Most furniture is designed to be used indoors and cannot withstand the harsh environments and extreme temperatures of a basement, attic or backyard. You could also be storing your belongings in a standard storage unit and not in any of the three examples, but the question is “Can furniture survive in standard storage units” where the climate is not controlled? Or does your furniture need climate controlled storage?
In the short term, storage without certain extra amenities may be enough for furniture and other valuables. However, if furniture is stored for more than a few months, the benefits of climate controlled storage are often greater than the disadvantages. In other words, additional protection comes at a certain nominal extra cost that far outweighs the risk of damage caused to your items from, say, humidity or heat.
We will discuss some other factors that can help you make informed storage decisions depending on the situation. Ask the following questions and keep using those other resources. For example, this storage guide tells you how to store your furniture in any environment, and sheds light on the benefits of climate control.
Protecting Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture is vulnerable and can develop an odour in damp and humid environments. Climate controlled storage is important since sofas are best stored in a cool, dry environment to avoid damage.
In some cases, upholstered furniture can be wrapped in a shrink wrap to protect furniture from excessive moisture in damp storage areas. However, plastic is not the most recommended storage option, the fabric must have room to breathe to last for a longer term.
Wrapping upholstered furniture with a breathable cotton cover or sheet is recommended, along with climate controlled storage, to protect it from dust, pests and other damages.
Storing Precious Antique Wood Furniture
Antique wooden furniture has survived the test of time, but must still be handled with care. Humidity, the amount of water vapor in the air, is the most aggressive factor for this type of furniture. This water vapor can cause the tree to shrink or swell.
Shrinkage and expansion can cause cracks and other damage, which can adversely affect resale value. It is recommended to keep valuable wooden furniture in a space that maintains a moderate humidity and a constant temperature.
UAE experiences one of the hottest and humid climates of all. Humid environments can lead to accumulation of mold and mildew on the furniture, including wood, fabric and leather. A regular storage unit is not built to provide protection against the unforgiving climate. Mold and mildew can grow as fast as in 24 to 48 hours in these temperatures, rendering furniture unsafe to use again. Even if you do not reside in a humid area, the rising temperature and heat can still cause the furniture wood to crack and non-fabric material such as Leather, Rexine, and Spandex to melt.
Storall offers 24/7 climate controlled self-storage unit that allows you to safely store your furniture with the needed peace of mind and retrieve it anytime with ease. Click here to allow us to help you in making a decision and find the right storage unit for you.
