Whether you’re moving, repurposing an unused room, or just want to store extra furnishings, learning how to store a mattress in a self-storage unit is essential. Proper mattress storage can not only prevent damaged to your mattress but conditions where your mattress can become dirty. Damaged or dirty mattresses can cause health issues like dust mites and germs, so avoid storing it in a bad location.

Preparing a Mattress for Self Storage

It’s not as simple as moving a mattress from your bed frame to your storage unit. Your mattress requires extra attention in order for it to be safe and viable for long-term use. Follow these instructions to make sure your mattress is clean and well-protected before putting it away.

Measure Your Mattress

Take note of the length, width, and height of your mattress so you can be sure it will fit properly in your storage container. Because the mattress must be stored flat, the dimensions of the unit should be at least one square foot larger than your mattress.

Clean the Mattress

Mattresses trap a lot of dust, grime, and perspiration. Before storing yours, do a thorough, deep clean to remove as much debris as possible. To properly clean most mattresses, follow these steps:

• Strip off the bedding
• Apply upholstery cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning and leave ample time for the mattress to dry
• Vacuum the top, bottom, and sides of your mattress
• Spray a cloth with a good stain remover for mattresses and spot-clean stains by blotting, not rubbing or soaking them
• Let the mattress air-dry
• Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it again to deodorize
• Flip the mattress and repeat these steps

Put It in a Mattress Bag

Before putting your mattress away, clean and preserve it by enclosing it in a mattress bag. Plastic covers that are thick may promote bacterial growth, so use lightweight, breathable plastic instead. Secure it in place with duct tape or a mattress cover designed for self storage. It’s critical to air out the mattress once every few months and reseal it

Rent a Moving Truck

Even though it is feasible to attach a mattress to the top of a car, doing so might damage the mattress if it isn’t handled correctly or bent during transport. Renting a covered moving truck and a dolly is the most secure method for transporting your mattress. If you’re relocating other belongings into a storage unit with your mattress, avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.

Storing a Mattress in a Storage Unit

Storage units are the ideal location for keeping a mattress because they should be kept out of sunlight, heat, and moisture. When it’s time to move your mattress into a storage container, follow these steps.

Keep It Off the Ground

Putting a mattress straight on the floor of your storage container will make it difficult for it to “breathe.” Place the mattress on wooden pallets instead of directly on the floor to allow for ventilation from all angles. Storing your mattress off the ground will also assist it dry out more quickly if any moisture enters into it.

Store It Flat

The condition of your mattress has a big influence on the quality of sleep you enjoy and may have an effect on your health. Any improper storage can harm your mattress. Keeping a mattress flat and level is the greatest approach to store it for long-term preservation.

Don’t Place Anything on Top

When you store your mattress, don’t put anything on top of it. If you need additional storage space in your unit, consider raising the pallets and keeping objects beneath them instead. The last thing you want is a sinking mattress after years of storing it away.

Consider Climate-Controlled Storage

In the summer, humidity-controlled storage units can better protect your valuables from temperature damage. Storing your mattress in this sort of container might help prevent mold or odors from accumulating. Some storage facilities may even provide humidity-controlled units to keep your mattress free of moisture.

Air It Out Afterward

Even after storing your mattress correctly, it may still be somewhat musty after a long time. To be on the safe side, allow it to air out in an open, well-ventilated area for at least a few hours. If your mattress still has a scent after this stage, clean or deodorize it once more before using it.

How to Store Different Kinds of Mattresses

Depending on the sort of mattress you have, you’ll store it differently. Consider these additional storage ideas for various sorts of mattresses.

Storing a Spring Mattress

Because spring mattresses are more prone to damage than other mattress types, it’s especially vital not to add anything else on top of them while they’re in storage. Spring mattresses, unlike other mattress types, can be stored on their side for brief periods because of the reinforced internal structure.

Storing a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are extremely flexible and should never be placed on their side, as this may cause the mattress to stay permanently bent. When storing memory foam mattresses, keep in mind that upholstery cleaning solution won’t work the same way it would on a normal fabric.

Storing a Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are made up of both coils and foam, so they must be turned over regularly while in storage to avoid destroying the coils. Every few months should enough. You should also avoid using upholstery cleaners on a hybrid mattress since it is similar to memory foam mattresses.

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Looking for somewhere to store a mattress? American Self Storage has two conveniently located storage facilities in Russellville Alabama and Moulton Alabama that can help you with your mattress storage needs.