THE SHORT VERSION
Furniture stores best when it is clean, dry and protected without being sealed so tightly that moisture has nowhere to go. Give every piece time to dry after cleaning, and photograph valuable or complicated items before dismantling them.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Remove shelves, legs and loose fittings where it is safe to do so. Put screws and brackets in labelled bags and tape each bag to the underside of the matching piece rather than placing all hardware in one box. Use breathable furniture covers or clean cotton sheets for timber and upholstered pieces. Avoid pressing plastic directly against wood or fabric for long periods. Stand mattresses flat only when the manufacturer allows it, and never rest heavy boxes on sofas or padded chairs. Leave a small gap around furniture so air can circulate, and keep all items off the floor on pallets or shelving if the unit setup allows.
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Plan the unit around the order you will need things again. Large pieces can sit at the back, but spare chairs, a desk or seasonal furniture should remain reachable without unpacking the entire space.
