Expert Tips for Preparing Your Valuables for Long-Term Storage

Sometimes, storage is a lifesaver. Whether you’re downsizing your home, relocating abroad or simply need some room to breathe, long-term storage is often the safest solution for your precious belongings.

That being said, preparing items properly is crucial to keeping them secure, protected, and in pristine condition, whether you’re tucking them away for months or years.

With more than 170 years of removals and storage expertise, here at Bishop’s Move, we’ve handled everything from fine art and antiques to everyday household items. Here, our trusted removal expert, Mark Allan, is sharing their top tips for preparing your valuables for long-term storage. 

“Storing items is so much more than just packing them away in a container. It’s about making sure they come out in the same condition they went in, and ensuring the customer feels confident of that every step of the way.”

Mark Allan, Training Manager, at Bishop’s Move

1. Clean and Prepare Your Items Before Storing 

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your belongings to go into long-term storage is to give everything a good clean before it goes into a unit. Even the smallest traces of dust, grime or moisture can cause damage if left for years, or even just months. Take the time to prepare your items properly, and they’ll come out of storage in the same condition they went in. 

1.1 Why Cleaning Matters 

• It prevents mould and mildew: Fabrics and soft furnishings stored with even the smallest traces of dampness can quickly turn mouldy.
• Prevents odours: Items that aren’t washed or wiped down before going into storage can absorb smells, making them more difficult to refresh later.
• Protects surfaces: Dust and dirt particles can scratch furniture finishes over time, especially wood, glass, and leather. 

1.2. Preparing Different Types of Items for Storage

• Furniture: Wipe wooden and metal surfaces with a soft cloth. For leather furniture, you should treat items with a suitable conditioner in order to prevent cracking.
• Appliances: Defrost and clean fridges, freezers and microwaves. Make sure all appliances are fully dry before storing. 
• Clothing and fabrics: Wash and thoroughly dry before folding. Store in breathable containers, never plastic bags. This will help reduce the risk of any trapped moisture. 

1.3. Disassembling Larger Items

Where possible, it’s best to take furniture apart before storage. Removing table legs, shelves, or headboards helps save space and reduces the risk of parts being damaged. Store screws, bolts and any fittings in clearly labelled bags taped securely to the item they go with to prevent headaches and frustration at the other end of the storage journey. 

“Disassembly makes moving and storing bulky furniture much safer. Keeping fixings in labelled bags also saves hours of frustration when it’s time to reassemble.”

2. Use the Right Packing Materials

Once your items are clean and ready for storage, the next step is making sure you pack them properly. Ensuring you have the right materials, designed to protect your belongings, keeps everything safe for the long haul. It can be tempting to reuse old Amazon boxes or stick items in plastic bags, but these materials won’t give your belongings the protection required for long-term storage. Quality packing materials are a small investment compared to the potential cost of having to replace or repair any items damaged. 

2.1. Choosing Sturdy Boxes

• Double-walled cardboard boxes provide extra strength and are less likely to buckle under weight. 
• Avoid using old or second-hand boxes that might be weakened from use.
• Pack heavier items, like books, into smaller boxes to prevent damage, as well as injuries when lifting.

2.2 Wrapping Fragile Items

• Use acid-free tissue paper when wrapping delicate items like glassware, ornaments and crockery. 
• Bubble wrap provides cushioning, but it should be used alongside paper to avoid direct contact with certain surfaces, such as polished silver.
• Wrap every item individually in order to prevent chips or scratches.

“Using the appropriate wrapping materials makes all the difference. Acid-free paper, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes keep even the most fragile belongings safe over years of storage. It’s not worth skimping here – you’ll end up paying more in the long run.”

2.3. Avoiding Plastic Bags for Fabrics

It can seem practical to pack clothes, linens and small soft furnishings in plastic bags for storage, but this can trap moisture and potentially lead to mould and odours. Instead, opt for breathable fabric storage bags or acid-free boxes to allow proper air circulation. 

2.4. Specialist Packing Solutions

Some items will need more than standard wrappings and boxes to protect them in the right way. At Bishop’s Move, we can provide custom crating and packaging for works of art, antiques, instruments and much more. Our bespoke storage solutions are designed to protect specialist items against humidity, impact and other long-term storage conditions. 

“We regularly build custom crates for high-value items. Whether it’s a painting or a grand piano, having tailored packaging ensures it arrives and stays in perfect condition.”

3. Protect Furniture and Upholstery

Larger furniture items, like sofas, dining tables and mattresses, are some of the most at-risk during long-term storage. Without the appropriate protection, they can pick up scratches, dust, and even mould. Making sure to prepare your furniture properly ensures that it stays in top condition throughout storage and is ready to use the moment it comes out. 

3.1. Covering Upholstery

• Use breathable fabric covers for sofas, mattresses and chairs, rather than plastic sheeting, which can trap condensation and lead to mould. 
• Specialist storage covers are made to keep dust out but allow air to circulate. 
• For another layer of protection, vacuum and clean upholstery before you cover it for storage. 

3.2. Wrapping Wooden and Leather Furniture

• Wrap wooden furniture items with moving blankets or furniture pads in order to prevent scratches.
• Apply polish or conditioner to wood and leather items before storing to help protect against drying out.
• Use corner protectors for tables, desks, etc, to avoid knocks during handling.

“Furniture protection isn’t just about throwing on a dust sheet. Using breathable covers and pads prevents long-term damage and keeps items looking as good as new.”

3.3. Allow for Airflow

Airflow is often underestimated, but it’s essential in helping prevent moisture build-up. 

• Leave small gaps between large items in storage.
• Store furniture items slightly raised off the ground using pallets or blocks, particularly if being stored long-term.
• Try not to stack heavy boxes directly on top of soft furnishings or wooden surfaces, as this can cause damage over time. 

4. Label and Catalogue Everything

When items are stored for months or years, it’s easy to forget where everything was put. A clear system for labelling and cataloguing your belongings will help save stress when it comes to retrieving them later, and help ensure valuables can be located quickly if you ever need to access them. 

4.1. Label Boxes Clearly

• Write the contents and room name on each box in large, easy-to-read writing.
• Use fragile labels where needed, so that delicate items are treated with extra care.
• Keep a detailed list of everything that’s going into storage and organise by box order.
• Number each box and link it to your inventory list.

“A good inventory isn’t just about organisation, but about giving you complete confidence in knowing exactly where your belongings are at any time.” 

4.2 Box Placement for Easy Access

• If you know you’ll likely need access to some items while they’re in storage, make sure to mark those boxes with a different coloured label, tape or stickers. 
• Store these near the entrance to the unit or on top of stacks for easier access.

“Clients often thank us months later for encouraging them to label and list everything properly. It saves hours of rummaging and removes the frustration of searching through unmarked boxes.”

5. Consider Climate Control for Delicate Items

Not all items are suited to typical storage conditions. Some valuables, like antiques or artwork, can be very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. For things like this, climate-controlled storage can provide an extra layer of protection, keeping your belongings safe for years to come. 

5.1. Why Climate Control Matters

• Temperature fluctuations can cause wood to expand and contract, leading to warping and cracks.
• Humidity can create mildew or mould, especially on fabrics, paper or leather goods. 
• Delicate finishes like paints, gilding or varnishes can deteriorate in conditions that are too hot or damp. 

5.2. Items That Benefit Most From Climate Control

• Works of Art and Antiques: Paintings, sculptures and antique items need stable conditions to prevent damage or deterioration.
• Musical Instruments: Pianos, violins and guitars are very sensitive to moisture and temperature levels. 
• Documents and Photographs: Paper and prints can fade, yellow or curl if stored in conditions that are not level and just right. 

“Climate-controlled storage is essential for valuables like paintings, pianos, or family heirlooms. It prevents warping, mould, and damage that can’t be undone.”

5.3 Choosing the Right Unit

When arranging storage, ask your solution provider about climate-controlled options. Here at Bishop’s Move, our facilities are designed to provide a stable environment that will benefit your most prized possessions. 

“We tailor storage to the items you’re placing with us. Whether it’s everyday furniture or rare artwork, the right environment makes all the difference.”

Preparing your belongings for long-term storage is all about ensuring your items have the best chance of coming out of storage in the same condition they went in. From cleaning and wrapping to choosing the right environment, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping items safe for months or even years.

“Whether it’s a single box of memories or an entire household of belongings, our goal is always the same: to keep your possessions safe until the day you need them again.” 

Discover more about Bishop’s Move’s secure storage services today, and let us help you protect what matters most.