Though wood furniture looks great in the home, caring for this temperamental material can be a pain. Wood is easily damaged, and this potential for harm is intensified when stored out of sight. This step-by-step guide provides tips for safe and protected wood furniture storage.

1. Treat before storing. Wooden furniture tends to dry out when stored for long periods of time. This is especially prevalent when the storage area—whether you choose a unit, a basement, or a garage—is not climate-controlled or exists in a hot, dry area, such as in Arizona. This dryness makes the furniture more susceptible to cracks. To prevent this, apply a coat of furniture polish before storing.

2. Choose an appropriate storage venue. Temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand and contract, which can impact the piece’s look or durability. Additionally, humid conditions promote mold and mildew growth, which causes wood to rot. A climate-controlled storage unit is your best defense against this type of damage.

3. Disassemble whatever you can. If your furniture can be taken apart, then take it apart. This saves storage space and allows you to better protect individual parts (you might be able to wrap more fragile pieces, &c).

4. Keep it covered. An affordable furniture cover can prevent scratches and other surface-level damage. However, plastic covers can trap humidity, resulting in condensation. This causes the wood to swell or accumulate mold. Instead, choose a cloth furniture cover or moving blankets.

Though the above list is comprehensive, you may have a few lingering questions. These online resources are carefully curated to address whatever concerns may arise when preparing for storage:

• 11 Helpful Tips on How to Move and Store Wood Furniture
• Protecting Wooden Furniture in a Storage Unit
• How to Store Your Furniture with No Climate Control
• 4 Steps for Long-Term Furniture Storage and Preservation