5 Steps to Store Your Mattress the Right Way

When you come home after a very long day at work or after some time away on a trip, the one thing you probably look forward to the most is the comfort of your bed. Having the perfect mattress is the best feeling ever. We invest in that feeling.

At some point, however, the need to store the mattress may arise. Whether you’re moving house or need temporary storage, it is essential to know exactly how to store a mattress to maintain its lifespan and guarantee no damage occurs. This is where our guide comes in handy, as it reveals how to safely store a mattress in just 5 easy steps. Let’s dive in.

Choose the best storage option based on your needs

The first thing you need to think about is where to store a mattress that’s most convenient for your needs. The location you decide on highly depends on whether you require short-term or long-term storage. There are two options to consider:

Storing the mattress in a storage facility

If it’s possible to rent a unit for storing your mattress, this is the best thing you can do to maintain its condition and longevity. It is important to choose a storage unit that is climate-controlled and well-ventilated. 

This means the unit has air conditioning during the hot summer months and heat facilities during winter since any humidity or extreme temperatures may potentially ruin your mattress for good. Furthermore, make sure the unit is clean before using it to avoid any damage by pests during the time it is stored. 

If you plan to store your mattress long-term, choosing to keep it in a storage facility is the perfect solution. Storage prices depend on the unit size you need, as well as on how long you plan on renting it. 

Storing the mattress at home

When renting a storage unit is not an option and you are looking to store your mattress for a short period, you can keep it in your home (given you have enough space). The most common places used for mattress storage are usually the basement, garage, attic, or spare room that is already used for storage.

Choose wisely, as some of these areas may not be well-ventilated and dry enough which may result in damage to the mattress. You should also make sure any space you choose for storage is thoroughly cleaned and clutter-free before leaving the mattress there. Basic cleaning should suffice in the form of dusting, vacuuming, mopping and then airing out the space.

Clean and prepare the mattress for storage

Whether you choose to store your mattress in a facility or at home, you should clean and prepare it properly before storing it. Mattresses are magnets for dirt, dead skin, pet hair, and dust mites, among others. Failing to clean it thoroughly before storage means trapping all of the debris in the mattress, which could cause bad smells, damage to the fabric, etc. 

Cleaning a mattress is not a difficult task. Here’s exactly how to do it:

After cleaning, you need to make sure that every part of the mattress has dried completely before moving the piece into storage. If closed off for a long time while still damp, it could grow mould and develop an unpleasant odour.

Furthermore, if mould grows on it and remains unnoticed this could cause potential health risks for you when you reuse the mattress after storage.

Wrap the mattress in a protective cover

Now it’s time to wrap up the mattress neatly to maintain its cleanliness while in storage and protect it from outer elements. Here’s what you need to know on how to wrap a mattress for storage efficiently:

1. Get a protective cover for your mattress. They are available in all sizes and are made of heavy-duty plastic. Make sure you purchase the one that fits the size of your mattress. You can wrap the piece in a waterproof polythene mattress bag for even better protection.
2. Get help wrapping the mattress. Given the size of mattresses, wrapping one may prove challenging to do on your own and could cause injury. You need to place the bag around one side of the mattress while someone else is lifting the other side of the mattress. This should make it easier to cover the entire mattress with the bag in one go.
3. Remove excess air from the mattress bag. Make sure you remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. This can be much easier if you’re using a vacuum-sealed bag for the mattress, so you can just vacuum out excess air and seal it.
4. Use a self-adhesive packing tape to completely seal the mattress off. This guarantees that no excess plastic gets in the way while moving it. Use the tape on the opening side of the bag to secure it in place. You can also use the tape around the whole mattress to keep the bag in place and prevent the mattress from wobbling around inside.

Safely move your mattress

Now it’s time to safely move the mattress. With home storage, you will need someone to move it with you. Try to remove any clutter out of the way, especially things that could break. Move slowly to avoid falling over and hurting yourself.

If you decide on storing your mattress in a facility, consider hiring a moving van for transportation (if it’s not already included in the service). The van will be spacious enough to move the mattress safely and you won’t have to struggle with the transit when there are professional movers available.

The mattress should be loaded on its side lengthwise, which will allow for the interior wall of the van to support it during transportation. Most moving vans have ropes fitted inside which you can use to secure it in place to avoid unwanted movement.

In any case, it is not recommended at all to try to put the mattress on top of your car. No matter how short the distance is or how secure you think it is, this is quite dangerous for you and other people on the road.

Store the mattress in the right position

The best position to store an unused mattress is flat rather than upright. Storing it in a vertical or randomly angled position for a long time causes tension which means the springs and paddings may bend out of shape. A horizontal position reduces the risk of damage.

The type of mattress you have, however, also plays a significant role in the position in which to store it. If you have a pocket sprung, standard sprung, natural fillings or hybrid mattresses, it is a must to store it in a flat position because the filings may move and get ruined.

On the other hand, there are two types of mattresses which you can store in a vertical position (their filings will not be affected) if you have no other option. They are memory foam and latex mattresses.

If you’re wondering how to keep your mattress from sliding when stored upright, you should make sure it’s placed on a rug and not directly on the floor to provide friction to support its position and weight. Furthermore, make sure it’s adequately supported by the wall.

Extra mattress storage and maintenance tips

Now that you know how to best store a mattress, here are a few extra tips to answer any remaining concerns.

Should you fold a mattress for storage?

No, it is not advisable to fold your mattress. While mainly foam mattresses can be folded and usually come from the store folded or rolled, keeping them in storage that way will cause damage to their interiors. When you use it again, it will not be the same and will not sufficiently support your body.

How long can you store your mattress upright?

As advised above, only memory foam and latex mattresses can be stored upright. This, however, is not recommended for more than a year. More time than that could cause misalignment and you will end up with uncomfortable lumps on your mattress.

Is it safe to store a mattress in the garage?

Yes, it is generally safe to store a mattress in the garage or attic if you follow the steps mentioned above. The mattress needs to be cleaned and sealed off correctly. Before placing it in the garage, clean it well and make sure it’s well-ventilated. Check on the mattress often to make sure there are no tears in the cover and air out the garage as much as you can.

Can you store other items on top of the mattress?

No, it is not a good idea to store any other items on top of your flat mattress. Since your mattress is designed to support you as you sleep, placing any heavy items on top of it for a long time will alter its interiors and it will no longer be properly aligned to support you as needed.

How can you store a mattress topper?

If you own a mattress topper that you will not be using on another mattress and would like to store it as well, you can follow some of the same steps. First vacuum it and then use any detergent to get stains out. Then make sure it’s completely dried before putting it inside a protective plastic bag; a vacuum-sealed bag works best.

Next, store it anywhere you see fit. As long as it’s sealed completely, there shouldn’t be any issues no matter how long you decide to store it.

We can take care of the packing, transportation, and storage of your mattress!

Fantastic Services provides packing, moving, and storage services in London, so we got you covered, regardless of the number and types of items you need moved/stored.

The teams of highly trained movers can make the process of storing your mattress much easier. We use high-quality packing materials and techniques to completely minimise any potential risk of damage during storage.

Additionally, our moving vans are well-equipped to safely transport bulky items and make sure they stay in perfect condition. When it comes to our storage facilities, they are well-maintained and provide the best environment for your belongings all year round.

Hiring professionals for packing, moving, and storage means you are buying your peace of mind, knowing your belongings are 100% safe and secure.