You may be renovating your home or moving to temporary housing and may need to put your furniture – and your mattresses – in storage for a while. Or you may be downsizing to a smaller place and may not have room for a currently not-in-use mattress in your new home. Or you may be repurposing an unused bedroom and may be wondering what to do with the mattress. Whatever the reason, at some point, you may need to store away a mattress.
What better way to store mattresses?
Mattresses are a big investment (they can cost over a thousand dollars), so if you have a quality mattress in good condition that you like, it makes sense that you will want to keep it – and you will want it to stay in excellent condition while it is not being used. To achieve this, you will need to store your mattress correctly.
When stored improperly, mattresses can become dirty, lumpy, and uncomfortable in only a short period of time – and after a few months or years in storage, a mattress can get damaged beyond repair if it isn’t stored the right way.
So, how to store a mattress properly? Follow the expert tips below to ensure your stored mattress stays safe and sound until you need it again:
How to pack a mattress for storage
The first step to ensuring that your mattress will remain in great condition while in storage is to prepare it well:
Clean the mattress
Mattresses absorb sweat and collect dust and dirt over time – it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and parasites to thrive, so storing a dirty mattress can easily result in mold and fungi growth and may even present opportunities for pest infestation.
Therefore, it’s crucial to give your mattress a thorough cleaning before putting it in storage:
Remove all the bedding from the mattress and vacuum it from all sides to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris;
Sprinkle some baking soda on top of the mattress and let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors and stains;
Vacuum up the baking soda (use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to get into any grooves of the mattress);
If it is a double-sided mattress, flip it over and do the same thing on the other side;
If any persistent stains remain, spot clean them with a mild detergent or use a stain remover specifically designed for mattresses. Be careful not to soak the mattress and allow it to dry completely before packing it for storage (open the windows and use floor fans to speed up the drying process or put the mattress out in the sun if possible).
Whatever cleaning method you use, when ready, be sure to air out your mattress for several hours – so it’s fresh and dry when you pack it for storage.
Bonus tip: If the weather allows it, it’s best to take the mattress outside on a sunny day – the bedding will dry faster in the warm sunlight and the sun’s ultraviolet rays will help disinfect and deodorize the mattress.
Once your mattress is clean and dry, it’s time to wrap it in protective coverings that will keep the bedding safe and intact while in storage.
Mattress bag or plastic wrap – that’s the question.
Since your mattress will need reliable protection against dust, moisture, and critters, wrapping it in plastic coverings may seem like the logical choice. Yet, it is not entirely safe to wrap a mattress in plastic – at least not in thick plastic coverings. Thick plastic wrap can trap moisture and cause bacteria growth, so you’re advised to opt for lighter coverings.
The best covers for mattresses in storage are breathable and waterproof – they keep dust, dirt, moisture, and pests away and do not allow harmful microorganisms to develop.
So, to provide the best possible protection to your mattress while in storage, you should either put it in a specialized mattress storage bag or wrap it in breathable plastic wrap.
1) Use a mattress bag
Mattress storage bags are made of high-density polyethylene and have a layered design with a waterproof lining. They’re ideal for protecting a mattress in storage – and they’re very convenient (mattress bags are easy to use and typically come with attached handles that make it easy to move the mattress around).
Here’s how to pack a mattress in a mattress bag:
Slip the bag over the mattress;
Push as much air as you can out of the bag;
Seal the mattress bag tightly with quality tape (if the bag has a zipper, zip up the open side);
Tape down all loose edges.
You can buy mattress bags online or find them at hardware stores and moving supply stores around the country (the cost of a mattress storage bag can range from $10 to $40, depending on the seller and the quality of the bag).
2) Wrap your mattress in breathable plastic wrap
When wondering how to cover a mattress for storage, remember that plastic wrap is your best option for protecting large household items during moving and storage – plastic wrap is waterproof and tear-resistant (so it provides excellent protection to your belongings) and it sticks to itself, not to the surface of your items (so it is safe for your belongings and easy to use).
So, how to wrap a mattress for storage? Get strong, breathable plastic wrap and wrap it tightly around your mattress, making sure the bedding is fully covered with the plastic material.
Now that your mattress is well protected, it’s ready to go into storage.
