ᐅ Billy shelf storage during renovation.

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing the challenge of safely and space-efficiently storing my Billy bookshelf during an upcoming renovation. I want to avoid any damage to the shelves or the back panel. The bookshelf is approximately 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide, 28 cm (11 inches) deep, and 202 cm (79.5 inches) high and is made of laminated wood.

I am particularly interested in how you store and protect your Billy bookshelves during renovation work to prevent warping, scratches, or discoloration. Should the shelves possibly be removed and stored separately? Are there proven methods or materials I could use, such as special protective films or a recommended positioning for the bookshelf?

Additionally, how can dust accumulation or moisture be best avoided if the renovation takes a few days?

I appreciate any tips based on practical experience or carpentry know-how relevant to Billy bookshelves. Thanks in advance!

ENNODA schrieb:
I'm especially interested in how you store and protect your Billy shelves during renovation work

Hey, I know the struggle—renovations and protecting furniture can be a real challenge! My advice: definitely remove the shelves and store them flat, preferably on a level, dry surface to prevent warping. You can then wrap the main frame with a thick blanket or bubble wrap to keep dust away. :-)

ENNODA schrieb:
What’s the best way to avoid dust buildup or moisture?

You can easily avoid dust with painter’s plastic sheeting, which hardly absorbs any moisture. If the renovation takes longer, it’s a good idea to allow some air circulation so moisture doesn’t accumulate. I just wedge some wooden strips in to keep the plastic from touching the surface directly. 🙂 Good luck with your renovation!

Hello ENNODA,

I would like to go into more detail on this topic, as I have secured several Billy shelves during renovations myself. First of all: You should definitely remove the shelves. They are the most vulnerable because they can warp under weight while in the shelving unit or swell due to moisture. Store the shelves lying flat on a clean, dry surface, ideally on a polyethylene (PE) sheet that prevents moisture.

You should not lay the shelving frame on its back panel or lean it against a wall that could be damp or wet – this could damage the back panel. The best option is to keep the frame upright in a dry place. For extra protection, you can cushion all wooden edges with edge protectors or newspaper to prevent damage if accidentally bumped.

Ventilation is also important: If you cover the shelving unit and shelves with plastic sheeting or blankets, make sure there is enough air circulation to avoid mold or moisture buildup.

Do you have a basement room or a less-used storage space that is consistently dry? That would be ideal. How long is the temporary storage expected to last? The storage requirements may change depending on the duration.

I hope this helps. If needed, I can provide more details about materials and safety during the move.

Remove the shelves and store them flat. Keep the shelving unit upright. Cover it with painter’s plastic sheeting, but avoid sealing it airtight. Do not use damp rooms.

raulso schrieb:
My tip: definitely remove the shelves and store them flat

That really sounds like good advice. I often notice during renovations how quickly small details are overlooked, which later cause problems.

I can completely understand wanting to protect the shelving well – a classic like Billy often carries sentimental value, doesn’t it? 🙂

Maybe one more tip: if you have a lot of dust or construction debris during the renovation, it can help to wait until just before moving back in to reassemble the shelving, and meanwhile store only the larger parts protected. That way, you’ll have less hassle with cleaning.

Best of luck with your project!