8 Things to Know About Storing Your Mattress (Inside a Storage Unit)

Perhaps you’re moving your family to another city or simply putting your furniture in storage while in college. There are a lot of belongings to manage including furniture, appliances, décor items, clothing and more. Putting them in a self storage unit can help with the process, and it’s a common practice during periods of transition. Among other items, mattresses require special care before putting them in a storage unit so that they retain their quality for future use.

Here’s everything you need to know about storing your mattress:

1. Know why storing your mattress is important

Before preparing your mattress for storage, you should know the importance of storing it properly. Here’s why it matters:

Preventing odors

When stored right, a mattress doesn’t pick up the odors from your home or the space where it’s being stored, most likely caused by poor airflow between the mattress and the surfaces it comes in contact with.

Avoiding mold and mildew growth

Avoid putting your mattress in direct contact with the floor or any surface that is prone to retaining humidity as it could create a prime environment for mold and mildew growth.

Staying in shape

When you store your mattress properly, you can ensure it retains all of its sleep-supporting properties, including its shape. Ultra-firm mattresses are more likely to lose their shape unless stored in the right position because they have few coating layers.

2. Consider your mattress storage options

You could store your mattress at home — in the garage, basement, or a spare room — but you might run into the issue of putting it in a humid environment, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Alternatively, putting your mattress in storage — in a climate-controlled unit — is probably a better choice. This type of storage helps guard it against extreme heat, cold and high humidity — which, when kept in check, can keep your mattress in top shape. This is especially important in places with extreme temperature variations and high humidity such as the South. Renting a self storage unit in Miami, Florida, costs $185/month, but if you live in Texas, an Austin unit costs around $127/month.

3. Know where you shouldn’t store your mattress

While a storage unit is the ideal place to keep your mattress, here are some places that are not so mattress-friendly if you’re considering long-term storage:

Home spaces

These includes your basement, garage or a ground-level space such as a shed. They typically have high humidity and contribute to mold and fungi growth, which can get inside your mattress.

Close to a source of heat

Regardless of its composition, a mattress doesn’t do well in the presence of heat. Whether your mattress deforms or partially melts, higher temperatures can irrevocably affect its structural integrity, making it less comfortable to use in the future.

Around sharp objects

Make sure to keep your mattress away from sharp objects when in storage. If it accidentally gets poked or ripped, the mattress fabric and protective layers can give way to dust and allow mildew inside, which can slowly cause further damage to your mattress.

4. Prepping your mattress for storage

Now that you know that keeping your mattress in storage is ideal, there are some things you should know about preparing it to sit safely inside your unit.

Clean the mattress

It’s only natural for mattresses to attract dirt, sweat and dust, which is why mattress care is an essential pre-storage step. Start by stripping the bedding and vacuum the mattress on all sides. Next, apply upholstery cleaner. If there are any stains, use a mattress stain remover by blotting only. Avoid rubbing or soaking them. Allow the mattress to air dry. To deodorize it, sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum it again. Repeat the process on the other side.

Cover it in a mattress bag

Now that your mattress is clean you want it to stay that way in storage. Invest in a mattress bag, which will protect it from dust and pests. It typically comes with a layered design and a waterproof lining, keeping it protected for as long as you need. It’s an ideal storage solution especially if you’re going for long-term storage.

5. Getting your mattress to your storage unit

You might be tempted to DIY when transporting your mattress to the storage unit, but it’s better to go professional. Strapping your mattress to the top of your car can damage the springs of your mattress. Alternatively, a covered truck is the ideal vehicle to help you get it there. Rent a moving truck instead of using your own car to protect your mattress from exposure to the elements during transport.

6. Storing your mattress based on type

As a general rule, you shouldn’t store your mattress in an upright position, on an uneven surface, or directly on the ground, but there are specific instructions based on mattress type as follows:

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses have no coils inside, making them very comfortable for sleep as they easily adjust to your body shape. That also means they are susceptible to losing their shape if placed on an uneven surface. Additionally, getting a storage bag is a must because this mattress type is also susceptible to attracting dust and mildew.

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses are heavy and tend to bend. When set in place, they pull toward the lower part of the bed, which can cause them to collapse on their side. To avoid this type of issue while in storage, it’s best to store them flat and never upright against the wall.

Hybrid mattress

Hybrid mattresses combine foam materials and coils, and they’re also one of the heaviest types of mattresses. You should make sure not to store them on their side and have them cleaned properly before going in storage. Because they also have coils, they require rotation every few months while in storage to avoid too much pressure exerted on one side.

Spring mattress

As opposed to hybrid mattresses, spring mattresses come with a reinforced coil, helping them better maintain their shape. But that also means they’re more prone to breaking. Set your spring mattress in a flat position to best keep its shape in storage.

Large mattresses

If we’re talking king-size or RV mattresses, their weight poses the largest challenge when storing. Placing them on their side or on an uneven surface can damage their shape. Therefore, the best practice is to place them flat in your storage unit.

Mattress topper

Mattress toppers require a similar type of care when preparing them for storage. Clean your topper, dry it and roll it up in a bag to make sure it takes up less space in your storage unit. Go for a climate-controlled unit to make sure it best preserves its qualities.

7. Avoid placing anything on your mattress

While your mattress is in storage, don’t place anything on top of it, regardless of the type of mattress. Even lighter items can put a dent in the structure of your mattress. Keeping your mattress free of objects while in storage ensures that it can retain its shape so you can enjoy it again later. Moreover, don’t fold your mattress while in storage as this can also damage it.

8. Let it air out before using it again

The moment has come to take your mattress out and use it again. When that happens, let it air out to make sure it’s fresh and ready to use before putting the sheets on.

Did we help you store your mattress successfully? Let us know in the comments section below.