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Different types of mattresses have different specifics and different storage spaces present different benefits and challenges, but there are some general mattress storage principles that apply to all mattresses, regardless of where they’re stored. If you want your bedding to remain in excellent condition while in storage, you need to observe these principles.
Here is how to properly store a mattress:
Keep the mattress flat
To ensure the safety of your mattress, store it in its natural position – lying flat.
Even though standing your mattress on its side will help you save space, it is not a good idea – storing a mattress upright may cause its components (springs, coil units, foam padding, inner fillings, etc.) to shift or bend under their own weight. As a result, the mattress may become lumpy and lopsided – it may be damaged beyond repair and even if it’s not completely ruined, it will become uncomfortable and its structural integrity will be compromised.
Therefore, it’s crucial to store your mattress lying flat, especially if it will stay in storage for a longer period of time.
Do not lay your mattress directly on the ground
While you’re advised to lay your mattress flat, it’s not a good idea to put it directly on the ground. Doing so will result in wasted storage space and will put the mattress at a higher risk of getting soaked in the event of flooding.
It will be much safer and much more efficient to place your mattress flat on top of some large storage boxes of the same height (just make sure the boxes don’t contain any fragile items). Alternatively, you can place your mattress on wooden pallets – this way the mattress will not only be off the ground, but air will flow freely around the bedding (which is great for keeping the mattress fresh and dry and preventing bacteria growth).
If you have to put the mattress on the ground, at least be sure to lay a tarp underneath it for better protection.
Bonus tip: Do not put your mattress on top of uneven surfaces – Make sure you store your mattress on a flat, level surface – if the mattress stays on an even surface for a long time, it may sag, warp, or get lopsided.
Do not put anything on top of the mattress
With your mattress lying flat, it may be very tempting to put some boxes and items on top of it – to maximize the space, provide a padding layer to fragile items, etc.
Yet, you’re strongly advised not to stack anything on top of your stored mattress. Heavy items can damage the springs or cause tears, cuts, or permanent dents in the padding – and even a lightweight object will exert some pressure and may eventually cause damage to the mattress.
Besides, any item you put on top of the bedding will weigh down on a specific region of the mattress and will cause the inner fillings in that region to settle – as a result, the mattress may change its shape and become lumpy.
Check on your stored mattress regularly
Take your stored mattress out of the covers from time to time to let it breathe for a while.
If you’re storing your mattress for longer than a couple of months, be sure to check on it from time to time – inspect the protective covers for damage, make sure there is no moisture inside the mattress bag (or beneath the plastic wrap), watch out for signs of pest infestation, etc.
It is also a good idea to take the mattress out of its protective coverings and air it out for about an hour – this will help keep the mattress fresh and dry while in storage. Do not forget to put the mattress back in its bag – or wrap it in plastic wrap again – and seal the protective coverings tightly.
So, the best way to store a mattress is to cover it in protective materials, lay it flat on an even surface, and refrain from placing anything on top of it. But where is the best place to store a mattress? In a storage unit? In the garage? Read on to find out:
Where to store a mattress
In order to stay safe and sound, mattresses need to be stored under the right conditions:
Low humidity – Humid environments are breeding grounds for mold and mildew – and porous materials (like the fabric, fibers, and foam of a mattress) are extremely susceptible to mold. If mold forms on your mattress, it will quickly spread inside the bedding – and since there is no way to completely remove the mold from inside a mattress, you will have no choice but to throw the bedding away. Therefore, it is crucial to store your mattress in a place with low humidity, so the risk of mold growth is reduced to a minimum;
Moderate temperatures – Extreme temperatures can be detrimental to a mattress – high temperatures contribute to bacteria growth and cause wear of the materials, while very low temperatures can cause freezing and structural damage. To preserve the excellent condition of your mattress, you need to keep it at a consistent moderate temperature;
Proper ventilation – In order to stay fresh and dry while in storage, your mattress needs to “breathe” – which means that there needs to be good air circulation around it;
Enough space for the mattress to lie flat – Mattresses are quite large – and they need to be kept flat (as detailed above). So, when deciding where to store your bedding, you need to choose a space that is large enough for the mattress to lie flat (be sure to measure your mattress, so you can be sure that it will fit comfortably in the storage space).
