Furniture: What to Put in Storage and What to Sell
When cleaning and organizing different areas of your home, you’re bound to come across pieces of furniture that you may not have room for, or don’t currently have a need for. Because furniture items are typically large and take up a lot of space, it can be difficult to decide their fate, especially if they are still in good condition.
Modern self storage has given consumers the convenience of storage space, without actually limiting space at their residence. And, with the added benefits of climate control, furniture pieces can better maintain their condition over time. Now, you can realistically consider holding onto large items, even if you lack the storage space at home.
Store or Sell?
Ask yourself the following questions to help decide whether to store or sell your unused furniture:
Is it a family heirloom or antique that I want to pass down, but just don’t currently have the room at home to store it?
Just because something has been passed down to you doesn’t necessarily mean that you must put it on display, especially if you don’t have the room for it. With that being said, if you have grown attached to something for sentimental reasons and don’t want to part ways with it, or plan to pass an item down in your family in the future, consider holding onto it.
Can I see myself using this piece in my house again if I rearrange the furniture in a room, or if I move?
There are times that a furniture piece you previously invested in can seem out of place if a room has been redesigned, painted or updated. For instance, an expensive, dark-wooded coffee table or leather couch that you purchased when you first moved in might not quite match your living room’s newly painted lemon walls and bright décor. Or, if you’ve moved into a new space, this kind of piece might simply be too large or too small.
If you’re the type of person that enjoys frequent redecorating, store these furniture items for later use. Chances are, if you fell in love with a piece when you purchased it, you’ll want to keep it around, especially if it required a significant financial investment.
Is it something that’s worth giving to my child when he/she moves out, or to another family member in the future?
Be sure to take into consideration the condition of the piece if you have something that you think your son or daughter could use once he/she either goes to college or moves out on his/her own. Essential items like couches, dressers, mattresses or bedframes that are in good condition are definitely worth storing, as items like these can be hard to come by when needed.
In addition, even items that haven’t been kept up quite well can make for great college house or apartment furniture. Slipcovers can be thrown on worn-out couches, and beat-up dressers can look new with a fresh coat of paint.
The Importance of Climate Control
Climate-controlled storage units regulate both temperature and humidity, which is extremely important when storing furniture. Extreme hot or cold temperatures, or humidity levels, can negatively affect your beloved furniture pieces. Unlike a basement, attic or conventional self-storage unit where climates can fluctuate, regulated temperature and humidity levels can help to keep wood from warping or cracking, and keep fabric from smelly musty.
When In Doubt, Store It
Furniture you really love or think you’ll truly have use for down the road, either for yourself or for others, is worth holding on to. Whether you’re a frequent redecorator, have kids headed to college or simply wish to hang on to a family heirloom, storing furniture you hate to part with in a self-storage unit ensures that items remain handy while freeing up space in your home.
What are some of the furniture pieces that you’ve held onto over the years?
Image Credit: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash
