How to store a mattress in a storage unit

At around $1,000 on average, mattresses are expensive items. Because of their high price, many people find themselves storing mattresses at some point. Maybe it’s an old one that’s still in good shape, or maybe you’re moving, being deployed, upgrading to a different type or size, or something else. If you are planning on storing a mattress in a storage unit, there are some things you’ll want to make sure you do to keep your mattress in the best possible condition. 

Clean the mattress

Before you start packing up your mattress for storage, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean. Take off all the blankets, sheets, and mattress pad, and give the bed a thorough vacuuming. 

One tip for cleaning a mattress is to sprinkle it with baking soda (after the initial cleaning). Then let it sit for several hours. The baking soda will absorb odors. Next, vacuum up the baking soda. Then let the mattress sit and air out for a few more hours before starting to pack it up.

Mattress in storage uncovered?

Next, and this is a step many people skip, you’ll want to cover your mattress. Ideally, this is done with plastic wrap and tape. Using those packing materials allows you to wrap the mattress up tight and seal it. This will help protect the mattress from humidity, dust, dirt, and anything else that might damage the mattress while it’s being stored, keeping the mattress clean and smelling nice. 

Be extra careful when moving the mattress

Many mattresses end up damaged during the moving process. They are heavy objects that are tough to carry, and their large size makes them tricky to be aware of where all the corners are. They also have a slight bend to them, which many people use to force them around corners or into small spaces. Many people make the mistake of smushing a mattress into a minivan that is just a little too small for the mattress. Another common mistake is storing the mattress on it’s side in a moving truck next to heavy items that then smush into the mattress while the truck is traveling.  

Can you store a mattress on its side?

If you are planning to store a mattress in storage, you may be wondering “is it ok to store a mattress on its side?” 

The answer is that storing a mattress in storage long term on it’s side is going to cause damage to the springs and coils. It may result in the mattress having a bend or slope to it, which is going to cause back pain when someone tries to sleep on it again. 

Mattresses should be stored flat on the ground to maintain structural integrity. Foam mattresses, (which don’t have springs) should also be stored flat, as storing them on their side can result in a bend.

Don’t store anything heavy on top of your mattress

We often see people storing their mattress flat on the ground, but then stacking items on top of it. Depending on what is stacked on top of the mattress, this can be extremely damaging to your mattress. If you store a heavy box on the mattress, expect there to  be a box sized permanent indent in the mattress, essentially ruining the mattress. Lighter items, like pillows or clothing, may be okay. 

Storing mattress in storage unit with Ace Self Storage

If you have a mattress or other extra items you are looking to store, consider using Ace Self Storage in San Diego, California.  We offer great rates, including move-in specials, we have month-to-month contracts with online bill pay, and we provide awesome customer service. Check out our brand new storage facility in Miramar. Enquire about availability by contacting us today!