How to store furniture safely?
When moving abroad, storing your furniture safely requires careful planning and proper storage methods. Protecting your valuable furniture requires proper packaging, choosing the right storage conditions, and using a reliable storage service. Discover Flexistoren and find the best solution for storing your furniture.
There are several important factors to consider when storing furniture during an international move. Proper protection, proper storage conditions, and reliable storage services are key to keeping your furniture safe.
The basic principles of furniture storage include thorough cleaning before packing. All surfaces should be wiped clean of dust and dirt, and treated with appropriate cleaning and protective agents. Wooden furniture benefits from waxing or oiling, while leather furniture benefits from special protective agents intended for leather.
There are several storage options: you can either take your furniture with you to your new destination country, store it temporarily in your country of origin, or sell it and buy new ones when you arrive. The decision depends on the value of the furniture, its sentimental value, the conditions in the destination country, and your living arrangements.
What are the best ways to pack furniture for an international move?
Proper packaging of furniture is essential to protect it during transport. The main principle is to protect the furniture from dirt, moisture and bumps by using high-quality packaging materials.
Sofas and upholstered furniture should be protected with plastic to prevent moisture and then covered with thick blankets or bubble wrap. Wooden furniture needs padding on corners and edges, as well as a protective film against surface scratches. For beds and other furniture that requires assembly, it is a good idea to keep the assembly instructions and remove the legs and other easily detachable parts, which are packed separately.
Required packaging materials include:
- Bubble wrap and packing pads
- Strong packaging tape
- Plastic wrap
- Furniture covers
- Cardboard boxes for smaller parts
Is it worth storing or transporting furniture when moving abroad?
The decision between storing or transporting furniture depends on several factors. Cost, practicality, and personal needs all play a significant role in the choice.
The advantages of moving include keeping familiar furniture and potentially cost-effectiveness if the move is permanent. On the other hand, transportation can be expensive, especially over long distances, and furniture may be damaged in transit. The advantages of storage include flexibility and security, but long-term storage incurs ongoing costs.
For short-term moves (less than a year), storage usually makes more sense. For permanent moves, transporting valuable or sentimental furniture may be justified, while cheaper furniture is often worth selling and purchasing new ones in the destination country.
How do climatic conditions affect the storage of furniture?
Different climates place special demands on furniture storage. Wooden furniture is sensitive to changes in humidity, expanding and contracting, which can lead to warping or cracking. Leather furniture can dry out in hot, dry climates or become moldy in excessively humid conditions.
Metal furniture is prone to corrosion, especially in humid and salty coastal climates. Fabric-covered furniture, on the other hand, easily attracts pests and mold if storage conditions are not optimal.
Air-conditioned storage facilities provide good protection for furniture, as they maintain a constant temperature. For particularly valuable furniture, it may be necessary to purchase special packaging or covers designed to protect it from specific climatic conditions.
What insurance is needed for the international transport and storage of furniture?
There are various insurance needs associated with the safe transportation and storage of furniture when moving abroad. Basic moving insurance usually only covers limited compensation, so it is worth considering additional insurance for valuable furniture.
Available insurance options include full value insurance, which covers all of your belongings up to a certain amount, and itemized insurance, where your most valuable items can be insured separately. Many storage services also offer their own insurance packages for the items you store.
When choosing insurance, it is important to check what damage is covered. For example, water, fire and burglary damage are usually covered, but damage caused by pests may not be included in the basic insurance. In case of damage, it is a good idea to document the condition of the furniture by taking photographs before transport and storage.
How to choose a reliable storage service for furniture when moving abroad?
Choosing a reliable storage service is a key factor in safely storing your furniture. The most important criteria to consider are security, storage space suitability, price, and service details.
Warehouse security includes camera surveillance, access control, and fire safety systems. Flexistoren Modern storage services such as .com often offer storage spaces that can be managed via a smartphone app, making it easier to manage storage from abroad.
When comparing prices, it is worth considering the size of the storage space, the rental period and any additional services. Reviews from other customers, the service provider's experience and clear contract terms will help you choose a storage service. Flexistore offers small storage space starting at 30€/month. Learn more about the price list: Tariff.
Storing furniture when moving abroad – a practical action plan
Safe storage of furniture when moving abroad requires careful planning. Start the process well in advance, at least 2-3 months before the move, so you have time to explore the different options and make an informed decision about the fate of your furniture.
Before moving, it is important to take inventory of your furniture, decide what to take with you, what to store, and what to give away. Document the condition of your furniture and clean it thoroughly. Allow enough packing materials and time for careful packing.
During storage, it is a good idea to regularly check the condition of the furniture, if possible. The small storage solution offers its customers the opportunity to manage the storage space remotely using an application, which makes it easier to monitor storage from abroad.
Storing furniture when moving abroad requires careful consideration, but with the right preparations and reliable partners, the process will run safely and the furniture will remain in good condition for the next use.
