MOVING GUIDE
Preparation for furniture storage: cleaning, moisture protection, packing and inventory
Key answers
Before storage, furniture must be cleaned and fully dried, then protected according to the material and structure; box numbers, accessory bags and photo lists must match the same item.
Check the condition first, then decide whether it is suitable for storage
Check furniture for damp, mould, pests, loosening or existing damage, and take photos of the overall item and details. If you find any issue, deal with it first or ask; do not seal items whose condition is unclear and hope they will improve naturally after storage.
Wood, leather, fabric, glass and metal each need different protection methods. For items with special requirements on temperature, humidity or storage orientation, please provide the material details and original manufacturer information first, so we can confirm whether the arrangement is suitable. They cannot all be handled as ordinary furniture.
Allow enough dry time after cleaning
Empty drawers and cabinet contents, clean with a method suitable for the material, then allow the surface and interior to dry thoroughly. Bedding, covers and clothes must also not be put into boxes while wet; before packing, check for any water in gaps or at the bottom.
Use moisture protection products according to the product instructions, and avoid direct contact or leakage damage to surfaces. They are not a guarantee of constant temperature and humidity or mould prevention; if you have specific environmental requirements, please confirm the actual storage conditions and applicable limits with the company.
Check the structure and reassembly requirements before dismantling
Photograph the original assembly, connection points and fitting positions, and mark which item each shelf, door panel and leg belongs to. Furniture that is nailed, glued, made from old boards or already loose may not be suitable to dismantle; the team should assess it first.
- Each piece of furniture uses a separate reference number
- Small screws and parts should be bagged and labelled with the item name and location
- Movable shelves and glass parts require separate protection
- Confirm in advance whether dismantling, packing and reassembly at the new place are included
The key to packing is to avoid friction, pressure and loss of parts
Protect corners, protruding parts and surfaces according to the items, and do not let tape stick directly to easily damaged finishes. Keep glass and mirrors away from heavy items, and do not fold or use large soft pads to support other items at will.
The packing method should be confirmed together with how the items will be moved, stored and collected later. Do not assume all items can be stacked, and do not ignore dryness or structural load-bearing just because they have been wrapped in film.
Keep the list and check against the original record on return
Record the item numbers, photos, number of parts, accessory bags and box numbers, and note any requests for priority return or special handling later. Keep important information in an electronic list you can access yourself, not only on labels attached to the stored items.
After returning, first check the appearance, quantity and parts, then arrange reassembly according to the confirmed scope. If there is any issue, keep the packaging and records and contact the company as soon as possible; special repair, maintenance or professional installation requirements will be arranged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must furniture be cleaned before storage?
Clean according to the material first and make sure it is fully dry before packing. Wet items, mould, pests or structural issues should be dealt with or checked first; do not try to hide them with sealed packaging.
Does adding moisture-proof items guarantee there will be no mould?
No. Moisture-proof products are only an aid and cannot replace a suitable environment or guarantee results; special material and environmental requirements should first be confirmed with the company.
Can all wardrobes and bed frames be dismantled for storage?
Not necessarily. Old boards, nailed, glued or already damaged furniture may not be suitable for dismantling and reassembly; this must be assessed according to the structure and condition.
How can screws and shelves be kept from getting lost?
Each piece of furniture uses a separate reference number, accessories are labelled in bags, connection photos are taken before dismantling, and the list records the parts and accessory bags.
Does sending it back include reassembly?
First confirm the quotation and scope of service. Do not assume that because there is a return service, reassembly, securing or other specialist work is included.