A Long-term Investment
Leather furniture is one of those timeless investments that combines comfort, durability, and style. Whether it’s a beloved leather sofa, recliner, or dining set, the right care can keep your pieces looking beautiful for decades. But what happens when you need to put your leather furniture into storage? Without the right precautions, leather can crack, fade, or grow mould — and nobody wants to retrieve damaged furniture after months in storage.
At Big Box Self Storage, we know how important it is to keep your furniture in top condition while it’s stored away. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly prepare, pack, and protect leather furniture in a storage unit.
1. Clean Before You Store
Before moving your leather furniture into a storage unit, give it a thorough clean. Dirt, oils, and even tiny food crumbs can damage leather over time or attract pests.
- Vacuum in creases and seams to remove dust and debris.
- Wipe down surfaces with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
- Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent it from drying out.
A proper clean will help your furniture go into storage fresh and come out in the same condition.
2. Choose the Right Storage Unit
Leather is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Too much moisture can cause mould, while overly dry conditions may lead to cracking. That’s why ventilation is so important.
At Big Box Self Storage, all of our units are air-ventilated, helping reduce the risk of dampness and stale air build-up. This airflow provides added protection for leather furniture compared to sealed or non-ventilated spaces, keeping your items fresher for longer.
3. Cover, Don’t Wrap Tightly
It’s tempting to wrap furniture in plastic for protection, but with leather, this can do more harm than good. Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mould and mildew.
Instead, use:
- Breathable covers like cotton sheets or furniture blankets.
- Specialised furniture covers designed for leather.
These protect against dust and scratches while allowing the leather to “breathe.”
Lounge Suite Covers and Flannel Blankets are available in our Box Shop.
4. Store Off the Floor
Even in secure storage, accidents like spills or condensation can occur. To protect your leather furniture from unexpected dampness:
- Place furniture on pallets, wooden boards, or even moving blankets to create a barrier between the floor and your items.
This small step adds an extra layer of protection against moisture damage.
5. Keep Furniture Elevated and Upright
When arranging your storage unit, avoid stacking heavy items on top of leather furniture, as this can leave dents or cause permanent shape changes.
- Store sofas and chairs in their natural upright position.
- Place lighter items like cushions in sealed bags and store them separately.
Proper positioning ensures your furniture maintains its shape during storage.
6. Allow Space for Airflow
Leather needs a bit of airflow to prevent musty smells and mould. Don’t cram your unit wall-to-wall. Leave a little breathing room between items and keep furniture slightly away from the walls.
7. Visit Periodically
If you’re storing leather furniture for more than a few months, it’s worth checking in from time to time. A quick visit allows you to:
- Inspect for early signs of mould or cracking.
- Wipe down surfaces if needed.
- Re-apply conditioner every 6–12 months to keep the leather nourished.
This simple routine helps you stay ahead of potential issues.
Looking for more cleaning options whilst the furniture is in storage? Leather Furniture Cleaning
8. Moving Furniture Into and Out of Storage
When transporting your leather furniture:
- Use moving blankets to protect corners and surfaces during loading.
- Avoid dragging items across floors to prevent damage to legs or seams.
- Ask for help — leather furniture can be heavy and awkward to move alone.
A little care during the move goes a long way in preventing scratches and tears
Why Proper Storage Matters
Leather furniture is an investment, and with the right storage approach, you can extend its life dramatically. Storing it properly not only preserves its appearance but also saves money in the long run by reducing the risk of repairs or replacement.
At Big Box Self Storage, we provide clean, airy, secure units, designed to protect your most valuable belongings. Whether you’re storing leather furniture for a house move, renovation, or simply to free up space, we’ll help you keep it safe until you need it again.
Finally
Storing leather furniture isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of preparation. Clean it, condition it, choose the right unit, and store it carefully with room to breathe. By following these simple steps, your sofa, chairs, and other leather pieces will look just as good coming out of storage as they did going in.
Looking for the ideal place to store your leather furniture? Contact Big Box Self Storage today to find out more about our climate-controlled storage options.