Why storage needs thought
Modular furniture often leaves you with pieces that are not in use: a shelf unit kept for a future room, extra sofa sections, a desk that is only needed in term time, or everything from a home you are renting out. Stored badly, panels warp, fabrics smell and corners chip. Stored well, they come out ready to use.
The main threats are moisture, heat, pressure, pests and handling damage. Each can be reduced with ordinary precautions.
Choose the location
Spare room, closet or under a bed. Often the best option for short-term storage because temperatures are stable and the area is dry. Keep pieces off exterior walls where condensation can occur.
Attic or loft. Temperature swings can be large. Heat and cold stress glue, finishes and fabric, and the humidity can vary through the year. If you must use one, choose a dry, ventilated, insulated space and check the load rating of the floor.
Garage or shed. Often damp and prone to temperature changes, with dust and pests. Garage storage using shelving or racks can work if the space is dry. Raise everything off the floor and avoid contact with outside walls.
Basement. Can be damp. Use only if you can confirm it is dry, with no leaks or condensation, and keep pieces off the floor.
Rented storage unit. Look for a clean, dry facility. Climate-controlled units cost more but can protect wood, veneer and upholstery better, particularly for long periods. Ask about humidity and pest control, and check what your own insurance covers.
Whichever place you choose, humidity and heat are the key concerns. The effects described in the article on sunlight damage and humidity apply: wood and board expand and contract, and sunlight fades finishes.
Prepare the pieces
- Clean everything. Dust, food residue and body oils attract pests and mildew. Follow the guidance on cleaning furniture for each surface, and let everything dry completely.
- Disassemble if sensible. Flat panels store more compactly. Before you take anything apart, photograph the assembly and label parts, as set out in the article on labeling and photographing parts. Pieces that are glued or not designed for disassembly are better left built.
- Remove fabric covers if they are designed to come off, and wash or clean them according to their care labels. Make sure they are fully dry before storing. See removable covers for general advice.
- Bag the hardware, label it and tape it to the matching panel or keep it in a box. Store the instructions with it.
Wrap and protect
- Use moving blankets, old sheets or clean paper to wrap panels. Plastic sheeting directly on wood or fabric can trap moisture, so use breathable covers for long storage, or plastic only loosely and with a cloth layer underneath.
- Protect corners with cardboard or foam.
- Keep glass and mirrors in padded, labeled packing and store them upright, not flat, with something under them to prevent sliding.
- Put sofa sections in breathable fabric covers. Consider desiccant packs for enclosed spaces, replaced as the maker directs.
- Avoid sticky tapes on finished surfaces for a long time, since some leave marks.
Store flat or on edge, but support everything
Flat panels should be supported evenly so they do not bow. Options:
- Lay them flat on a clean pallet or on battens that spread the load, with the largest panels at the bottom.
- Stand them on their long edge against a wall on a level floor, with a spacer so air can move, and secure them so they cannot slide or fall.
Do not lean thin panels at a steep angle for long periods, since they may warp. Do not stack heavy items on top of thin back panels or on shelves with unsupported spans. If the space is shared, consider the safety of anyone nearby and keep tall stacks stable, a point that echoes the thinking behind furniture safety. Keep stored items out of reach of children, who may climb on stacks.
Keep everything raised off concrete or tile with pallets or battens to avoid wicking moisture.
Fabric and upholstered modules
Upholstered sections should be stored upright if possible, or in the shape they were designed to hold, with nothing heavy on top. Cushions that are squashed for long periods may lose shape. Keep fabric away from direct sun, damp and pests. Leather and faux leather can crack or stick in extreme temperatures. See the discussion of upholstery fabric and performance fabrics for more on fabric behavior.
Pests and checks
Moths, rodents and insects can damage fabric and some materials. Keep storage clean, avoid food nearby and inspect from time to time. Natural deterrents vary in effectiveness, so choose products that are suitable for your materials and read their instructions.
Every few months, if the storage is long-term, check the pieces for damp, odors, warping and pest signs. A quick look is easier than a big repair.
Make a record
Create a list of what is in storage with measurements and photos, and note the location of the hardware. Include a reminder of which room or purpose each piece was meant for. When your needs change, the list helps you decide what to bring out, and ties in neatly with plans for reconfiguring and expanding your furniture.
When storing costs more than replacing
Rented storage adds up. If you have paid for a year of storage and the item is inexpensive, replacing it may cost less. Weigh the cost per use of keeping it against the likely need. Items that cannot be matched later, or that are expensive, are better kept. Cheaper, common pieces may be sold or donated.