassembled your furniture, it’s time to pack it carefully. Make sure you use packing materials like bubble wrap and newspaper to protect all pieces. You don’t want anything to get scratched or damaged while in storage. Also, make sure you pack the furniture tightly, so it doesn’t move around while on transit.
While packing, don’t forget to label everything carefully. This will make it much easier to put the furniture back together once you’ve reached your destination.
Don’t Cram Inside the Basement Too Much
When packing furniture inside the basement, be careful not to overdo it. If the basement is crammed, it will be difficult to move around and access the furniture when you need it. Leave plenty of walkways and storage spaces between pieces so you can easily get to what you need.
Always consider the amount of space you have available in the basement. If you can, measure the space before you start storing so you have a good idea of how much you can fit.
Inspect the Basement Regularly
Don’t just store furniture in the basement and abandon it. Inspect it every few months, at a minimum. Make sure that there is no water damage, pests, or other issues. Regular inspection will help you notice any problem before it becomes too big. If you do notice any problems, address them as soon as possible.
Related Questions
Should you store furniture in a damp basement?
If your basement is damp, but you don’t have another option for storage, you can store furniture in there as long as you take precautions. Make sure to place furniture on plastic sheets or pallets and keep it away from walls. You should also inspect the furniture regularly for water damage or pest problems.
How do you keep mold from your stored furniture?
To keep mold from growing on your stored furniture, you should first make sure that the furniture is dry. You can do this by using a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the air. You should also clean the furniture regularly with a disinfectant to kill any mold spores.
What kind of furniture should not be stored in the basement?
Not every piece of furniture is suitable for basement storage. Others such as plastic chairs, tables, or sofas should not be stored in the basement because they can become waterlogged and damaged. Instead, try to store furniture made of wood, metal, or wicker.
Additionally, you should avoid storing any fabric items such as curtains, bedding, or tablecloths in the basement. These items can easily become moldy and musty if stored in a damp environment.
Summary
There are many things to do and precautions to take before you can comfortably store furniture in the basement. Not every piece of furniture is suitable for this environment, so be sure to do your research before storing anything.
But even with the right kind of furniture, you have to be very careful while storing them in the basement. Ensure you properly prepare the space by cleaning and drying it out and using proper storage methods to avoid any damage. With the right preparation and precautions in place, your furniture will no doubt be safe in storage.
