How to Store a Mattress

If you open up a random storage unit, odds are you’ll find a mattress inside. They’re one of the most commonly stored items. They’re also one of the most incorrectly stored items. If you’re renting a storage unit and are planning on keeping a mattress inside, knowing a few easy tips and tricks will help keep your mattress in great condition.

After all, a good night’s sleep is important. Take care of your mattress while it’s in storage and it will take care of you. Here’s how to clean, transport and store your mattress in self storage.

Preparation

Don’t just toss your mattress in the bed of a truck and head off to your storage unit. Take the time to clean your mattress first.

Yes, the thought of cleaning your mattress can seem mystifying.

I’ve never cleaned it before, you might be thinking. What am I supposed to do—hose it down?

Fret not. Cleaning a mattress is easy. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the sheets, cover, everything. We’re talking bare mattress here.
2. Sprinkle a liberal helping of baking soda on the upright side and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Vacuum up the baking soda (and everything else).
4. Spot clean stains with a sponge and your spot-clean treatment of choice (we recommend Shout followed by detergent).
5. Repeat on the opposite side.
6. After cleaning each side, let the mattress air-dry.

See? That wasn’t so bad.

Storage Supplies

If your storage facility has an on-site retail space, ask them if they sell mattress covers that are specifically meant for storage. An alternative solution is to buy one online or use heavy-duty plastic. Just be sure that your entire mattress is covered.

Moving Your Mattress

Okay, here comes the part where you’ll want to pay attention. When transporting your mattress to your storage unit, you have two choices. First, you can rent a moving truck from your storage facility (or hire a moving company). If you want to transport the mattress yourself but don’t have a truck bed to place it in, follow these steps:

1. Place a long piece of nylon rope lengthwise on the top of your vehicle.
2. Place your mattress on top, so that the nylon rope is sandwiched between the mattress and the car.
3. Roll down your windows and string nylon ropes through each window (a total of two ropes: one in the front, one in the back). Tie the ropes on top of the mattress like it’s some kind of weird Christmas present.
4. Reinforce with ties and tape.

Drive on streets with minimal traffic and/or slow traffic (think surface streets with a speed limit of 35 mph instead of highways where people cruise at 70 mph). Most importantly, do not attempt this unless you are 100% confident in your abilities. Trust us, it’s easier to rent a moving truck or hit up your friend with a truck than it is to get ticketed for failing to properly secure a mattress to your car.

Storage Tips

Phew. You made it to the storage facility. Give yourself a pat on the back and now follow these tips:

• Store the mattress flat inside your storage unit (i.e. in the same position in which it would lie in your home)
• Keep it raised up from the floor on a pallet or some other items if possible
• Make sure your storage unit has climate control to keep moisture out. This is the best way to prevent mold and mildew from ruining your mattress.

That’s it! Whether you need to store your mattress for a long period of time or a short period of time, self storage makes it possible.