Smart Storage Ideas for Everything in Your Home

While methods can vary depending on what you’re putting in storage, here are a few universal storage truths.

• Always clean anything before you store it.
• Avoid water and moisture, it’s the quickest way to ruin pretty much anything.
• Proper labeling makes things easier to find when you need them. 
• Pay attention to finding the right storage container for what you’re storing. 
• Edit your possessions in storage. If you never come back to certain items, consider selling or donating them. 
• Keep all hardware labeled and attached to furniture pieces.
• Don’t use strong tapes or adhesives directly on wood or delicate surfaces. It could damage or remove the finish.

The first step when storing furniture is to clean it. Wipe down wood furniture and make sure it’s completely dried, then apply a coat of furniture oil or wax. It helps keep the wood hydrated. Disassemble as much as you can to keep delicate furniture legs from snapping when entering or leaving storage. Wrap the furniture in moving blankets and secure with packing tape. Keep the furniture in a temperature-controlled area or at the very least in an area that’s free of humidity and moisture.

Instead of using cardboard boxes, choose plastic bins instead. They help protect against bugs and moisture. Keep important documents and photos from discoloring by using acid-free materials for storage. Store items in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.

The best place to store books is on a bookshelf. It helps protect the book’s spine and pages, but if you do need to place them out of the way, avoid any spot with moisture. Pack them flat in a plastic bin and keep them somewhere temperature controlled and free of water or humidity. Installing shelves in unused spaces like under stairs allows you more storage space with easy access to your collection.

When packing delicate glassware, this is a time when you’re going to want to splurge on a box with dividers. You can buy boxes specifically for packing glass that keeps things separated. Within each section wrap your glass with paper and/or bubble wrap to keep them from moving around. Seal the box and place it in an area that’s out of the way to avoid any unexpected movement or jostling.

Start by ensuring linens and pillows are clean and completely dry before storing them. Don’t use plastic storage bags, they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead tuck matching sets of sheets into a pillowcase and store in a linen closet. Or store them in a well-ventilated basket or storage container. Keeping these extras readily accessible and in a temperature-controlled area of your home ensures that they’re ready to use at a moment’s notice. Avoid stuffing pillows into bins or baskets that are too small, it causes them to lose their shape. 

Start by properly cleaning your rug and then letting it dry completely. Roll, don’t fold, the rug with the pile inward and the bottom of the rug facing out. It helps protect the rug’s fibers. If you’re packing a rug to move, plastic is fine but if it’s for long term storage use a breathable material. Keep rugs off the floor to prevent animals or bugs from making a home inside, it also helps prevent damage in case of flooding.