In order to protect your investment, you need to find a place where to store your mattress that meets all the above requirements – and, in most cases, your options will be either a storage area in your home or a self-storage unit.
How to store a mattress in a storage unit
Self-storage units offer an extremely convenient mattress storage solution – they provide a safe place where to store your mattress (so it doesn’t take up precious space in your home) and allow for easy access (so you can check on your mattress or retrieve it whenever you want to).
Only one of the mattresses is stored correctly. Can you guess which one?
You just need to find a secure, well-equipped, and well-maintained storage facility, located close to your home, and choose a storage unit of the right size (large enough to comfortably fit your mattress lying flat and any other household items you want to put into storage).
Keep in mind though that while any clean and secure storage space will do, climate-controlled storage units are the best choice for storing a mattress.
Environmentally-controlled units have regulated temperature and humidity levels – they’re heated in the winter and cooled during the summer (so the stored items are never exposed to extreme cold or heat) and the humidity is maintained at optimal levels at all times (so there is no risk of mold and mildew). These conditions are ideal for storing a mattress.
In addition to providing humidity control and protection from extreme temperatures, climate-controlled storage units are also well-ventilated (the HVAC system continuously circulates fresh air into the space) and tightly sealed (so there is no way for rain or snow to get inside and the chance of pests entering the unit is very small). Therefore, your stored mattress will be able to “breathe”, will be perfectly protected from the elements, and will be safe from critters.
All in all, a climate-controlled unit will provide ultimate protection to your mattress, so its higher cost will be worth it (climate-controlled storage costs about 25%-50% more than regular self-storage).
Bonus tip: Transport your mattress in a covered truck
If you decide to store your mattress in a storage unit, you will need to find a safe and efficient way to transport the bedding to the storage facility.
Keep in mind that transporting your mattress on the top of your car is a very bad idea – it is extremely unsafe for everyone on the road and can result in severe damage to the mattress. (Tying down the mattress too tightly can cause it to wrap, while tying it more loosely can lead to the heavy piece flying off your car during transit and getting damaged – and causing a road accident. Besides, the bedding will be exposed to the elements and the debris that may get kicked up on the road and may get badly ruined.)
Moving your mattress in a pickup truck is less risky, but the mattress will still be exposed to the elements and road debris.
The best choice is to transport your mattress in a moving van or truck, where the bedding will be well protected. It will cost you a bit more – you will need to rent a truck or hire local movers to transport the mattress in their truck – but it will guarantee the safety of the bedding.
A moving truck provides the safest way to transport a mattress.
Using professional moving services is the safest option – and it will make things much easier for you. The pros have the specialized equipment, rich experience, and technical know-how to take proper care of your mattress – they will handle and transport the bedding in the safest way possible. And they will do all the work (taking the mattress out of your home and to the moving truck, loading it onto the moving vehicle, driving to the storage unit, and unloading the bedding), so you won’t need to do any heavy lifting or worry about maneuvering the large mattress safely around. (See also: Benefits of hiring professional movers)
If you don’t want to spend money on movers and decide to rent a moving truck, be sure to choose a vehicle of the right size (large enough to fit your mattress and any other items you want to put into storage) and find someone to help you carry the mattress, load it onto the truck, and unload it when you reach the storage facility:
Clear the path from the room where the mattress is currently located to the place where the rented moving truck is parked from obstacles;
Lift the mattress together with your helper (consider using furniture lifting straps to make things safer and easier) and carry it very carefully to the moving vehicle and up the ramp into the truck;
Position the mattress upright along the side wall of the truck and use ratchet straps to secure the bedding in place. (It’s safe to transport the mattress on its side as the drive to the storage facility won’t be long);
Be careful not to put anything with sharp edges near the mattress – if the object shifts during transit, it may tear the mattress or the mattress cover.
If you prefer to keep the mattress at home, you need to consider the humidity levels, temperatures, and amount of space available in potential storage places. It’s best to store the mattress in a room with air conditioning where there is enough space for the bedding to lie flat. If that’s not possible in your case, choose a place where to store your mattress that is not damp, doesn’t get direct sunlight, and is well-ventilated. Make sure there are no sharp objects or sources of heat near the stored mattress and don’t put anything on top of it.
While it is highly recommendable to store your mattress within the house, you may only have enough space for the large piece in the garage, basement, or attic.
