Whether you are remodeling your living space, moving to a new house, or your kids are headed off to college, you may need to store your mattress in a self-storage unit. Proper mattress storage in a climate-controlled storage unit keeps it free from dust, bacteria, and mites, which can lead to health hazards.
Here’s our helpful guide on storing a mattress in a storage unit.
The pros of proper mattress storage
Here are some of the benefits of proper mattress storage:
- The mattress retains its shape
- Proper mattress storage decreases the chance of funky smells
- Proper mattress storage prevents the growth of mold or mildew
- Storing in climate-controlled storage protects against mold and mildew damage
Storage unit size guide
Not all storage units are large enough for storing mattresses. We’ve broken down which storage unit sizes to look for based on the mattress size you need to store. For optimal mattress protection, consider a climate-controlled storage unit for any size mattress, especially in humid climates.
- 5×5 storage unit: the size of an average closet, and can fit a twin mattress
- 5×10 storage unit: approximately the size of a small walk-in closet, and can hold a queen-size mattress
- 10×10 storage unit: about the size of a standard bedroom, and can fit a king-sized mattress
Storing a mattress in five easy steps
1. Clean the mattress
The mattress requires a thorough cleaning before being stored.
- Remove all beddings and mattress protectors, remove box springs from the bed frame, and then vacuum both sides to eliminate dust mites.
- If the mattress has stains, treat them with a stain remover. Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and let it sit. Remove the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner and let the mattress dry.
- Disinfect the mattress with Lysol spray and allow it to dry out.
2. Wrap the mattress
Before moving the mattress to a storage unit, wrap it tightly in plastic or use a specialized mattress bag and ensure you create a tight seal. Breathable plastic is better since thick plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew growth. A plastic cover or mattress covers designed for storage work well.
You can also purchase a mattress storage bag since it can create a tight seal and protect your mattress from accidents. For extra protection, secure the seams with duct tape to keep out dust and pests.
3. Placing the mattress in a moving truck
Do not tie the mattress to the top of your car, as this can lead to damage. Better to use a covered moving truck. If you’re moving other items in the moving truck along with the mattress, don’t place them on top of the mattress. It’s okay not to keep the mattress flat and instead place it on its side to make space for other belongings you may be transporting.
4. Orienting the mattress in a storage unit
Once you reach the storage unit, place the mattress flat to imitate its natural position. Do not place anything on top of the mattress. Instead, place the mattress on top of other objects if there is not enough space, ensuring it is level.
If possible, choose a climate-controlled storage facility to maintain a cool, dry place for your mattress, which prevents moisture damage.
5. Retrieving the mattress from storage
Once you are ready to retrieve the mattress from your storage facility, follow the guidelines above to clean, wrap, and transport your mattress. All these tips also apply to storing box springs.
If you want to store the mattress in your home, don’t store it in the garage. The garage has high humidity, which may end up causing the growth of mold or mildew.
How to store different types of mattresses
Different mattress types—including pocket sprung, memory foam, gel foam, and even Sleep Number beds—require specific storage considerations.
Storing a spring mattress
Spring mattresses, including pocket sprung models, can easily get damaged, so it is crucial not to put any items on top of them while in storage. This mattress can be stored on its side briefly due to its reinforced nature.
Storing a memory foam mattress
These mattresses are very flexible and should never be stored on their side. Make sure to avoid using upholstery cleaner (use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment instead) with a memory foam mattress, since it may not come out easily from the foam compared to standard fabric. Gel foam mattresses follow similar storage guidelines.
Storing a mattress topper
It is best to store a mattress topper in a vacuum-sealed bag or vacuum bag to protect it from damage. Vacuum bags compress the mattress topper and save space while providing protection.
Additional Storage Tips for Long-Term Mattress Care
When storing your mattress for extended periods, a few extra precautions can make all the difference in keeping it fresh and ready to use:
- Always use a quality mattress bag or mattress covers for full protection against dust, moisture, and pests. A proper mattress bag creates a barrier that keeps your mattress clean during storage.
- Avoid storing mattresses in regular plastic covers that trap moisture—opt for breathable materials instead. While a plastic cover might seem like good protection, it can actually cause more harm than good by trapping humidity inside.
- A vacuum bag works well for compressing and protecting mattress toppers, but don’t use them for full mattresses as they can damage the internal structure and compromise support.
- Climate-controlled storage units are worth the investment to prevent mold and mildew growth. Maintaining a cool, dry place is essential for mattress longevity, especially if you’re storing your mattress for more than a few months.
- If you have specialty mattresses like a Sleep Number bed, gel foam, or pocket sprung mattress, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for storage. Some models may have specific requirements to maintain their warranty.
- Seal any openings in your mattress bag with duct tape to ensure complete protection from dust and potential pests.
Protecting the mattress from bedbugs
The best way to protect a mattress from bedbugs is to find a reputable storage facility. Make sure you inspect the storage unit before moving the mattress and other belongings into it. Also, examine the mattress and other belongings before moving them into the storage unit. Use a sealed mattress bag to create a protective barrier, and ensure your storage unit has climate control to discourage pest activity. Finally, ensure you don’t store any food in the unit and check in on your storage space from time to time.
Ready to store your mattress? Our self storage search tool is here to help.
