How to Store Your Mattress the Right Way

Your mattress does a lot more for you than you may realize. When you sleep well, it makes your day go over that much easier – so, given its importance, when you store your mattress during a move, renovation, or downsizing, you want to make sure it stays in great condition. With the right approach, you can protect it from damage and keep it fresh and in great shape for when you need it again.

This guide walks you through exactly how to prep, pack, and store your mattress so it stays clean, safe, and all ready for bed – literally.

Preparing Your Mattress for Storage

Before you tuck your mattress away, a little prep work goes a long way. Skipping this process can lead to unpleasant surprises like:

• Sagging
• Mould or mildew
• Unwelcome pests

By taking the right steps now, you save yourself a headache (and backache) later, while protecting your investment.

Step 1: Give Your Mattress a Deep Clean

The cleaner your mattress is before storage, the better it will hold up.

1. Strip the bedding: Remove your sheets, protectors, and toppers. Toss them in the wash while you’re at it.
2. Vacuum every side: Use the upholstery attachment to get the top, bottom, and all four sides.
3. Deodorize with baking soda: Sprinkle it over the entire surface and let it sit for several hours. It helps lift moisture and neutralize odors.
4. Vacuum again: Remove all the baking soda thoroughly.
5. Air it out: If possible, place the mattress in a sunny, dry area for a few hours. You want it fully dry before you wrap it – any moisture trapped inside can turn into mould later.

Step 2: Gather the Supplies You’ll Need

A few simple tools can make the storing process easier:

• A plastic mattress storage bag
• Packing tape to seal it
• A dolly or hand truck for safe moving

Step 3: Wrap Your Mattress for Protection

Once your mattress is sparkling clean and totally dry, it needs a protective shield.

• Use a mattress bag: Slide the mattress in with the help of a friend.
• Seal it tightly: Press out extra air and tape every opening so dust, moisture, or pests can’t sneak in.

Step 4: Choosing a Mattress Cover

A plastic mattress cover is great for short-term protection, but if you’re storing the mattress for longer, breathable covers are better. They prevent condensation from building up inside the bag, a common culprit for mould.

• Choose breathable materials like woven fabric or vented plastic.
• If you stick with plastic: Unwrap the mattress every couple of months to air it out and let it breathe.

Storing Your Mattress

Great, your mattress is prepped. Now let’s make sure it’s correctly and safely stored inside your storage unit.

Step 5: Move It Safely

Mattresses are awkward, heavy, and easily damaged. Don’t go solo – ask a friend to help and use a dolly or hand truck to avoid bending or dropping the mattress. Avoid folding it, too, as that can damage springs, foam, or support layers.

Step 6: Position It Properly in Storage

Now that you’ve made it this far, here’s how to keep your mattress protected once it’s inside the unit:

Keep Pests Out

You’ve done all that cleaning, so you definitely don’t want hitchhikers.

• Inspect before storing: Look carefully along seams and tags for signs of bed bugs or pests.
• Use pest deterrents: Bed bug–proof encasements can help, and natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets can add an extra layer of protection if placed near the mattress.

Should You Lay It Flat or Upright?

• Flat is best: It helps the mattress maintain its shape and prevents sagging over time, especially when it’s made of memory foam or has a pillow-top layer.
• Upright works if needed: If space is tight, you can store it upright – just make sure it’s securely supported so it doesn’t bow or bend.

Consider Climate Control

A climate-controlled unit protects your mattress from temperature swings and humidity, making it your best defense against mould, mildew, and material breakdown.

Avoid Stacking Heavy Items on Top

Even a sturdy mattress isn’t built to support weight while in storage. Heavy items can cause permanent indentations in the mattress or compromise its internal structure. If you need the space, place the mattress on top of flat furniture, not the other way around.

Keep It Off the Floor

Elevate your mattress with pallets or wooden slats to encourage air circulation and keep it away from any potential floor moisture.

What Size Storage Unit Fits Your Mattress?

Not sure which unit size you need? Here’s a quick guide:

• Twin mattresses: A 5×5 unit usually works. It’s also a good size for mattresses from rollaway beds and folding cots.
• Full, double, and queen mattresses: A 5×10 unit gives you room for the mattress plus smaller items.
• King mattresses: A 10×10 unit is more comfortable, especially if you’re also storing bed frames, dressers, and boxes.

Long-Term Mattress Storage Tips

If your mattress will be stored for several months (or longer):

• Check in occasionally: Visit your unit every few months to inspect it for moisture, pests, or damage.
• Rotate if stored flat: Rotating helps prevent accidental pressure points from forming on your mattress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Save yourself future trouble by steering clear of these pitfalls:

• Skipping the initial mattress cleaning
• Using non-breathable plastic over the long-term without airing out the mattress
• Storing in a damp or humid environment
• Stacking heavy items on top of the mattress
• Storing it on its side for extended periods
• Moving the mattress by yourself

When You’re Ready to Use Your Mattress Again

Unwrap your mattress, let it air out for a day, and check for any odors or issues. If everything looks good and smells normal, the mattress is all ready to go back on your bed. Just add fresh bedding and enjoy that great night’s sleep you’ve been missing.

Store Your Mattress with Confidence

Storing your mattress the right way isn’t complicated, and taking a few extra steps now pays dividends for when you’re ready to use it again. By cleaning it well, wrapping it properly, and choosing a suitable storage space, you’ll keep your mattress just as comfortable as the day you packed it away.

Whether you’re clearing space for a home project, preparing for a move, or simply need a temporary resting spot for your bed, these tips make it easy to protect your mattress for the long run. If you’re unsure which storage unit size will fit the mattress and all your other items, this online storage calculator can help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions