How to Protect Furniture in Storage: A Simple Guide from Bolt Storage

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Bolt Storage
December 4, 2025
4 min read
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A living room with a coffee table, and a sofa

Whether you’re storing your furniture short term during a move or long term to clear out space, protecting it properly is key. At Bolt Storage, we make self storage simple and stress free, and that includes helping you keep your furniture in great shape.

Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your couches, tables, beds, and chairs stay clean, safe, and damage-free while in storage.

Why You Should Protect Your Furniture in Storage

Furniture is an investment, and even a few months in storage can cause:

  • Scratches, dents, or broken legs from poor stacking
  • Mold, mildew, or smells from trapped moisture
  • Fading or discoloration from temperature swings
  • Dust buildup that’s tough to clean

A few simple steps can save you time and money later.

Furniture Items You Should Always Protect

  • Couches and sectionals
  • Mattresses and bed frames
  • Dining tables and chairs
  • Dressers and nightstands
  • Coffee tables, bookshelves, and desks

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Furniture for Storage

1. Clean everything first
Dirt or crumbs can turn into stains or attract pests.

  • Use a vacuum for fabric furniture
  • Wipe down wood and hard surfaces with a mild cleaner
  • Let everything dry fully to avoid trapped moisture

2. Take it apart when possible

  • Remove table legs, shelves, and bed frames
  • Store screws and bolts in a labeled bag
  • This saves space and prevents damage during moving

3. Use furniture covers or blankets

  • Plastic covers trap moisture — use cloth covers or moving blankets instead
  • Avoid wrapping furniture too tightly

4. Protect corners and fragile parts

  • Use bubble wrap or cardboard on sharp edges and fragile pieces

5. Elevate furniture off the floor

  • Use pallets or blocks to lift items in case of spills or moisture on the ground

Choose the Right Storage Environment

For wood, leather, or fabric furniture, climate-controlled storage is best. It helps prevent:

  • Warping or cracking (especially in wood)
  • Mold or mildew (especially in humid areas)
  • Temperature damage to leather and fabrics

At Bolt Storage, many of our locations offer climate-controlled units designed for exactly this.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Stack Heavy Items on Top

We know it’s tempting to save space, but stacking boxes on your couch or table can leave dents, warps, or even break things. If you must stack, use sturdy plastic bins and avoid placing anything on top of soft surfaces like cushions or mattresses.

Storing Furniture? Bolt Makes It Easy.

With over 60+ locations across 12 states, Bolt Storage offers clean, secure, and affordable units for any size furniture. Rent online in minutes or give our team a call — we’re here to help.

FAQs About Storing Furniture

Q: Can I store furniture without climate control?
A: You can, but we recommend climate-controlled units for long-term storage or delicate materials like wood and leather.

Q: Is it okay to use plastic wrap on furniture?
A: It’s fine for short-term protection, but plastic traps moisture. For long-term storage, use cloth covers or moving blankets instead.

Q: What size storage unit do I need for a one-bedroom apartment’s worth of furniture?
A: A 10x10 unit is usually enough, but you can use our unit size guide or ask our team.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your furniture is easy when you know what to do, and Bolt Storage is here to help at every step. Clean it, cover it, choose the right unit, and avoid common mistakes.

Need storage today? Find a location near you and move in instantly.

Find Storage Units Near You Up To 75% Off

Discover nearby storage units with up to 75% off at Bolt Storage. Affordable solutions for your storage needs. Find convenience without the high cost.

 

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

We will beat any price in town

Your Storage, Your Way – Safe, Affordable, and Convenient

At Bolt Storage, we offer secure, cheap storage units with 24/7 access and video surveillance with 63 facilities across 11 states. Whether you need extra space for your home, business, or seasonal items, we have the perfect fit with drive-up storage and climate-controlled storage units. Rent online in minutes and take advantage of our great deals with up to 75% off your first two months!

FAQs: Your Self Storage Questions, Answered!

Got questions about self-storage?
We've got easy answers! Wondering about unit sizes, security, or online renting? Check out our FAQs for quick solutions. Keeping storage simple and stress free - that's our thing!

Are my items safe?

Your items are secured by a gate (most locations) and 24/7 video monitoring. Your items are very safe. See how we keep storage secure.

What types of RVs can I park at Bolt Storage?

You can park motorhomes, travel trailers, camper vans, and fifth wheels. If it fits within the parking space, we can accommodate it.

