People store antique furniture for all sorts of reasons — collectors with more pieces than space, dealers managing stock, or families who've inherited something too fragile or formal for everyday use. Whatever your reason, antiques need more care than standard household furniture. Get it right and your pieces will come out in exactly the same condition they went in.
Choosing the right storage unit
Temperature fluctuates wildly in outdoor metal containers — humidity builds up, condensation forms, and wood warps. That's the wrong environment for antiques. Look for an indoor, climate-controlled unit that maintains a stable temperature and keeps humidity low. Most reputable self-storage facilities offer climate-controlled rooms — it's worth paying the difference.
Consider access too. A unit with external drive-up access makes loading and unloading easier on awkward pieces. If the unit is indoors, ground floor is preferable — if not, confirm there's a lift large enough for your furniture. Use trolleys where they're available.
Preparing your furniture before it goes in
Clean and treat first
Clean upholstery properly before storage — don't leave it damp. Clean, polish, and wax all wood, metal surfaces, and mirrors. Check for any signs of insect damage or mould and treat them before the item goes into a unit — you don't want either spreading to other pieces.
Document everything
Photograph each piece from multiple angles and write notes describing condition, markings, and any existing damage. Get valuable items professionally valued so you know exactly how much insurance cover to buy. This documentation is invaluable if you ever need to make a claim.
Packing antiques correctly
The most important thing to know: do not use bubble wrap directly against antique wood, leather, or fabric. Bubble wrap traps moisture and can cause cracking, warping, and mildew. Use soft breathable materials instead — furniture blankets, cotton dust sheets, or old towels work well.
- Use specialist boxes for mirrors, lamps, and china — they're designed for fragile items and worth the cost
- Label every box clearly as fragile, with contents listed
- Paintings and mirrors should be stored horizontally, not leant against a wall
- Disassemble large pieces where possible — photograph each step so reassembly is straightforward
- Put screws and fittings in labelled bags and keep them with the piece they belong to
- Don't stack antique furniture on top of each other — even wrapped pieces can be damaged by weight
Insurance for antiques in storage
Insurance matters for any stored belongings — but it's especially important when the contents have significant value. Make sure your policy covers the full replacement value of your pieces, not a rough estimate. If you're storing a collection, consider getting a professional valuation so you can set your cover level accurately.
cover4storage policies start from £15 a year. Set your cover level to the full replacement value — don't underinsure something irreplaceable. Get a quote →
For valuable or antique items, check cover levels on our What's Covered page.