ᐅ What is the best way to store BILLY shelves when they are not assembled?

Hello everyone,

I currently have a few BILLY shelves from IKEA that I don’t want to assemble right now, but need to store safely for some time. My question is: What is the best way to store BILLY shelves when they are unassembled? I’m especially referring to the individual shelves and side panels made of wooden boards – is there anything to keep in mind to prevent warping or damage? Are there optimal conditions regarding humidity or storage position to maintain their stability and appearance? I would appreciate any tips, especially if you have experience with longer-term storage of BILLY or similar furniture. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Dennis,

Great that you are addressing this topic so thoroughly right away. With BILLY shelves, it really does matter how the parts are stored. The boards are mainly made of particleboard or MDF with a veneered surface. Moisture and mechanical stress are the biggest enemies here.

First of all, you should always store the shelves and side panels flat, meaning on a continuous, preferably even surface. Storing them upright causes the material to warp easily because the pressure is not evenly distributed. It is also recommended to separate the boards from each other with thin felt or foam strips to prevent them from scratching or leaving dents in some spots.

If your storage environment is not climate-controlled, you should pay attention to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ideally, it should be a dry, well-ventilated space with humidity between 40 and 60 percent. High humidity can cause swelling and warping, while air that is too dry makes the wood brittle.

Additionally, you can lightly protect the edges of the boards with some paraffin wax or furniture wax. This helps prevent excessive swelling due to moisture exposure on the surface.

Do you have a specific storage location planned? That might still influence the best approach.

Palenar schrieb:
First, you should always store the shelves and side panels flat, meaning on a continuous, as even as possible surface.

Thank you for the detailed explanation, that sounds very reasonable. I had actually considered leaning the boards against the wall because I don’t have much space. I’ll avoid doing that then.

My storage area is in my basement, which is dry but unheated. The temperature varies between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius (36 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter, and I estimate the humidity to be around 70%. Does that sound critical? Unfortunately, I cannot install a dehumidifier.

If this is not ideal, do you or anyone else have tips on how I can at least reduce the moisture somewhat to prevent damage?

Hello everyone,

I would like to add some points on this topic that can help you store your BILLY shelves in the best possible way, especially in a basement room with the described conditions.

1. Storage position: As already mentioned, it is essential to store the shelf components flat, not standing on their edges. The surface should be level and stable to avoid localized pressure marks. It is recommended to place the boards on pallets or at least on a thicker board to minimize moisture from below.

2. Moisture protection: In a basement with approximately 70% relative humidity, there is a real risk of swelling or mold growth. Unfortunately, passive dehumidification is quite difficult without devices. However, you can try to shield the storage area with airtight tarps or special fleece covers to reduce direct contact with moisture from the surrounding air.

3. Layers in between: As Palenar mentioned, the boards should be separated by felt, foam rubber, or similar soft materials to prevent scratches and unevenness. This also helps relieve stress in case of any deformations.

4. Climate monitoring: You can use inexpensive hygrometers to monitor humidity and temperature. Be cautious once humidity rises above 65–70%.

5. Load distribution: If you stack shelves flat, the lower ones should not bear too much weight. This will reduce pressure and the risk of warping.

6. Inspection intervals: Check the components regularly for signs of warping or moisture damage to intervene early if needed.

Question: Are the shelf parts still unopened in their packaging or already unpacked, so they are partially exposed to the storage climate?

Dilen schrieb:
Question: Are the shelf parts packaged unopened or already unpacked, so they have partly been exposed to the indoor climate?

The shelf parts are unpacked, partly stacked individually, so I have removed the original cardboard packaging. I wanted to store them like this to have quicker access to individual parts when I need them later.

Dilen schrieb:
It is recommended to place panels on pallets or at least on a thicker board to minimize moisture from below.

Well, I only have a concrete floor in the basement, which is definitely cold and especially a bit damp. But I can get some sturdy wooden boards from the hardware store and place the parts on them. Do you think that would be enough to ensure protection from moisture? Or would it be necessary to use plastic sheeting or something similar as well?

Hello,

based on your previous posts, I would like to share a pragmatic but effective tip:

Some users in similar situations have used breathable furniture covers or nonwoven fabric slipcovers. These protect the furniture from dust and reduce moisture absorption by preventing direct air exchange, without creating a moisture-trapping plastic bag, which would be counterproductive.

Additionally, wood should never be placed directly on concrete, as it can draw moisture. Your idea of using wooden boards is good; you could also add a vapor-permeable moisture barrier between the floor and the boards, for example, a special building foil that repels moisture but does not create a completely airtight seal.

If you cannot use dehumidifiers, regular ventilation of your basement on dry days, if possible, helps to reduce the moisture content in the air.

These measures should protect your BILLY shelving parts well.