How to Store a Mattress in a Storage Unit

Knowing how to store a mattress in a storage unit is incredibly useful information. Whether you’re moving, upgrading your bedroom or watching the kiddos outgrow their twin mattresses—you can’t just throw it away (they’re too expensive), and you shouldn’t just put it in the basement. So, storing your mattresses correctly and keeping them in good shape is the best option.  This guide is for typical mattresses and box springs. If you have a adjustable bed or sleep number bed, check out our guide for moving and storing sleep number mattresses.

Follow these 5 steps to ensure your mattress is safe in self storage and protect your investment!  

1. Clean your mattress

Storing a dirty mattress is not a good idea. Even if you regularly clean it, leaving your mattress in storage without cleaning it beforehand can result in bacteria, mold and fungus. (You’ll definitely want to throw your mattress away after that.) 

So, clean your mattress to keep it in great shape while in storage. Here a few easy steps:  

1. Take your mattress off of the box spring and remove all bedding 

2. Lightly sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit (this helps absorb odors and stains) 

3. Vacuum up the baking soda 

4. Air out your mattress for a few hours (or until dry) 

2. Cover 

Not covering your mattress when it’s in storage completely negates the point of cleaning it in the first place. So, if you’ve gone through the process of cleaning your mattress, go ahead and cover it. This keeps your mattress dry and prevents mold.  

Completely wrap your mattress in either plastic or a secure mattress bag. Make sure these covers are thin and breathable.  

Pro tip: if you’re considering long-term storage, the mattress storage bag is your best option. Check out this blog for some of the best mattress bags. Plus, most storage facilities also sell mattress bags, including Store Space! 

3. Transport

Now, you may be tempted to just strap your mattress on the top of your car and call it a day—but that’s not as sound an idea as you might think. Your mattress could fall off while you’re driving (not good), it could get bent beyond repair (bad), or harsh weather conditions could ruin your mattress before you even get it into storage (definitely not good).  

Instead, use a covered moving truck. It’s a good idea to put fabric or blankets down in the truck as an extra layer of protection, and you can either lay your mattress flat or keep it on its side.  

4. Store the mattress in your storage unit

Before you just shove your mattress wherever it can fit in your storage unit, there are a few things you should know.  

First, make sure you store your mattress flat. Keeping your mattress on its side may conserve space, but it can damage the coils and springs or cause them to shift. This is fine in the short term, but you’ll find a lopsided, sagging mattress if it’s kept on its side long-term. 

It’s also important that you don’t store items on top of your mattress. Placing items on your mattress can cause damage to the interior materials and cause rips, tears or dents.  

If there is room to put your mattress directly on the ground, make sure you put down blankets or a tarp to protect the bottom of the mattress. But, if there is no space, store your mattress flat on top of furniture or boxes. (Just be careful to make it as level as possible so it won’t fall over!)  

Pro tip: it’s important to read up on specific mattress types and how to store them. For example, memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses should definitely not be stored on their side for a long period of time. It can result in permanent folding or even tears. Also, mattress toppers can be rolled up, they don’t need to be stored flat. Check out our guide for storing mattress toppers.  

FAQs 

Q: Do mattresses need to be stored in climate control?  

A: Yes, if at all possible, mattresses should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. Even though your mattress might be clean and protected by a layer of plastic, drastic temperature changes and humidity can still damage your mattress. Climate-controlled storage regulates temperature to ensure your mattress is safe from heat and humidity. 

Q: Can you store a mattress on its side?  

A: You can store your mattress on its side for short periods of time; 1 month maximum. Long term storage on its side may cause the springs and coils to shift or become damaged, leaving you with a damaged lopsided mattress.

What Now?

Now that you know how to prepare and store your mattress, it’s time to rent a unit!  

Find your nearest Store Space location with our storage finder. We care about you, and a good night’s sleep!