Next to wood, leather is the second-most temperamental furniture material. Caring for leather at home is already a pain, but your couch or chair will suffer greater damage in storage if not properly protected. This guide will aid in preparing your leather furniture for both short- and long-term storage.

1. Choose climate-control. To prevent damage, leather must be stored in a stable environment. Temperature fluctuations can cause the material to dry out, shrink, and crack. Keep this in mind while exploring storage options, as it will prevent extreme temperature and humidity-related damage. If you’re storing in Glendale, climate-controlled storage will not be difficult to come by—nearly everything here is protected against the heat.

2. Clean and dry your leather prior to storage. If you have the means, have your leather furniture professional cleaned before storage. This removes any debris that may cause damage in long-term storage situations. Additionally, ensuring that your furniture is dry will prevent moisture damage. You’d be surprised what a single drop of water can do to a leather couch if it sits there for enough time.

3. Cover leather furniture with a breathable cloth. A canvas cloth or cotton bed sheet will protect your leather from dust. However, it’s important to ensure that your cover is made of breathable fabric. If you choose a plastic cover, moisture can accumulate and eventually damage your furniture. This type of sheet is easily purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Sears, or Home Depot.

4. Don’t let your leather touch the walls or ground. If you plan to store furniture in a unit, it’s important to acknowledge that moisture can seep in through the floor and walls. This has the potential to severely damage leather, so be sure to use a wooden pallet, blocks, or a simple plastic tarp. Make sure that whatever you put your furniture on is stable and able to withstand the weight of your item.

Moisture prevention is the most important factor for leather furniture storage. As long as your items are protected from severe weather, moisture build-up, and temperature fluctuations, your furniture will remain in good condition during its time in storage.