Apartment Renovation — How to Protect Furniture and Where to Store It?

Renovation is an exciting time of change, but also a logistical nightmare. Construction dust gets everywhere, the crew needs space to work, and your furniture and appliances are at risk of damage. This guide explains how to prepare.

Stage 1: Planning Before Renovation

Inventory — What Stays, What Goes?

Before the crew arrives with drills, go through each room:

Must go:

• Upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs) — construction dust is impossible to remove from fabrics
• Electronics — TVs, computers, audio equipment
• Carpets and rugs
• Wall art and decorations
• Clothes in open wardrobes

Can stay (with protection):

• Large cabinet furniture (wardrobes, shelving) — if they don't get in the way
• Built-in appliances — fridge, oven
• Heavy furniture that's difficult to move

Timeline — When to Do What?

2 weeks before:

• Book storage space (self storage or family garage)
• Buy protective materials: covers, tape, boxes

1 week before:

• Pack personal items
• Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart

Day before:

• Transport furniture to storage
• Cover what stays behind

Stage 2: Protecting Furniture That Stays

Method 1: Painter's Plastic + Tape

You need:

• Painter's plastic (thick, minimum 0.05 mm)
• Painter's tape (not regular adhesive tape — it leaves marks!)
• Corrugated cardboard for corners

How to do it:

1. Clean furniture of dust
2. Cover completely with plastic, wrapping underneath
3. Secure with painter's tape — don't stick directly to lacquer
4. Cover corners with additional cardboard

Method 2: Special Furniture Covers

Available at hardware stores (Castorama, Leroy Merlin):

• Sofa covers: 50-100 PLN
• Mattress covers: 30-60 PLN
• Vacuum bags for bedding: 20-40 PLN

Advantages: Reusable, better fit, waterproof

Method 3: Blankets and Tarps

Thick moving blankets protect against:

• Impacts and scratches
• Dust (partially)
• Paint splashes

Note: Blankets don't protect against fine plaster dust — use plastic as well.

Stage 3: Where to Store Furniture During Renovation?

Option 1: Another Room

Pros: Free, close by

Cons:

• Dust gets through anyway
• Makes moving around difficult
• Crew complains about cramped space

When it makes sense: For minor renovations (painting one room)

Option 2: Garage or Basement

Pros: Cheap or free, in the building

Cons:

• Humidity — furniture can get moldy
• No temperature control
• Limited space

When it makes sense: For short renovations, with well-ventilated spaces

Option 3: Self Storage

Pros:

• Dry, ventilated premises
• Any unit size — pay only for what you need
• 24/7 access — retrieve items gradually
• Security — monitoring, locks, alarms

Cons:

• Cost (but lower than damaged furniture!)

When it makes sense: For major renovations lasting 2+ weeks

How Much Does Furniture Storage During Renovation Cost?

Sample costs at Celtic Self Storage Łomianki:

Check current pricing or find your unit.

Checklist: Preparing for Renovation

Materials to buy:

• Painter's plastic (2-3 rolls 4x5m)
• Painter's tape (3-4 rolls)
• Corrugated cardboard / corner protectors
• Large plastic bags (for pillows, duvets)
• Boxes for small items

To arrange:

• Storage unit or garage reservation
• Furniture transport organization
• Furniture insurance (check home policy)

Day before renovation:

• Empty rooms being renovated
• Cover furniture that stays
• Take photos of everything (in case of damage)

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Need space for furniture during renovation?

Celtic Self Storage Łomianki:

• 📍 ul. Kolejowa 348, Łomianki
• 📞 +48 668 116 622
• 🕐 24/7 access

Book a unit — no long-term contracts, pay only for renovation time!