How To Move And Store Leather Furniture

So, you’ve decided to move. Is this going to be your first time, or are you moving again? If you have landed on this page, you are probably trying to find out how to keep your leather furniture intact and in the best condition while being transported or stored for a short or long period of time. In this post, we share essential tips to help you move and store leather furniture safely.

Preparing Your Leather Furniture to be Moved and Stored

Before you move your leather furniture, it’s highly recommended to properly prepare it for transportation. Taking the time to prepare your leather furniture will help ensure its safety and protect it from any potential damage during the move.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the furniture using a mild leather cleaner. This will remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface and prevent it from scratching the leather during transport.

Next, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material moisturized and prevent it from drying out or cracking during the move. Be sure to focus on any areas that are prone to wear and tear, such as the armrests or seat cushions.

When transporting furniture, it’s essential to remove any removable parts, such as cushions or legs, and pack them separately to prevent them from causing damage.

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Materials For Packing Leather Furniture?

To properly pack your leather furniture, you’ll need the appropriate materials. So what are the wrapping materials you will need?

Furniture blankets or moving pads: They are used to protect your leather furniture from scratches and dents. These blankets provide a cushioning layer that absorbs any impact and keeps your furniture safe.

Packing tape: This tape is strong enough to securely seal your furniture and prevent it from opening during transit.

Plastic wrap or stretch wrap: This is essential for keeping your furniture clean and dust-free during the moving process. It also helps to hold the blankets in place and prevents them from sliding off.

Furniture labels or markers: These will come in handy when you need to label your packed furniture or write down any special instructions for the movers.

Wrapping And Protection Methods and Steps

Start by carefully placing furniture blankets or moving pads over your leather furniture to protect it from scratches and dents during the moving process. These blankets or pads act as a barrier between your precious leather furniture and any potential damage that may occur during transportation. Make sure that you cover all exposed surfaces of the furniture, including the arms, backrest, and seat cushions. Use tape or secure straps to hold the blankets or pads in place, ensuring that they remain securely wrapped around the furniture.

In addition to using furniture blankets or moving pads, you can also consider using furniture paper which is mainly used when sending furniture internationally or placing it into long-term storage.

For larger pieces of leather furniture, such as sofas or sectionals, it may be necessary to disassemble them before wrapping. This will make it easier to handle and protect each individual piece. Take note of any screws or fasteners that need to be removed, and keep them in a labelled bag or container to ensure they don’t get lost during the moving process.

Useful tip: Avoid using multicolored blankets or fabrics that might transfer dye onto your leather furniture if moisture or leaks occur.

Securing Leather Furniture Inside The Removal Van Tips

Securing leather furniture inside the removal van requires careful handling to avoid potential damage. To ensure the safety of your leather furniture during transit, there are certain things you should never do.

Firstly, avoid stacking heavy items on top of your leather furniture. The weight of these items can cause dents or tears in the leather, ruining its appearance.

Additionally, refrain from using tape directly on the leather surface. Although it may seem like a quick and easy way to secure loose parts, tape can leave sticky residue or even peel off the top layer of the leather when removed.

Another mistake to avoid is placing leather furniture near sharp objects or edges. Even the slightest contact can result in scratches or punctures.

Furthermore, don’t neglect to use protective covers or blankets. Without proper protection, your leather furniture is more susceptible to scratches, stains, and other forms of damage.

Lastly, don’t overlook securing the furniture in place with straps or ropes. This will prevent it from shifting during transportation and minimize the risk of accidents.

What Not To Do When Moving Leather Furniture

When moving leather furniture, it’s important to avoid certain actions that could potentially damage or ruin the quality of the pieces.

First, don’t drag or slide the furniture across the floor. This can cause scratches or tears in the leather upholstery. Instead, lift the furniture carefully and use furniture sliders or blankets to protect both the furniture and the floor.

Second, don’t expose leather furniture to direct sunlight or extreme heat during the move. Sunlight can cause the leather to fade or crack, while heat can cause it to dry out and lose its natural oils. Keep the furniture away from windows or heat sources, and cover it with a light-colored sheet or blanket to protect it from the sun.

Third, don’t wrap leather furniture in plastic or vinyl covers. These materials don’t allow the leather to breathe and can trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew growth. Instead, use breathable materials like cotton or linen covers to protect the furniture during transit.

