Whether your nursery consisted of priceless antiques or the newest modern pieces, chances are you want to keep everything in good condition if you are planning to use the furniture for future children. Storing the items in a climate controlled storage facility that specializes in furniture is the safest option. The following tips can help you prepare everything.

Tip #1: Clean all wood surfaces

Everything from food residue to skin oils can attract pests to feast on the wood. Even if pests don't show up, enzymes in things like milk can cause wood to discolor. Wipe down everything with a damp cloth, removing any residue. Finish with a light coat of wood polish. The polish will seal the wood and prevent it from drying out, which is a real concern if items are kept in storage for more than a few months.

Tip #2: Wash upholstery

Upholstered items, such as the top of a changing table or a nursing rocker, are even more likely to attract pests or develop stains if they aren't cleaned. Vacuum the items with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. If there are any stains, apply your preferred laundry stain treatment to the area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then lightly blot it up with a damp cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone and then allow the upholstery to dry completely before storing.

Tip #3: Prepare the crib mattress

If you planned ahead and kept the mattress in a waterproof cover, all you need to do is remove the cover and launder it before storing the mattress. If no cover was used, you will need to deep clean the mattress. Do this with a handheld carpet shampooer and carpet shampoo of your choice. Once cleaned, set the mattress in a sunny area to dry completely. The UV light from the sun will also further disinfect the mattress prior to storage.

Tip #4: Protect items in storage

Most items from a nursery are wood, so their main protection is against scratches and dings. Cover items like dressers and changing tables with a furniture blanket or pad to protect them. Drape a white dust sheet or painter's drop cloth over upholstered items to keep dust off. Crib mattresses should be stored inside a plastic mattress bag.

Tip #5: Keep hardware together

Some items, like cribs, are usually easier to store if they are taken apart. Take a picture of the crib or other item before disassembling so you have a guide for later assembly. Then, store all the pieces along with the pictures in a large zip-top bag. Keep all bags of hardware stored in a single container so you can quickly find them when necessary.