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Before storing a wooden almirah or bed, check for termite signs such as mud tubes, holes and powder, and get any infested piece treated first. Empty, clean and fully dry the furniture, take beds apart, and cover pieces with cotton sheets rather than tight plastic. Raise furniture off the floor and leave a gap from walls.
A solid wooden almirah or a sheesham bed can last decades, but termites and damp can damage wood quickly, especially after the monsoon. If you're moving such furniture into storage, the most important work is done before it leaves your home: checking for pests, cleaning, drying and taking pieces apart carefully.
This guide covers how to inspect, prepare, wrap and place wooden furniture so it's in the same condition when it comes back.
What are the signs of termites in furniture?
- Thin mud tubes on the furniture or nearby walls.
- Small holes, or fine powder or droppings near joints.
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Discarded wings near windows or lights.
If you see any of these, get the piece treated by a pest control professional before you store or move it, so pests don't spread to other belongings.
How should wooden furniture be prepared?
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Empty every drawer and shelf | Reduces weight and stops items shifting |
| Clean dust and food crumbs | Removes things that attract pests |
| Let the wood dry fully | Damp wood can attract termites and grow mould |
| Take beds apart and bag the hardware | Makes pieces easier to move and protects joints |
| Remove or tape almirah keys | Stops keys getting lost or doors swinging open |
How should you wrap wooden furniture?
- Cover pieces with cotton sheets or furniture blankets, which let the wood breathe.
- Avoid wrapping wood tightly in plastic for long periods, which can trap moisture.
- Pad corners and carved edges.
- Keep mirrors and glass panels wrapped separately and marked fragile.
Our guide on preserving furniture in storage has more tips.
How should furniture be placed in the unit?
Raise furniture off the floor on pallets or wooden blocks, and leave a gap from the walls so air can move. Keep almirahs upright. Store bed headboards and boards on their side, not flat with weight on top. Don't stack heavy boxes on wooden tops. For damp-season tips, see protecting stored belongings from monsoon damp.
Why is furniture in storage at risk from termites?
Termites feed on wood and other cellulose material such as cardboard and paper. Furniture that already carries termites, or is stored on damp floors, against damp walls, or in cardboard that stays moist, gives them what they need. In Delhi NCR, the monsoon and the months after it are the riskiest, as humidity is high. Most problems in storage start with furniture that was already infested at home, so checking before storage matters more than anything else.
Are some woods and materials more at risk?
| Material | Risk level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Softwoods and untreated wood | Higher | Inspect closely; ask a pest control professional about treatment before storage |
| Plywood, MDF and particle board | Can be at risk, and also swells with damp | Keep very dry and off the floor; check edges and joints |
| Solid hardwoods such as sheesham or teak | Often more resistant, but not immune | Inspect joints, drawer runners and undersides |
| Cane and rattan | Can attract insects and absorbs moisture | Clean, dry fully, store off the floor |
| Cardboard boxes and paper | Food for termites | Keep boxes off the floor and away from walls; don't store damp boxes |
Should furniture be treated before storage?
If you see any signs of termites, such as mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, fine powder or small holes, deal with it before storage. Ask a licensed pest control professional to inspect and treat the furniture, and let it dry and air fully afterwards. Don't move infested furniture into storage, as the problem can spread to other items. Self Storage India facilities have regular pest control, but that doesn't replace checking your own furniture first.
Why do pallets and spacing matter?
- Off the floor: pallets or planks keep furniture away from floor moisture and make it easier to see any problem early.
- Away from walls: a small gap lets air move and reduces damp.
- Space between items: don't pack furniture so tightly that air can't circulate.
- Legs up where possible: tables can sometimes be stored on their tops on a padded surface, with legs removed.
How often should you check stored furniture?
For long-term storage, visit every few months, and especially after the monsoon. Look for:
- Mud tubes on furniture, boxes or pallets.
- Fine dust or powder near joints or under items.
- Soft or damaged cardboard.
- A musty smell, which can mean damp.
If you see anything, tell the facility team and take photos.
What should you do when furniture comes out of storage?
- Inspect each piece before taking it into your new home.
- Wipe down and air in shade.
- Check joints, drawers and the undersides.
- If you're moving into a new home, consider a pest control treatment before furniture goes in.
What are common mistakes?
- Storing furniture without checking for existing termites.
- Placing furniture directly on the floor.
- Wrapping wood tightly in plastic that traps moisture.
- Storing damp cardboard boxes next to wooden furniture.
- Skipping checks after the monsoon.
See also how to store a dining table and how to lay out a storage unit.
What is a step-by-step routine before storage?
- Empty drawers and cupboards completely.
- Vacuum and wipe all surfaces, including the back and underside.
- Inspect for mud tubes, powder, small holes and soft spots.
- If you find signs, ask a licensed pest control professional to inspect and treat.
- Let the furniture dry and air fully.
- Take apart large pieces if safe; bag and label screws.
- Wrap in breathable covers or blankets.
- Place on pallets or planks, a little away from walls.
Why do cardboard boxes matter?
Termites feed on cardboard as well as wood. Damp or old boxes stacked next to wooden furniture can draw them in. Use clean, dry boxes, keep them off the floor and don't lean them against furniture. For long-term storage, plastic tubs can be useful for paper items, as long as everything inside is dry.
Should you check your new home too?
Bringing furniture out of storage into a home that has termites can undo your care. If you're moving into a new or long-closed home, ask about a pest control treatment before furniture goes in, and check wooden door frames and cupboards.
When does a storage unit help?
Our units are private, lockable rooms with 24/7 CCTV and regular pest control at the facility, on flexible monthly plans with no lock-in. Facility pest control doesn't replace treating a piece that already has termites, so check your furniture first.
Partner pickup, packing and transport are available across Delhi NCR at an additional cost. Facilities are in Noida, Delhi and Gurugram. To estimate space, use the storage calculator, then click "Get Free Quote" for a callback.
Wooden furniture storage checklist
- Each piece checked for termite signs
- Any infested piece treated before storing
- Drawers and shelves emptied
- Furniture cleaned and fully dry
- Beds taken apart, hardware bagged and labelled
- Almirah keys removed or taped
- Covered with cotton sheets or blankets
- Corners and carvings padded
- Furniture raised off the floor
- Gap left from walls, nothing heavy on top
Disclaimer: this article gives general guidance on storing wooden furniture. For an existing termite problem, consult a licensed pest control professional.
Storing carpets with your furniture? See rolling, cleaning and moth care for rugs.
Storing a dining set? Read how to take apart and store a dining table.
Planning a home treatment? Read storing household items during pest control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for mud tubes, small holes, fine powder near joints, and wood that sounds hollow.
Avoid tight plastic for long periods. Cotton sheets or blankets let the wood breathe.
Yes, regular pest control is done at the facility, but treat any infested piece before storing it.
Yes. Bag and label the hardware, and store the boards on their side.
Partner pickup, packing and transport are available across Delhi NCR at an additional cost.
Click Get Free Quote for a callback, or call +91-9090206090.
Sources and notes
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
- Unit features, pest control, plans, pickup and locations: Self Storage India home page and city pages.
