How to Store a Couch in a Storage Unit

ADMIN
February 27th, 2026

A couch is usually one of the largest and most noticeable pieces of furniture in a home. It is also one of the easiest to damage during storage. Fabric can fade or grow musty. Frames can warp. Cushions can flatten if they carry weight for too long.A bit of preparation keeps your couch ready for the next living room instead of the landfill.

Why storing a couch is tricky

Couches mix wood, metal, foam, and fabric in one piece. Each material reacts differently to time and environment. Moisture can swell wood and rust metal. Fabric can hold odors. Foam can compress and stay that way if overloaded.Understanding those weak spots makes it easier to protect the couch as a whole.If you want a deeper dive specifically on this topic, National Storage already has an article focused on tips for moving and storing a couch that covers transport and storage in more detail.

Step 1: Clean the couch thoroughly

Vacuum the entire couch, including under cushions and along seams. Remove crumbs, pet hair, and dust.For fabric couches, spot clean stains with a fabric safe cleaner and allow everything to dry completely. For leather, wipe it with a leather cleaner and consider using a conditioner before storage so it does not dry out.

Step 2: Remove loose pieces

If the couch has removable legs or separate sections, take them apart. Place hardware in a labeled bag and tape it to the underside of the frame so nothing goes missing.This makes the couch easier to move and reduces stress on joints.

Step 3: Use breathable covers

Cover the couch with furniture pads, moving blankets, or cotton sheets. The goal is to keep dust off without trapping moisture inside.Avoid sealing the couch tightly in plastic for long term storage. Plastic can hold condensation against fabric and leather, which leads to mold, mildew, or cracking.

Step 4: Position it correctly in the unit

Store the couch in its normal position on its feet. Do not stand it on one end or on the arm. That can shift the frame and cause sagging over time.Keep the couch slightly off the floor with blocks or pallets if possible. This protects it from any moisture that might collect at floor level.Leave space around the sides so air can move and so you can walk past without brushing against the fabric with dirty boxes or tools.If you are also storing dining furniture or other large pieces, the post on how to move a dining room table has good reminders about disassembly and protection that apply across different types of furniture.

Step 5: Choose an appropriate unit

Couches appreciate a stable environment. A climate controlled storage unit is ideal, especially for leather or high end upholstery.National Storage offers a range of unit sizes and types. You can check current options and locations to see what fits both your couch and your budget.

Keeping your main seating ready for its next home

A couch that has been stored with care should come back out looking like itself. Clean it, cover it with breathable materials, keep it upright, and give it enough space. That combination protects both comfort and appearance.