What size storage unit do I need for a one bedroom apartment?

A 5x10 or 10x10 storage unit is ideal for a one-bedroom apartment. It can fit a bed, couch, small appliances, and several boxes.

Is it easy to get access?

It is extremely quick and easy to rent storage units 24 hours a day. Simply go on your phone or laptop and sign the lease, make your payment and you’re all set. Instant access right on the spot! You’ll be sent a text message with your gate code (most locations). See exactly how to rent a storage unit step by step.

Are the parking spaces covered or uncovered?

Most of our RV parking spaces are uncovered and located outdoors. This allows for easy access and affordable pricing.

What size storage unit fits a two bedroom apartment?

A 10x10 or 10x15 unit is usually the right size for a two bedroom apartment. These units hold furniture, mattresses, dining sets, and around 30-40 boxes.

Are the storage units affordable?

There’s a reason why our facilities stay over 90% full, our storage units start at just $45/month, and we even include a free lock with your rental! Plus, throughout the year, we offer special promotions at selected locations, up to 75% off for the first two months, depending on availability.See how much a storage unit actually costs.

Can I store other vehicles besides RVs?

Yes. While RVs are the most common, we also store trucks, trailers, boats on trailers, and cars.

Is a 10x20 storage unit big enough for a three bedroom house?

Yes, a 10x20 storage unit typically fits the contents of a three bedroom home including large furniture, appliances, and boxes.

Is it month to month or do I sign a longer lease?

All of our storage units are month to month rentals, so you're never locked into a long term contract. Just give us a 10 day notice before moving out and you won’t be charged for any extra time. Learn how flexible month to month storage works and why it’s a great option.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

It is recommended to reserve your RV parking space early, especially during busy seasons when space fills up fast.

Are there climate controlled controlled storage units?

Bolt Storage offers climate-controlled storage in some facilities. Temperature-controlled spaces maintain the ambient temperature and  humidity at ideal levels for keeping your things in great condition. Easily rent online if you need climate-controlled/temperature-controlled storage unit, remember that we only have online rental.

What can I store in a 5x15 storage unit?

A 5x15 unit holds the contents of a studio apartment or large walk-in closet, including boxes, small furniture, and bikes.

Can I rent my storage unit online at Bolt Storage?

Yes, absolutely! Renting your storage unit online at Bolt Storage is incredibly simple. Just find a storage unit near you and complete the rental process hassle-free. See in detail how easy is to rent with Bolt Storage.

How big is a 10x30 storage unit?

A 10x30 storage unit can hold the contents of a 4-5 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, and outdoor gear. Perfect for large moves.

Do I need a lock when I rent a storage unit?

A free lock is provided upon rental for each storage unit. Find the lockbox on-site to get your free lock.

Can I store a vehicle in a storage unit?

Bolt Storage does not recommend storing vehicles inside traditional storage units. Instead, we offer dedicated outdoor and covered parking spaces for RVs, boats, and cars.

What size storage unit do I need?

If you’re unsure of what size you should choose, head over to our size guide to get a better idea of what you need.

How do I choose the right storage unit size?

Start with an inventory of your belongings and estimate the square footage you need. Our online size guide helps match you with the right unit. Get more helpful advice in our Blog section.

What size storage units and parking spaces are offered by Bolt Storage?

Our facilities have storage units starting from 5×5 to 20×30 drive-up units, and climate controlled storage units, giving customers options to choose the right size for their belongings. find your unit here.

Do storage units have height limits?

Most units have ceilings around 8 feet high, so you can safely stack boxes and furniture to maximize vertical space.

Do you accept cash?

We do not accept cash.  Payment can only be made via credit/debit card or via ACH (same as a check).

Should I leave space to access my items in storage?

Yes, we recommend leaving an aisle or at least space to move around inside your unit. Place frequently used items near the front.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

We require insurance for all stored items to help protect your belongings from unexpected events. You can use your own policy or choose a low-cost plan during rental. Learn more about storage unit insurance

Is climate-controlled storage worth it?

Absolutely. Climate-controlled units help protect wood furniture, electronics, and clothing from humidity and temperature changes.

How should I pack my storage unit efficiently?

Place heavier items on the bottom, stack similar-sized boxes, and label everything. Disassemble furniture to save space.

How long can I rent a storage unit for?

At Bolt Storage, all rentals are month-to-month. Whether you need storage for just one month or for years, you can stay as long as you like without signing a long-term contract.