How to Store a Mattress In A Storage Unit
A good mattress isn’t cheap, but it should give you 10-15 years of blissful sleep-filled nights. If you’re between homes, downsizing or adding a new bed and need to store your old mattress, we can help you protect your investment. We’ll explain how to safely store your mattress without losing a night’s rest.
Below we outline how to clean, pack, move and place your mattress in a self-storage unit without compromising its surface, cushion or loft. When you need us, there’s always a Storelocal near you ready to help.
Clean Your Mattress
Whether you’ve owned your mattress for one year or ten, you’ll want to clean it before placing it in storage. Dirt, sweat and dust mites can penetrate no matter how often you change your linens, and you don’t want bacteria growing while your mattress isn’t being used. To properly prep your mattress for storage, follow these seven steps:
- Strip all sheets, blankets and covers.
- Vacuum both sides of the mattress thoroughly.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of baking across your mattress.
- Let soda sit for an hour or two and vacuum.
- Repeat for other side.
- Wipe down with a light upholstery cleaner.
- Let mattress air out several hours.
The baking soda will help remove odors and germs and the upholstery cleaner will help remove stains. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before moving to the next step.
Wrap or Bag Your Mattress
To protect it while in transit and during its time in storage, cover your mattress with a light, breathable plastic cover. You can wrap and seal your mattress with a plastic sheet, taping the seams. Or you can purchase a mattress storage bag that was manufactured for this specific function.
Whichever route you go, stay away from heavy plastic covers that may trap moisture and breed mildew. A quality storage product will allow your mattress to breathe and keep mold away. If you’re storing your mattress for an extended period, you may want to air it out periodically to ensure mildew isn’t forming beneath the cover.
How to Move a Mattress
To preserve your mattresses’ shape and function, transport it carefully. Avoid cramming it in the back of a van or tying it to the roof of your car. And, most importantly, don’t let it get wet during its move.
Ideally, you’ll want to rent or borrow a moving truck or similar vehicle that has sufficient space to accommodate your mattress. It’s alright to prop your mattress on its side while transporting it but you’ll want to store it flat. If you’re moving other items along with your mattress, don’t pile them on top.
How to Store a Mattress
Find a clean, dry, safe place to keep your mattress. A self-storage unit is ideal, especially one that is climate controlled. Keeping humidity out and temperature changes minimal will extend the life of your mattress.
Choose a storage unit that is large enough to accommodate your mattress while laying flat. If you’re storing other items in addition, factor that into your calculations. While you shouldn’t pile items on top of your mattress, you can lay your mattress flat on top of other items. Just make sure the boxes or furniture you’re laying your mattress on top off are relatively flat and level. You don’t want to stress or warp the coils and materials inside your mattress. And don’t store your mattress on its side. This could misshape it and lead to lumps.
How to Remove Your Mattress from Storage
When your mattress finds a new home, simply follow these steps in reverse. Carefully transport your mattress home, unwrap it and give it a good cleaning. Hopefully it was well preserved and ready to sleep on for years to come!
Mattress Storage FAQ
How to store a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is softer than your traditional mattress. It cannot support its weight on its side, even for a short time so move it accordingly. Memory foam is also more absorbent so avoid using upholstery cleaner and other liquids that may soak in and lead to mildew problems.
How to store a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses combine traditional coils with foam to create a softer but supportive sleep surface. Treat hybrid mattresses like you would a memory foam mattress. Keep it flat to prevent warping and avoid using liquids on it.
How to store a mattress topper?
Mattress toppers can be cleaned in the same way as your mattress - sprinkle with baking soda and vacuum. To store your topper, roll it up and seal it in a bag or breathable plastic wrap. We recommend you use a climate-controlled space to store your topper in.
How to store a sleep number mattress?
Sleep number beds adjust their firmness by inflating and deflating an air chamber within the mattress. If you need to store your sleep number mattress, follow the manufacturers breakdown instructions. Once you’ve removed all hoses and air pumps, box and bag the mattress securely.
Local Storage for Your Mattress and More
When you store your mattress and other home items with Storelocal, you can be assured that your belongings are safe and secure until you need them. Visit one of our modern storage facilities today and see how we can take a load off your hands and your mind!
