How to Store a Couch in a Storage Unit

At Pay Less For Storage, all our storage units are converted shipping containers, which thanks to their spacious interiors, are great storage for couches of all shapes and sizes. From a modular L-shaped sofa to a decadent chaise longue, you’ll have no trouble fitting your furniture in our units.

However, knowing how to store a couch in a storage unit properly is just as important as finding a suitable unit. Whether you’re moving, decorating or getting a new sofa with plans of selling your old one, knowing the best way to store a couch in a storage unit is the only way to ensure it’s well-protected.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing your couch safely and effectively. If you have more than just a sofa to store, take a look at our other guide on how to store furniture.

How to Move a Couch into Storage

1. Measure

First things first, it’s important to know just how big your sofa is — not just to make sure you can move it out of your home (it got in there somehow!) but to find a suitable place to store it and a big enough van to move it.

Measure the length, height and width (or depth) of your couch and take each measurement twice to be absolutely sure you have the right dimensions. If you have any doubts when choosing the size of your storage unit or van, opt for a slightly larger one, if possible.

Pro Tip: Remember to think about your exit points. If, for example, you live in a flat and need to navigate stairs, corridors and tight corners, plan your route carefully to avoid any potential damage to your sofa or your home.

2. Find the Best Storage

With the dimensions of your sofa in hand, it’s time to find the best storage unit. Choose a unit that’s big enough not only for your couch but for anything else you might need to store, either now or in the future. It’s important to consider manoeuvrability as well as you’ll want to ensure you can easily move the couch in and out without any hassle.

It’s also worth thinking about the location and opening hours of the storage facility, as you’ll want to find one that’s both easy to get to, easy to access and has good security measures in place.

3. Disassemble (if possible)

If you can take your sofa apart, do it. Removing parts like the legs, cushions and any other detachable sections will make the couch easier to handle and store. Dismantling larger sections can also help fit the sofa into the storage unit more efficiently, maximising space and ensuring better protection for each part. Additionally, disassembling reduces the risk of damaging the sofa and your home during the move.

Pro Tip: Even taking the legs off can make all the difference when getting it through tight doorways.

4. Clean

Whether or not you disassemble your sofa, be sure to give it a thorough clean before moving it into your unit, as dirt and bacteria can develop mould, which could seriously damage your couch over time.

The cleaning process for your sofa could be different depending on whether it’s made from fabric or leather:

For Fabric Sofas

• Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the entire surface and underneath the cushions to remove any dust, dirt and debris.
• Lint Roll & Brush: Tools like lint rollers and soft brushes can make the job easier. You could also use sellotape to pick up crumbs and bits of dirt from those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
• Spot Clean: Treat stains using a fabric cleaner suitable for your sofa’s material.
• Deep Clean: If possible, use a steam cleaner for a deeper clean and make sure it’s completely dry before putting it in storage.

For Leather Sofas

• Vacuum: Similar to a fabric sofa, the first step is to vacuum the surface and under the cushions to remove any dust, dirt or debris.
• Clean and Condition: Use a leather cleaner to wipe down the surface, followed by a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent it from drying out during its time in storage.
• Homemade Solutions: If you’re trying to cut costs, you can create your own cleaning solution using equal parts water and vinegar. You can also use beeswax to create a homemade leather conditioner.
• Avoid Moisture: Ensure the leather is completely dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew.

A clean sofa not only stays in better condition but also helps prevent unwanted odours in your unit, which is especially important if you plan on storing other items alongside your sofa.

Pro Tip: If your couch has wooden components, such as legs, treat them with a wooden furniture wax using a soft, cotton cloth to protect and polish them.

5. Protect

Properly protecting your sofa is crucial to ensure it comes out of storage in the same condition it went in. Start by wrapping the entire couch in furniture blankets or quality cotton dust sheets. These provide a soft layer that guards against scratches, dust and dirt.

Next, secure the blankets with bungee cords or packing straps to keep them in place. If your sofa has any delicate areas, like wooden legs or decorative elements, add extra padding for additional protection. For the cushions, place them in breathable fabric bags or boxes to keep them clean and dry. This way, your couch will stay in excellent shape and be ready for use when you need it again.

Pro Tip: Avoid using plastic materials to wrap your sofa in, especially for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew.

6. Transport

When it comes to transporting your sofa, safety and careful handling are key. Begin by planning your move carefully to avoid damaging your sofa or your home. As anyone who’s ever moved a sofa knows, they’re typically heavy and awkward to carry and it might be worth asking for some help from your friends or family.

When loading the sofa onto the moving van, place it against the back wall and secure it with bungee cords or ropes to keep it secured while on the road. To prevent permanent marks or scratches, it’s usually best to avoid stacking other items on top of it.

Pro Tip: For the sake of looking after yourself as well as your sofa, you (and the person helping you) should stand at either end of the couch, bend at the knees and hold it at its lowest point. Be sure to lift with your legs — not your back — and move slowly, especially if someone is walking backwards.

7. Move In

First, prepare your unit by laying down some tarpaulin to prevent moisture from seeping into the couch. You could also raise your sofa off the floor by placing it on wooden pallets, which will provide extra protection from potential dampness.

At Pay Less For Storage, all our units have drive-up access which means you can park right outside your unit before unloading your van. However, if you have to carry your sofa from the van to your unit, start by clearing a path between the two. This will make moving it easier and help avoid accidental damage to your couch.

When it comes to actually putting the sofa in your unit, it’s best to place the couch in its natural horizontal position, as this will help maintain its structural integrity. It’s also best to ensure the couch is placed at least 10 cm away from the walls to allow for airflow and prevent condensation buildup.

Pro Tip: Avoid stacking items on top of or too close to your sofa. Items stored on top could damage the material and flatten the cushions while having extra space around your sofa can help maintain its condition.

FAQs

What is the best way to store a sofa?

The best way to store a sofa is to clean it thoroughly, disassemble it if possible, wrap it in removal blankets and keep ample space around the sofa for optimal airflow.

Should you wrap a couch for storage?

Yes, you should wrap your couch in furniture blankets or moving pads to protect it from dust, dirt and potential damage. However, avoid using plastic materials, especially for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture and lead to mould and mildew.

Is it OK to store a couch standing up?

It’s generally not recommended to store a couch standing up, as this can cause structural damage over time. Instead, place the couch in its natural horizontal position to maintain its shape and integrity.

How do you safeguard a sofa while storing it in a storage unit?

To safeguard a sofa, clean it thoroughly, disassemble it if possible, wrap it in protective coverings and place it at least 10 cm away from walls to allow for airflow. Ensure the storage unit is dry.

How do you put a sofa into storage?

To put a sofa into storage, start by cleaning it and disassembling any removable parts. Wrap the sofa in furniture blankets, transport it carefully to the storage unit and place it in a horizontal position, ensuring there is enough space around it for airflow.