Lastly, don’t stack heavy items on top of leather furniture. The weight can cause indentations or deformations in the cushions or frame. When loading the furniture onto a moving truck or into storage, make sure to place it in a secure and stable position, away from any heavy objects.

Check also: Moving furniture on carpets tips

Is It Good Practice To Use Conditioners?

It is strongly advised to apply leather conditioner to your furniture before moving or storing it to keep it in optimal condition. Leather furniture is prone to drying out and cracking, especially when exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. By using a leather conditioner, you can help to maintain its suppleness and prevent any potential damage.

Storing Leather Furniture Best Practices

To ensure the longevity and condition of your leather furniture during storage, it’s essential to follow best practices. Proper preparation and care will help protect your valuable pieces from damage and maintain their quality for years to come.

First, clean your leather furniture thoroughly before storing it. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust, dirt, or crumbs from all surfaces. Then, wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution to remove any stains or spills. Make sure to dry the furniture thoroughly before proceeding.

Next, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and supple. This will prevent it from drying out or cracking while in storage. Apply the conditioner following the manufacturer’s instructions, paying attention to any specific recommendations for your type of leather.

When it comes to storage, choose a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid placing your leather furniture near windows or sources of direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and discoloration. Additionally, make sure to cover your furniture with a breathable fabric or use furniture covers specifically designed for leather to protect it from dust and potential scratches.

How Not To Store Leather Furniture

To ensure the longevity and condition of your leather furniture during storage, it’s important to be aware of how not to store it. Improper storage can lead to irreversible damage, leaving your furniture cracked, faded, or even moldy.

One common mistake is storing leather furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack, while sunlight can fade its color.

It’s also crucial to avoid storing leather furniture in damp or humid areas. Moisture can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can ruin the leather and create an unpleasant odor.

Another mistake to avoid is stacking or piling heavy items on top of your leather furniture. The weight can cause indentation or deformity, leaving your furniture permanently altered.

Lastly, using plastic covers for your leather furniture during storage is a big no-no. Plastic traps moisture, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. Instead, use breathable fabric covers to protect your furniture.

What Storage Is Best For Leather Furniture?

For optimal storage of your leather furniture, it’s important to choose the right type of storage facility. When it comes to storing leather furniture, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, you want a storage unit that’s clean and free from moisture. Leather is a natural material that can be easily damaged by mold and mildew, so it’s crucial to keep it in a dry environment.

Additionally, look for a storage facility that offers temperature-controlled units. Extreme temperatures can cause leather to crack, fade, or warp, so maintaining a consistent temperature is essential.

Another important factor to consider is security. Leather furniture is an investment, and you want to make sure it’s protected while in storage. Look for a facility that has surveillance cameras, secure locks, and perhaps even on-site security personnel.

Finally, make sure the storage unit is large enough to accommodate your furniture without causing unnecessary stress or strain on the leather.

Protection Tips When Moving Leather Furniture In Bad Weather

When moving leather furniture in bad weather, ensuring its protection becomes even more crucial after selecting the right type of storage facility. Bad weather can pose a threat to the quality and appearance of your leather furniture, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to keep it safe and intact.

One of the first steps you can take is to cover your leather furniture with waterproof materials such as plastic or tarps. This will help to prevent any water damage that may occur during the moving process. Additionally, make sure to seal any openings or gaps in the furniture with tape or plastic to keep out moisture.

Another tip is to avoid exposing your leather furniture to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. This can cause the leather to dry out or fade, leading to potential damage. If possible, try to move your furniture during a break in the bad weather, or consider using a professional moving service that has experience handling delicate items in adverse conditions.

Can I Store Leather Furniture In My Garage?

Storing leather furniture in your garage is possible, but it’s generally not recommended due to environmental risks. Garages often experience temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can cause leather to crack, fade, or develop mold. If you must use your garage for storage, ensure you take extra precautions, such as using breathable covers and elevating the furniture off the floor.

Can I Keep The Leather Furniture in Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers can be an option, but they’re typically not designed for the sensitive needs of leather furniture. Without proper climate control, these containers can expose your furniture to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations, which may cause damage. If you opt for a shipping container, be sure to use a climate-controlled unit and take extra precautions by wrapping and insulating your leather pieces.

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