The Ultimate Guide: How to Safely Store Antique Furniture in Sydney

Storing antique furniture requires a lot more than just placing it in a storage unit. Whether you’re moving, renovating, or simply looking for extra space, ensuring the longevity of your valuable pieces demands special attention. This guide will help you understand the best practices to safely store antique furniture in Sydney, where temperature and humidity can have significant impacts on delicate materials.

Sydney's humid summers and varying temperatures make it critical to take the necessary steps to protect your furniture from moisture damage, mould growth, and environmental wear and tear. Here’s everything you need to know to store your furniture safely.

1. Clean and Prepare Your Furniture Thoroughly

Before placing your furniture into storage, preparation is essential:

• Clean your furniture thoroughly: Use a soft cloth and mild cleaners appropriate for the specific material. For wooden furniture, use a furniture polish to protect the surface. If you’re storing leather, treat it with a leather conditioner to prevent cracking. For upholstered furniture, vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.
• Treat for pests: Make sure your furniture is pest-free before storage. Insects like moths or termites can cause serious damage, especially to wooden furniture and fabric items.
• Disassemble large pieces: Break down larger pieces of furniture like dining tables, bed frames, or couches. This helps save space and reduces the risk of damage during the storage process.

2. Choose the Right Storage Unit for Antique Furniture

Sydney’s climate can fluctuate dramatically, so it’s important to choose a storage solution that can protect your furniture pieces from these changes.

• Self-storage unit or peer-to-peer storage: Services like Spacemate allow you to rent local storage space, which can be more affordable than traditional self-storage. When selecting a unit, ensure that the space is clean, dry, and secure.
• Climate-controlled storage: While not always necessary, climate-controlled units offer the best protection against temperature and humidity fluctuations. These units keep humidity levels constant, preventing mould or cracking of your antique furniture.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Ensure your storage unit has no windows or exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause furniture deterioration, fading wood finishes, and upholstery fabrics.

3. Proper Packing Materials Are Critical

Investing in proper packing materials is a critical aspect of keeping your antique furniture safe during storage.

• Bubble wrap: Protect delicate areas like chair legs, table corners, or fragile items such as mirrors. However, avoid using plastic wrap directly on wooden furniture, as it can trap moisture and lead to mould or mildew growth.
• Breathable covers: Use cotton sheets or furniture blankets to cover your pieces. This allows air to circulate, preventing condensation and mould growth, while keeping dust and dirt off your furniture.
• Cushion and elevate: Use pallets or boards to elevate your furniture from the floor. This helps keep it dry in case of any potential leaks or moisture in the storage space.
• Packing paper and packing peanuts: Use these materials for smaller and more fragile items, like lamps, sculptures, or artwork.

4. Organise the Storage Space Effectively

Once your furniture is packed, it’s crucial to organise your storage space strategically to ensure everything stays in good condition.

• Place larger items first: Begin by storing the bulkier items like your couch or dining tables. This will create a solid base for smaller pieces or boxes to be stored on top.
• Store upright where possible: Where possible, store furniture in an upright position to save space. Just make sure to cushion and protect areas that might bear weight.
• Leave gaps for air circulation: Make sure to leave space between your furniture and the walls of your unit. This promotes airflow and helps prevent mould and mildew from forming.
• Create an inventory: Keep a detailed list of what’s stored where. This can help you keep track of your belongings and make it easier to find items when needed.

5. Best Practices for Long-Term Storage in Sydney’s Climate

Sydney’s humid summers and occasional rainfall make it essential to adopt best practices for long-term storage.

• Monitor humidity: Consider using a dehumidifier in your storage unit if possible, to keep humidity levels low and avoid moisture damage.
• Avoid stacking heavy items: Don’t place heavy boxes or objects on top of delicate or antique furniture. This can lead to breakage, especially if the furniture is fragile.
• Inspect your furniture periodically: If you’re storing your furniture for a long period, check on it periodically to ensure that no issues like mould or pest damage arise.

6. Specific Tips for Storing Different Types of Antique Furniture

Different materials and types of antique furniture require specialised care when placed in storage.

• Wooden Furniture: Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap, then apply a polish to protect the finish. Make sure the wood is completely dry before storing it.
• Upholstered Furniture: Vacuum and clean thoroughly before storage. Use breathable covers to protect the upholstery.
• Leather Furniture: Apply a leather conditioner before storing to prevent drying or cracking. Ensure the storage space is cool and dry to protect the leather from damage.
• Glass and Mirrors: Wrap glass and mirrors in bubble wrap and place cardboard between glass panels to prevent breakage.

Why SpaceMate is the Perfect Solution for Storing Antique Furniture in Sydney

When it comes to storing your furniture in Sydney, Spacemate offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional storage facilities. Instead of large commercial storage units, Spacemate connects you with local storage spaces provided by individuals. This peer-to-peer model allows you to find more affordable storage that suits your needs, whether you need short-term or long-term options, climate control, a large or small space, or in close proximity to your house. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to store antique furniture in a self storage unit?

To safely store antique furniture in a self storage unit, first decide whether you will go with a storage unit that is climate-controlled to prevent damage from humidity and temperature fluctuations. This may depend on duration of storage, type of furniture and cost. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your furniture pieces using a gentle cleaner that won't harm the finish. After cleaning, allow the furniture to dry completely. Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect fragile items and prevent scratches. Additionally, consider using a breathable cover to shield the furniture from dust while allowing air circulation to avoid mould and mildew.

2. Should I disassemble my antique furniture before putting it in a storage unit?

Disassembling furniture pieces can be beneficial for storage as it saves space and reduces the risk of damage. However, before removal, take detailed pictures of each piece to assist with reassembly later. Keep all screws and hardware in a clearly labeled bag. If your furniture has intricate designs or is particularly fragile, it may be best to leave it intact and wrap it carefully instead.

4. Is it safe to use plastic wrap for storing antique furniture?

While plastic wrap can be useful for some furniture storage applications, it is generally not recommended for antique furniture. Plastic can trap moisture, which can lead to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use breathable materials like cotton or