Protect Wood Furniture in Non-Climate Storage Units (2025)

Look, I get it – you’ve got this beautiful wooden dining set or that antique dresser that’s been in the family for generations, but now you need to store it somewhere without fancy climate controls. Maybe you’re between homes, downsizing, or just need to clear some space. Whatever the reason, I’ve been there too, and I’ve learned (the hard way) how to do this right.

First things first – wood is fussy. It expands, contracts, warps, and cracks when it feels like it. But with some smart prep work, you can outsmart Mother Nature. Here’s exactly what I do when I need to store wood furniture in regular storage units (like the ones we offer at Plaza Mini Storage.

Clean It Better Than You Think You Need To

I made this mistake once – just gave my grandma’s oak table a quick wipe before storing it. Big mistake. Six months later, I found weird stains that wouldn’t come off. Now I:

• Remove all dust with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (wring it out well!).
• For sticky spots, use a tiny bit of Murphy’s Oil Soap – the old-school kind.
• Let it dry COMPLETELY before doing anything else (I wait at least 24 hours).
• Apply a thin coat of paste wax (not the spray kind) to protect the surface.

Disassemble Like You’re Moving (Because You Kinda Are)

That bookshelf might look sturdy now, but storage units can get wild temperature swings. I learned this when a perfectly good dresser drawer swelled shut after a humid summer. Now I:

• Remove all drawers and doors (label them with masking tape on the inside).
• Take off the legs and leaves from the tables.
• Put all hardware in ziplock bags taped to the furniture.
• Wrap glass inserts separately in moving blankets.

The Moisture Battle Plan

Here’s where most people mess up. You think “I’ll just wrap it in plastic” – NO! That’s how you get moldy, warped furniture. Here’s what actually works:

• Place furniture on 2×4 boards or pallets (never directly on concrete).
• Use those moisture absorber tubs from the hardware store (change them every 2 months).
• Wrap in cotton moving pads (I buy used ones from U-Haul).
• For really humid areas, I throw in some cedar blocks.

Where to Put It in the Unit

Not all spots are created equal. After storing stuff for years, here’s my ideal setup:

• The middle of the unit is best (away from walls where condensation forms).
• Leave at least 6 inches between pieces for air flow.
• Put the most valuable pieces toward the back (less temperature fluctuation).
• Never stack heavy items on wood furniture (I learned this with a warped tabletop).

Pest Control That Actually Works

I don’t care what anyone says – dryer sheets don’t keep mice away. Here’s what does:

• Steel wool in any gaps or holes (mice hate chewing through it).
• Peppermint oil on cotton balls in drawers (refresh every few months).
• Bay leaves scattered around (weird but effective).
• Regular check-ins (I do every 8 weeks).

The One Thing Everyone Forgets

Check on your stuff! I put a reminder in my phone to visit my storage unit every season. When I do, I:

• Look for any new cracks or warping.
• Replace moisture absorbers.
• Shift the furniture slightly to prevent flat spots.
• Check for any signs of pests.

When to Consider Professional Help

If you’ve got a truly valuable antique or something irreplaceable, it might be worth springing for climate-controlled storage. At Plaza Mini Storage, we’ve seen it all – from 100-year-old church pews to mid-century modern collections. Sometimes the extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

Final Pro Tip

Take pictures before you store anything! I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me when putting furniture back together. Snapshots of:

• How the hardware attaches.
• The original setup.
• Any existing damage (for insurance purposes).

Remember, wood furniture can last generations if you treat it right – even in storage. Just don’t make the same mistakes I did! Got any storage horror stories or genius tips? I’d love to hear them – drop a comment below or stop by one of our locations. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned from years in the storage business.