Breaking Down Furniture Before Placing It Into a Storage Unit: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Binghamton, NY when it comes to storage, storage units are expensive so as a tenant you need to maximize every inch. When it comes to storing furniture in a storage unit, it’s important to maximize space while protecting your items. One of the most effective ways to do this is by breaking down large pieces of furniture before placing them inside. Disassembling your furniture not only saves room but also minimizes the risk of damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why you should break down your furniture and provide a detailed step-by-step process for how to do it.

Why Break Down Furniture?

1. Space Efficiency
   One of the most significant advantages of breaking down your furniture is maximizing storage space. A disassembled chair or table takes up far less room than one that’s kept whole. By taking apart pieces, you can arrange them more strategically in the storage unit, leaving space for other items.
2. Prevention of Damage
   Large pieces of furniture, especially those with delicate parts, can be prone to scratches, dents, or other types of damage during transport or while in storage. Disassembling them helps prevent these issues, especially if they’re stacked or placed in tight corners. Additionally, taking apart items such as glass tables or fragile chairs reduces the likelihood of breakage.
3. Easier to Move
   Smaller, disassembled pieces are easier to transport and handle. This can save you time and effort when moving the furniture into your storage unit. You can carry or load smaller parts at once, rather than dealing with bulky or cumbersome items that may be difficult to fit into the storage space.
4. Protection from Wear and Tear
   Storing furniture as-is can expose it to wear and tear from constant shifting, pressure, and weight distribution. When broken down, each individual component is less likely to get damaged by these factors, especially if it’s packed with care and cushioning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Down Furniture

1. Gather Necessary Tools
Before you start disassembling, make sure you have the right tools. Common tools that may be needed include:

• A screwdriver (manual or electric)
• Allen wrenches (for furniture with bolts)
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Zip ties or baggies (for organizing screws and small parts)
• Furniture covers or blankets (to protect disassembled parts)

2. Start with Simple Pieces
Begin by breaking down the easiest items first. Start with smaller furniture like chairs, lamps, or side tables. For most chairs, you’ll need to unscrew legs and separate the backrest and seat. If your furniture has removable cushions, take those off and store them separately.

3. Take Apart Larger Pieces
For larger furniture such as sofas, dining tables, or bed frames, take extra care when breaking them down. Use your screwdriver or wrench to remove any screws or bolts, and separate the legs from the body of the furniture. For bed frames, disassemble the rails and slats. Remove any bed legs or headboard components.

4. Remove Delicate Components
Some furniture has delicate or removable components, such as glass panels, mirrors, or intricate decorations. These should be removed and packed separately. Be sure to wrap them in protective padding or bubble wrap before placing them into storage to avoid breakage.

5. Label and Organize Hardware
As you disassemble, place all screws, nuts, bolts, and any other small parts into labeled bags or zip ties. Keep the hardware for each piece of furniture together to avoid confusion when reassembling later. You can use masking tape or labels to mark which furniture each bag corresponds to. This small step will save you a lot of time and frustration later.

6. Wrap and Protect Your Furniture
Once all the components of a piece of furniture are disassembled, use moving blankets, bubble wrap, or plastic wrap to cover and protect each part. Wrapping each individual piece will ensure that it remains in good condition while in storage and won’t get scratched or damaged by other items.

7. Use a Logical Storage Layout
When loading your storage unit, think about the best way to use the space. Place disassembled pieces against the walls or in a way that maximizes vertical space. You can stack smaller pieces on top of larger ones, making sure to cushion delicate parts. Keep the furniture parts organized so that you can easily find them when it’s time to reassemble.

Additional Tips for Storing Furniture

• Keep Instructions Handy: If you have the original assembly instructions for your furniture, keep them in a safe place. This will be invaluable when it’s time to put the furniture back together.
• Disassemble Furniture You Don’t Use Often: If there are large furniture items you don’t use regularly, like a guest bed or a dining table, consider disassembling them before storing. This helps save room for frequently used items in your storage unit.
• Protect Wooden Furniture: If your furniture is made of wood, consider applying a protective polish or cover to prevent scratches and moisture damage during storage. Wooden pieces may also benefit from a breathable cover (like a cotton sheet) to avoid trapping moisture, which could lead to mold or warping.
• Label Your Storage Boxes: For smaller parts, use labeled storage boxes to keep everything organized. Don’t forget to include a label with the name of the furniture it belongs to, along with any additional instructions (such as “legs for the coffee table”).

Final Thoughts

Breaking down your furniture before placing it into a storage unit is a smart strategy for maximizing space and protecting your belongings. It may take a little extra time and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Not only will your furniture stay safe and in good condition, but you’ll also be able to fit more items into your storage space, making your move or renovation process more efficient.

With careful disassembly, proper protection, and thoughtful organization, your stored furniture will be ready for reassembly whenever you need it again.

For temperature controlled storage or non temperature controlled storage call 607-775-9776 or visit www.laingselfstorage.com. We have locations in Endwell, Endicott, Binghamton, & Conklin.