We spend an average of 26 years of our life
sleeping. Because sleep is so vital to our health and everyday lives, it’s no
wonder that mattresses can be quite expensive. After all, you’re using it every
night. You want to make sure it’s cozy, comfortable, and perfectly tailored to
your sleeping preferences.
Because mattresses can be costly, it makes sense to
want to store them when they’re not in use (rather than getting rid of them). However,
a few months or years in storage can damage a mattress beyond
repair if the proper care isn’t taken in storing them to begin with.
Maybe you’re getting married, and you need to
upgrade to a larger, more luxurious mattress, or your kids are moving out
and you want to repurpose their rooms. Whatever the case, learning how to
store a mattress properly will increase your mattress longevity.
Find the best place to store a mattress.
If you can fit it into your budget, a storage unit is a
great place to store a mattress. They are safe, secure, and reliable. Whether
you go with a traditional storage unit or store the mattress in your basement
or garage, buying a portable dehumidifier is a good idea.
A primary concern when keeping any furniture in storage is
moisture and major temperature changes. These mischief-makers can significantly
damage almost any piece of furniture but are especially important to consider
when storing a mattress. These factors make basements a less-than-ideal place
to store a mattress for long periods of time.
How to Store a Mattress: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step One: Thoroughly
clean and air out the mattress
The first step in storing any mattress may be the most
important one: Making sure it’s 100% clean before tucking it away. Not only
will this give you peace of mind when it’s time to take your mattress out of
its storage spot, but it will help prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria growth
during its time in storage.
There are different ways to clean a mattress. If you’re not
looking to invest in costly cleaning solutions, we’ve got you covered. Follow
these simple steps to get your mattress looking (and smelling) as clean as
possible:
Remove the mattress and box spring from the bed frame and
strip all bedding.
Sprinkle baking soda on the exterior of the mattress and
let it sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb any odors.
Vacuum up all the baking soda using a hand vacuum
attachment.
Let the mattress air out for a few hours before
proceeding to the next step.
Step Two: Wrap the mattress.
Before moving your mattress to its storage location, you’ll
want to wrap it in some type of protective material. Plastic wrap is often the
go-to, given that it’s highly durable and relatively inexpensive, but moving
blankets can work just as well.
Thoroughly wrap it in plastic, making sure to cover all
sides.
Secure the plastic with packing tape to create a tight
seal.
Do not use thick plastic covers, as these are more likely
to trap in moisture. A light, breathable plastic wrap is more ideal.
For long-term storage, consider purchasing a high-quality
mattress storage bag with no holes or tears. These covers are designed to
prevent mold growth and ensure the mattress stays safe and dry.
Step Three: Move the mattress in a covered moving truck.
When moving your mattress, it’s important to pack your
moving truck correctly. You’ll want to keep the mattress on its side to create
more space in the moving truck. If you’re moving other parts of the bed along
with the mattress, cover them with old blankets or sheets to shield them from
dirt and damage. Always use a covered moving truck to protect your items from
weather, dirt, debris, and other elements.
Can you move a mattress on top of a car?
It’s certainly not recommended. Not only is it potentially
unsafe for you and other drivers on the road, but the mattress could also be
damaged and bent. Inclement weather could also complicate matters when moving a
mattress in an open truck bed.
Step Four: Lay the mattress flat when storing.
While some sources may tell you to prop the mattress on its
side to save space in your garage, basement, or storage unit, never store a
mattress upright for an extended period. It’s okay to carry your mattress
upright, but once you place it inside your storage unit, lay it flat.
Why do mattresses need to be stored flat?
Mattresses need to be stored flat because, they can be
easily damaged. The cushioned layer and interior structure can be permanently
flattened if pressure is applied over time. When you store a mattress on its
side, the bottom receives more pressure than the top. This results in the
mattress becoming lopsided and uncomfortable to sleep on. To make the best use
of a small mattress storage space, place the mattress flat on top of other
objects, like pallets or other flat-topped furniture items. Just make sure
everything is stable!
Following these tips on how to store a mattress and box
spring will protect your mattress for years to come. Once you’re ready to
retrieve your mattress from storage, head back to step one and repeat the
process to make sure your mattress looks, feels, and smells fresh in its new
space!