Couch Considerations: 4 Reminders for Self Storage
One of the most common household items, couches, can be found in living rooms across the country and around the world. In a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, these pieces can really pull together a room.
No matter how long you may need to store your couch, keep the following quick tips in mind to protect and preserve.
1. Clean and Prep for Short or Long-term Storage
The first step will be to get your couch ready for storage, and this means giving it a proper clean. Regardless of its term in storage, a clean start improves the likelihood that your couch will preserve itself well against threats of mold, mildew, and wear and tear.
When caring for any piece of furniture, pay attention to material type and adjust your cleaning technique appropriately. Incorrect cleaning methods can ruin the look and feel of your item indefinitely, so it’s important to get it right.
Once you’ve identified the material type, keep the following tips in mind.
Leather: Dust and clean with soap and water. Should you find existing stains already on the piece, cleanse further with a mix of water and white vinegar.
Cotton: Dust and clean with water and bleach-free detergent. Spot clean hard-to-tackle areas further with a mix of water and white vinegar.
Linen: Find a cleanser that notes specific use for linens, and be sure to consult your couch’s care tag. This will give you your best chance at treating it right.
Wool: Read the label attached to your couch for care instructions. Wool is commonly cleaned with water, solvent or a combination of the two.
Silk: Be extra careful with this material, as it’s easy to leave unintentional marks. Test possible cleaning options on small areas to be sure desired results occur. Clean with a cold water and mild detergent solution, or consider consulting a professional.
After cleaning, cover with a secure, yet breathable, furniture cover.
2. Invest in Furniture Sliders, and Move with Ease
If the thought of moving a couch yourself is enough to pick up the phone and call a mover, consider furniture sliders.
Trust us, these things are like magic!
Simply slide them under couch legs and push. They allow heavy pieces to glide.
3. Give it Room to Breathe in Storage
Within your unit, store your couch the same as you would in your home. Keep it free from debris, and avoid propping it upright. Layering with boxes or standing a couch up in a fashion it is not used to can put undue stress and strain on it.
Instead give it air, and the space to be on its own.
4. Control Climate Conditions
Material types can wear, discolor or gain unwelcome residue in harsh conditions. Too much sun or moisture, in particular, can be hazardous when storing.
With this in mind, speak with your storage facility manager about climate-controlled storage options. These units allow you to set the conditions your couch needs to maintain its preferred color and style.
Which furniture pieces do you barely have room for but can’t live without? Share with us in the comment section below.
Image Source: Taylor Hernandez via Unsplash
