Essential Checklist for Storing Furniture Safely and Efficiently in a Self Storage Unit

Whether you’re downsizing, moving house, or looking to free up some space at home, a self-storage unit is an excellent solution for keeping your furniture safe and organised. Storing your furniture requires more than just placing it in a unit. You need to plan and prepare to store your furniture safely, making sure everything is protected and easy to access later.
Here’s a complete checklist to help you understand how to store furniture in a storage unit securely and efficiently.
Choose Your Self-Storage Unit
The first step is selecting a self-storage unit that provides you with easy accessibility and 24-hour security, including CCTV cameras. If you need to get to your furniture, then check they’re open 7 days a week, and you can drive up to the storage unit if needed.
Categorise Your Furniture
Start by taking inventory of everything you intend to store. Make a list, categorising your items by size, fragility, and frequency of use. You can then sketch out a rough layout of your furniture storage unit, planning where each piece will go. Just a bit of planning will prevent wasted space and future frustration.

Optimise Your Layout
Transform your self storage into a space that is user-friendly and accessible:
- Create a central walkway so you can reach items at the back.
- Place frequently used items near the front for quick access.
- Use shelving units to make the most of vertical space, stacking sturdier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
Clean and Disassemble
Before you place any furniture into storage, give it a thorough clean to prevent dirt, dust, or odours from setting in. For bulky pieces such as bed frames, tables, or wardrobes, it’s best to disassemble them if possible. Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags and tape them to the corresponding item so you can easily reassemble later.
Wrap Your Furniture
To ensure you’re storing furniture safely, wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use furniture covers to shield sofas, chairs, and mattresses from dust or scratches. Avoid plastic wrap on wooden furniture, as it can trap moisture and cause damage.
Space-Saving Packing
Maximising your unit’s capacity is all about smart packing:
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for soft furnishings like cushions, bedding, and coats.
- Nest smaller items inside larger ones (for example, shoes inside drawers).
- Fill empty drawers or wardrobes with linens or lightweight items to make full use of the available space.

Label Goods
If you’re packing goods into boxes, make sure they’re sturdy with heavier items at the bottom. Label every box, bag, and container with simple, legible notes, using the same abbreviations or acronyms throughout.
Store Smarter with Drive Up Storage
By following this checklist, you’ll not only protect your belongings but also maximise every square foot of your self-storage unit. Whether you’re looking at storing furniture safely during a move or long-term storage of seasonal items, Drive Up Storage makes the process secure, convenient, and stress-free.