It is not a good idea to store a mattress in such spaces as they usually have high humidity, no temperature insulation, and pests, but you may not really have a choice.
It will be difficult to keep your mattress safe in the garage.
If you’ll be storing your mattress in the garage (or in the basement, or in the attic), be sure to pack the bedding in the safest way possible and use a dehumidifier (it will reduce the amount of moisture in the area and will help prevent mold growth on your mattress).
Make sure the surface where you put the mattress is clean and dry and move sharp objects away.
FAQ about mattress storage
Now that you know how to protect a mattress in storage, where to store a mattress, and how to store a mattress properly, you may be interested to learn the answers to some other frequently asked questions about mattress storage:
How to store a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses don’t have coils inside – they consist of foam layers, so they’re very soft and flexible. Such mattresses should never be stored on their side, as they can easily lose their shape – you need to keep your foam memory foam mattress flat, with nothing on top of it. It’s very important not to put anything on the bedding, as the soft foam will settle permanently under the weight and the mattress will become very uncomfortable.
Since memory foam is especially susceptible to mold, it’s crucial to fully wrap the mattress in plastic and keep it in a dry, well-ventilated space.
Be sure to avoid upholstery cleaners when cleaning a memory foam mattress, as the porous material will allow the liquid to seep through, making the mattress hard to dry (so the risk of mold growth will increase).
Bonus tip: No matter what type of mattress you have (memory foam mattress, latex mattress, hybrid mattress, spring coil mattress, etc.), it’s always best to follow the safest mattress storage practices – clean the mattress, cover it in protective materials, store it in a dry place, keep it flat, and don’t put anything on top of it.
Can you fold a mattress?
Since memory foam mattresses are so soft, you may assume that you can safely fold them for storage – so they take up less space.
Doing so, however, is a very bad idea – folding the mattress will deform the foam and will make the bedding extremely uncomfortable.
Even if it is possible, you should never fold – or roll – a mattress for storage.
How to store a mattress against a wall?
If you want to store your mattress against a wall, wipe down the surface to make sure it is clean and free of dust and webs and lay down a tarp on the floor along the wall. Put your safely wrapped mattress on the tarp, standing upright, and lean it carefully against the wall (if it is a one-sided mattress, make sure its base is facing the wall).
Keep in mind though that it’s safe to store a mattress against a wall – standing on its side – only for a short period of time. To prevent damage to your mattress, you need to store it flat.
Can you store a mattress on its side?
Stacking mattresses is a fairy tale classic…
As already explained above, it is not safe to store a mattress upright – gravity will cause the materials inside the mattress to shift, the top of the mattress will start weighing down on the lower half, and the mattress will lose its shape. It will become lumpy and lopsided and its structural integrity will be compromised
Memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses should never be stored on their side for longer than a few days – they will get badly damaged. Spring mattresses have a reinforced structure so they can be stored upright for some time – but not for extended periods.
Once again, the best way to store a mattress – regardless of its type – is to keep it flat.
Can you stack mattresses?
While you should not put anything on top of your stored mattress, you can safely stack mattresses on top of one another – even for long-term storage. Just be sure to only stack mattresses of the same size – you should never stack a smaller mattress on a big mattress or vice versa (a smaller mattress can make a “dent” on the bigger mattress over time – and if you stack a bigger mattress on top of a smaller one, the sides of the bigger mattress may bend and the smaller mattress may get damaged from the weight).
Needless to say, you should not stack more than three or four mattresses on top of one another – the weight will crush the bottom mattress.
How to store a mattress long term?
If you intend to store your mattress long term, be sure to rent a climate-controlled storage unit – it will provide the right conditions for your mattress to stay safe and sound, no matter how long it remains in storage.
Pack your mattress in a quality mattress storage bag, lay it flat in the storage unit, and don’t put anything on top of it. Check on it from time to time and take it out of its bag every 4 months or so, so it can air out for a while (be sure to put it back in the bag and seal it tightly before you leave).
When you take your mattress out of storage, it will be in the same condition it was when you dropped it off – even after years in storage.
Now that you know how to store a mattress the right way, you will be able to ensure that the bedding will be in perfect condition when you need it again – and will provide you with comfort and a good night’s sleep. May your dreams always be sweet!
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