According to research, there are three times more storage units than McDonald's in the United States. But, these storage units come in all shapes and sizes.

Not only this, some storage facilities offer different services. Some of which include:

• Extra electronic and physical security
• Dust proofing
• Waterproofing
• Rodent proofing

But, if you're moving your items into a storage unit, you need to know how to store your furniture. If you don't, it'll get damp and you won't be able to use it in the future.

With the above in mind, read this article on how to store your furniture in a non-climate controlled storage unit.

Don't Forget to Check the Unit for Pests

Before you move your furniture into a storage unit, you have to make sure its clean. This includes clearing it of any dust or debris.

Not only this, you must ensure there are no pests or rodents living in it. Pests of any kind can destroy the storage unit and the items you are keeping in it.

Rats and various other rodents burrow into soft furnishings. Additionally, if you choose a unit made of wood, termites may become a problem.

If the termites get through the walls, floor, or ceiling of the unit, they could attack your wooden furniture.

Also, choose a unit that faces a hallway if possible. Extreme weather conditions are less likely to affect these types of units. This is because they're not subject to direct climate exposure from opening and closing the door.

To Store Your Furniture, Disassemble It If Possible

If you're storing furniture without climate control, disassemble it to reduce the chances of damage. You could remove the legs from all your tables. You could also remove head and footboards from beds.

Additionally, make sure you remove any drawers from dressers. And, place wooden furniture away from entrances in case any water seeps in when it rains or snows.

Make sure you keep all the screws safe so you can put your furniture back together at a later date.

Disassembling your furniture will help you to store your items in the correct way. By doing so, you'll have more space to keep other items as well.

Clean Your Furniture Before Storing It

Once disassembled, clean all your furniture with antibacterial spray. Check the instructions to ensure that you can use the product on your furniture. Some of the furniture you should clean before storing includes:

• Wood furnishing
• Fabric sofas and armchairs
• Chairs
• Mattresses

Before you store your furniture, give it time to dry. By doing so, you'll reduce the chances of mold or mildew growth.

Wrap Your Furniture in Shrink Wrap

If you're storing furniture long term, use plastic wrap to protect it from dust and mold. Also, make sure you do so before you move it from your home or office to the unit. This will protect it during transportation.

For furniture that isn't climate controlled, use two layers of sheeting. Additionally, use masking tape to secure the plastic sheeting so it doesn't come off. Make sure to avoid sticking the masking to the furniture to not damage it.

This type of plastic sheeting can help protect your furniture from various pests and insects as well.

Use Bubble Wrap or Foam Peanuts With Electronics

If you're storing electronics, remove all cords where possible. Then, wrap the cords and the electronics with bubble wrap. Once that's done, store these cords with their electronics in their original boxes if you have them.

If there is space leftover in the box, use bubble wrap or foam peanuts to fill it. This will provide a barrier between your electronics and other items. It'll also help you avoid scratches and dents.

You should also raise these items off the floor. If they stay on the floor in the storage unit, the moisture could affect them in the long run. This will prevent any damage if there is a leak.

Polish Metal Pieces

Polishing your metal furnishings will help protect them against adverse weather conditions. Not only this, you should wrap them in plastic sheeting and bubble wrap if you can. This will protect them from dust, dents, and scratches.

Some of the metals that are most likely to oxidize in non-climate controlled units include:

• Nickel
• Silver
• Brass
• Aluminum

Last but not least, make sure to store your items in separate boxes wherever possible to avoid damage during transportation.

Use Moisture Proofing Products in the Unit

While plastic wrapping and shrink wrap are great, there are more heavy-duty products you can use to moisture proof your unit. These products are important if you're moving your furniture to units in areas where there is a lot of:

• Fog
• Rain
• Snow

When moisture proofing your unit, use a moisture barrier. Also, cover the walls, floor, and ceiling of the unit with plastic sheets.

Additionally, once you put sheeting on your furniture, cover it with extra blankets and furniture pads. This will help protect it from mold, water stains, and dust.

Visit Your Unit on a Regular Basis

If you're storing furniture long term, you have to visit your unit on a regular basis. Every time you visit, check the condition of your belongings. Despite all the above precautions, you could still encounter some problems.

If there are signs of damage to your furniture or if there is a damp smell, check for the following:

• Leaks
• Heat issues
• Pest infestations

By catching these problems early on you can move your items to another unit before there is any irreparable damage. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Rent Your Storage Space at Secure Box Self Storage

The tips above will help you keep your items safe from external weather conditions as well as pest and insect infestations.

That said, paying your unit regular visits is important. In fact, it's the only way you can be sure your items remain in good condition.

If you're in Cedar City, Utah looking for a high-quality and affordable unit to store your furniture, contact Secure Box Self Storage today.

Our units are mold and dustproof, and they come with top-notch security so you can rest assured your belonging are in good hands.