Leather furniture is a timeless investment, offering elegance, comfort, and durability. But when it comes time to put it in storage—whether you’re moving, downsizing, or redecorating—proper care is crucial to preserving its quality. Unlike fabric or wood furniture, leather requires special attention to avoid damage from humidity, dust, and improper handling.
To help you store your leather furniture the right way, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will keep it looking as good as new.
1. Make your leather furniture spotless before storage
Before storing your furniture, start with a deep clean. Dust, dirt, and moisture can lead to long-term damage, so take time to properly prepare your pieces.
- Use a leather cleaning foam to remove dust, grime, and potential mold spores.
- Wipe in circular motions to ensure even cleaning.
- Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step—trapping moisture inside can lead to mold.
- Use only specialty leather products to avoid harmful chemicals that could weaken or dry out the leather.
2. Apply a leather conditioner for extra protection
Leather is prone to cracking if it dries out. After cleaning, apply a high-quality leather conditioning cream to maintain its suppleness. This simple step helps prevent dryness and keeps your furniture looking smooth and polished.
Bonus tip: Be sure to use a conditioner specifically designed for leather—not just any household product.
3. Disassemble your furniture if possible
If your furniture allows, disassemble it to make moving and storage easier. For example, remove cushions and store them separately to prevent indentations. Any detachable parts, such as legs or armrests, should also be removed.
Wrap all disassembled parts in the same type of breathable covers used for the main furniture piece to protect them from dust and damage.
Secure small components, like screws and bolts, in labeled bags to avoid losing them during reassembly.
By breaking down your furniture before storage, you reduce the risk of damage and make better use of your storage space.
4. Wrap your furniture with care
The process of moving and storing furniture can be tedious, but proper wrapping can help ease the burden and ensure protection.
“Use a breathable cover or cloth to protect leather from dust and scratches while allowing air circulation,” advises the team at Clyde’s Leather Company. While plastic wrap might seem like a good option, their team warns against it. “Plastic traps moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth on the leather surface.” Instead, opting for breathable materials will help preserve your leather items during the move.
Investing in a high-quality cover can be your best defense, serving as the first barrier between your furniture and the elements. Tuck the cover in snugly, as loose covers can allow dust and dirt to accumulate, defeating their protective purpose.
Silica gel packs are also an effective way to control humidity, so use them as needed. Another excellent moisture-absorbing solution is activated charcoal, which works similarly. Pre-packaged activated charcoal bags can be conveniently placed near or directly on the furniture, acting as a natural dehumidifier.
5. What storage unit should you choose for your leather furniture?
For leather furniture, a climate-controlled storage unit is the best choice. It helps prevent fading, cracking, and moisture damage by maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels.
Once you’ve decided on climate control, the next step is choosing the right unit size. A 10×15 storage unit typically provides enough space for a couch and armchairs, ensuring they remain well-ventilated. If you’re unsure what size you need, our storage unit size calculator can help.
On average, a climate-controlled 10×15 unit costs around $178 per month nationwide, while a non-climate-controlled 10×15 unit is about $157 per month. Climate-controlled units generally cost more, but the added protection is worth it for valuable leather pieces.
Storing your furniture in the right unit helps preserve its quality and protect it from long-term damage, giving you peace of mind.
6. How should you store leather furniture inside your unit?
Now that you’ve prepared your leather furniture and placed it in the right storage unit, it’s time for the final step: proper storage placement. Taking the right precautions at this stage will help preserve its condition and extend its lifespan. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Keep leather furniture off bare cement floors. Cement absorbs and releases moisture, increasing humidity levels and promoting mold growth. Instead, elevate your furniture using wood pallets or similar materials to create a protective barrier.
- Handle with care during the move. Take extra precautions to ensure sharp corners or rough surfaces don’t scratch or puncture the leather. If using professional movers, instruct them to handle the furniture with care and consider adding padding or buffers for extra protection.
- Never stack leather furniture. Leather is delicate and prone to tearing, so avoid placing heavy items on top of it. Instead, arrange your pieces with ample space to allow for proper air circulation. A well-ventilated setup helps maintain the leather’s quality and prevents deterioration.
7. What else can you do to ensure your furniture’s longevity?
Once your furniture is in storage, staying on top of its condition should be a priority.
- Every couple of months, visit your storage unit to rotate the cushions and inspect each piece for any signs of damage. This allows you to catch potential issues early and prevent long-term wear.
- Pay close attention to temperature and humidity levels, especially for leather furniture. Since leather damage is irreversible, prevention is key. Keeping the environment stable will help maintain its quality over time.
- To avoid losing track of your belongings, create a catalog of everything stored in the unit. Periodically reviewing your inventory will help ensure nothing is overlooked, whether it’s a scratch, a crumpled cushion, or any other sign of deterioration.
- If your leather furniture is particularly valuable, investing in storage insurance can provide extra peace of mind. This added protection can cover potential damage, ensuring your items remain safe.
Leather furniture is a timeless statement piece, but maintaining it requires careful handling. Since damage is often permanent and difficult to repair, it’s important to take the necessary precautions before storage. Cleaning and conditioning the leather, disassembling and wrapping each piece in breathable covers, and choosing a climate-controlled unit will go a long way in preserving its beauty. With the right approach, your furniture will remain in excellent condition for years to come.
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