We tend to think of things in storage as safe, but the reality is that if you don’t take proper care to prep your items, or choose the wrong storage facility, they can be damaged in storage. This is true for both full-service storage and self-storage. A leather couch can be one of the most valuable pieces of furniture you own. It is crucial that you prepare your couch for storage and choose the right storage facility that can keep your couch safe and in pristine condition.
Choose the Right Storage Facility
Leather furniture can easily be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity. The leather could shrivel, split, or even warp. So, if you are using a full-service storage or self-storage, make sure to inquire about a temperature-controlled unit. Bekins Moving Solutions has large networks of temperature-controlled warehouses. Our warehouses can properly store all types of furniture, including leather couches.
Clean Your Couch
Before storing your leather couch, you should thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your couch. Removing dirt, grime, and excess moisture will prevent your leather couch from molding, or growing mildew during storage. Mildew and mold is the most common source of damage for stored leather furniture.
Prepare Your Couch
Preparing your couch for storage is crucial to keeping it in optimal condition. Leather must be able to breathe, so never cover the leather couch with a plastic tarp. You should only use only fabric to protect it from scratches. Prior to wrapping your couch in fabric, apply a quality leather conditioner. Your leather should be moisturized but not wet. Moisture will break down the leather and damage your couch. A quality conditioner will keep your leather supple and better able to expand and contract with temperature without damaging the leather.
Detach Legs
Remove any detachable wooden or metal legs and wrap them in bubble wrap. This will prevent your couch legs from accidentally becoming broken or scratched in storage. Keep the legs in a box with appropriate labeling so they won’t be lost.
Protect Corners
If your sofa has any particularly vulnerable corners or pieces of wood, cover them in cardboard and bubble wrap. Taking precautions against bumps and scratches will help to keep your couch looking great when you take it out of storage.
Store Alone
When you store your leather couch, make sure that nothing is placed on top of the cushions. Any heavy objects left on your couch can cause permanent impressions and indentions. Many people find that placing the leather couch on top of a wooden palate can also help keep it away from objects that may fall onto your couch and damage it.
If you need to store your leather couch, contact the moving and storage experts at Bekins Moving Solutions. Call (877) 594-1187 for more information about our temperature-controlled storage facilities.
