Okay, real talk. You need to store a wooden table, a dresser, something like that. But the storage spot doesn’t have climate control. I get it. You’re worried it’s going to come out warped or moldy.
I’ve stored my own stuff in exactly these conditions. My dad’s old writing desk spent two years in a non-climate-controlled unit. It’s fine. It’s in my living room right now. Here’s exactly what I did, and what I tell my friends to do.
The big thing you’re fighting is moisture. Not heat, not cold. Damp air that sits on the wood and never leaves. That’s what causes the problems.
First, clean it. Like, really clean it
I know it sounds pointless. You’re just putting it away! But dirt and grease trap moisture. So grab a cloth, get it a little damp, and wipe the whole thing down. Then immediately dry it with another cloth. Let it sit for an hour to make sure it’s totally, completely dry. Then, I like to use a little bit of Old English scratch cover or a basic furniture wax. It gives it a tiny protective layer. It takes five minutes and makes a difference.
Second, take it apart
I’m serious. It’s the best thing you can do.
- Pull the drawers all the way out of the dresser.
- If the table legs unscrew, unscrew them.
- Take the mirrors off.
- HERE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: Get a plastic bag. Put every screw, every little piece of hardware, in that bag. Now tape that bag to the underside of the tabletop or inside the dresser cabinet. Do not just throw it in a drawer. Tape it to the main body. You will be so happy you did this when it’s time to get it out.
Third, wrap it. And don’t use plastic
This is the mistake everyone makes. Do not use a plastic tarp. I saw my neighbor do this with a beautiful headboard and it was covered in white mold when he pulled it out. Plastic doesn’t breathe. It traps all the moisture inside and cooks your furniture.
So what do you use?
- Old blankets. The kind you get from the moving truck place. They’re perfect.
- Old sheets. A cotton sheet first, then a blanket, is the gold standard.
- You can buy canvas furniture covers too. They’re breathable.
The goal is to keep dust off and prevent scratches, but still let the wood breathe.
Fourth, how you place it in the unit matters
- Get it off the floor. Concrete can feel damp. Go to a hardware store and get a few wooden pallets. Or just some 2x4s. Set your furniture on that. It creates an air gap. This is non-negotiable.
- Don’t cram it against the wall. Leave a little space, like an inch or two, so air can get behind it.
- My secret weapon: Silica gel packs. You know those little “do not eat” packets in new shoes and electronics? You can buy a big bag of them on Amazon for like ten bucks. I throw a handful inside every drawer and cabinet. They suck the moisture right out of the air. It’s magic.
Look, at Storage One Hubert, we see people do this successfully every single day. Our standard units are solid and dry, and with this prep, your wood furniture will be just fine. It’s not about having a fancy unit; it’s about being smarter than the humidity.
If you’re ever driving by and have a question, just stop in and ask me. I’m here all the time. We can even take a look at your specific piece.
Do this stuff, and you can stop worrying. Your furniture will be safe.
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