A move is coming up, the renovation is taking longer than planned, or the basement is bursting at the seams. Suddenly the question arises: where to put the furniture? Anyone who wants to store furniture should pay attention to a few things so that the sofa, wardrobe, and mattress still look exactly the same after weeks or months in the storage room.
At IhrLagerplatz in Augsburg, we have been looking after over 1,000 customers since 2011 – and in that time we have seen just about everything that can be done right and wrong when storing furniture. In this guide, we give you 10 tried-and-tested tips to keep your furniture optimally protected.
1. Clean furniture thoroughly before storing it
Dust, crumbs, and stains that seem harmless at first glance can cause mold or unpleasant odors over the course of weeks. That is why the rule is: before a piece of furniture goes into storage, you should clean it thoroughly. Wipe down wooden surfaces, vacuum upholstered furniture, empty drawers and compartments. Let everything dry well before packing it up - residual moisture is the biggest enemy in storage.
2. Disassemble furniture if possible
Beds, shelves, and tables can usually be taken apart easily. This not only saves space in the storage room, but also protects against transport damage. Important: keep all screws and small parts in a labeled bag and tape it directly to the corresponding piece of furniture. That way you will save yourself the search later.
3. Use the right packaging materials
Not every material is suitable for storing furniture. Here is an overview:
Moving blankets and packing blankets – ideal for wooden furniture and sensitive surfaces. They protect against scratches and allow the material to breathe.
Bubble wrap – good for glass tops, mirrors, and delicate corners. Do not wrap it directly around wood, as moisture can build up.
Stretch film – keeps drawers and doors closed during transport. Do not apply directly to painted or polished surfaces, as the film can stick.
Cardboard boxes – for cushions, blankets, and small items. Use sturdy moving boxes and label them.
Important: Avoid plastic bags or airtight films as the sole packaging. Without air circulation, condensation can form, leading to mildew stains or mold.
4. Protect upholstered furniture properly
Sofas, armchairs, and upholstered chairs are particularly sensitive. Vacuum them thoroughly beforehand and cover them with cotton cloths or moving blankets. If possible, place upholstered furniture upright – this saves space and prevents the upholstery from becoming permanently misshapen. If you can remove cushions, store them separately in boxes.
5. Never lay mattresses flat on the floor
Ideally, mattresses should be stored upright or in a mattress storage box. Anyone who lays their mattress flat on the floor for a longer period risks deformation and insufficient ventilation on the underside. At IhrLagerplatz, all storage rooms are heated and dry – this additionally protects your mattress from moisture damage.
6. Protect wooden furniture from temperature fluctuations
Solid wood furniture is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity. With strong fluctuations, the wood can move, warp, or even crack. Therefore, make sure that your storage room is heated and ventilated. Unheated garages or damp basements are unsuitable for storing furniture.
At IhrLagerplatz, all storage rooms are kept at a constant temperature and ventilated throughout the year. These are exactly the conditions wooden furniture needs to be stored successfully over the long term.
7. Heavy furniture at the bottom, light furniture on top
If you are storing several pieces of furniture in one storage room, the order is crucial. Heavy items such as dressers, wardrobes, or tabletops go on the bottom. You stack lighter items and boxes above them. Make sure that nothing is placed on upholstered furniture. The weight can permanently damage the padding.
8. Leave room for air to circulate
Do not place your furniture directly against the walls and leave some space between the pieces. Even in a well-ventilated storage room, air circulation helps prevent moisture. A few centimeters of distance are enough for the air to circulate freely.
9. Inventory and photograph valuables
Before storing everything, make a list and photograph the condition of your furniture. This not only helps you find things again, but is also useful for insurance purposes. At IhrLagerplatz, your stored items are insured. The monthly premium starts at €2.00 for a sum insured of up to €4,000. Details can be found in our insurance terms and conditions.
10. Choose the right storage room
All the previous tips are of little use if the storage room itself is not right. When choosing, pay attention to these points:
Heated and dry: Moisture and cold are the biggest threats to stored furniture. Unheated rooms are not an option.
Ground-level access: Carrying heavy furniture up and down stairs is not only exhausting, but also increases the risk of damage. At IhrLagerplatz, both locations in Augsburg are accessible at ground level.
Security: Video surveillance and staff on site are more important than a fancy app. We have employees on the premises every day – that provides security that no digital access code can replace.
Transport trolleys available: Pallet jacks and transport trolleys make storing items much easier. At IhrLagerplatz, they are available to you free of charge.
What our customers say
„We rented a storage unit here to make our move easier. Renting and canceling are simple and straightforward, and the staff are very friendly. The boxes are clean, heated, and opaque. Overall, the entire facility is very well maintained and well lit. In total, we were very satisfied. If we ever need one again, we would rent a box there again at any time!“
— Google review ★★★★★
Storing furniture in Augsburg – here’s how
If you want to store your furniture safely, it is best to arrange a viewing with us. We will show you different storage sizes and advise you personally on which box suits your needs. You can move into your storage box immediately after signing the contract.
Storage areas: 1 to 32 m², room height 2.5 to 3 meters
Notice period: only 15 days
Access: 365 days a year, 06:00 to 22:00
Prices: from €0.41 per m² per day
Or call us: +49 (0)821 3432270
Frequently asked questions
How do I store furniture properly?
Clean your furniture before storing it, disassemble it if possible, and pack it with breathable materials such as moving blankets. Avoid airtight films and ensure there is space between the pieces of furniture. Most importantly: choose a heated, dry storage room.
Can I store upholstered furniture and mattresses?
Yes, absolutely. You should vacuum upholstered furniture beforehand and cover it with cotton cloths. It is best to store mattresses upright or use a mattress storage box. In a heated storage room like the one at IhrLagerplatz, upholstery and mattresses are well protected.
How long can I store furniture?
As long as you want. At IhrLagerplatz there is no minimum term, and the notice period is only 15 days. Many of our customers store their furniture for several months or even years – over 75% are long-term renters.
Is my furniture insured in the storage room?
Yes. At IhrLagerplatz, your stored items are insured. The monthly premium starts at €2.00 for a sum insured of up to €4,000. Details can be found in our insurance terms and conditions.
Do I need moving helpers or a van?
Pallet jacks and transport trolleys are available free of charge in our storage halls. In addition, through our cooperation partner you can rent a van or book moving helpers.
Your storage space – your self-storage specialist in Augsburg since 2011. Two locations, over 8,000 m² of storage space, fair prices from €0.41 per m² per day. Rent storage space now.