Introduction
You have spent good money on a comfortable mattress, so pulling it out of storage months later to find it musty or misshapen is a frustrating surprise. Whether you are between homes, freeing up a room or holding onto a spare bed for guests, a little know-how on how to store a mattress keeps it in the same shape it went in.
The good news is that it comes down to a handful of simple steps rather than anything technical. Here is how our team at Doncaster self-storage service helps customers get it right.
Why does mattress storage take a little preparation?
Two things do the real damage to a stored mattress: trapped moisture and steady pressure. Moisture invites mould and odours, while weight bearing down in the wrong place slowly warps the internal support.
Everything that follows is aimed at heading off those two problems. Spend a little time up front, and the mattress that comes back out feels much like the one you put away.
Cleaning up before storing a mattress
Give it a proper clean
Strip the bedding and vacuum the whole surface with an upholstery attachment, paying attention to the seams and sides where dust and dust mites collect. Remove any stains with light spot cleaning, using a little mild detergent or a sprinkle of baking soda rather than soaking the fabric.
Let it dry out fully
Damp is the single worst thing to seal away, so let the mattress air in a well-ventilated room until it is dry right through, not just on the surface. An hour or two by an open window usually does it, and it is worth the wait.
Wrapping a mattress in storage
A cover keeps dust and pests off, but the material you choose decides whether it helps or hinders. Reach for a breathable fabric bag rather than thick plastic, since breathable fabric lets any last traces of humidity escape instead of trapping them against the surface.
If you need to use plastic for a short move, leave a small opening so moisture cannot become trapped inside during longer storage. Slipping a washable protector underneath gives you a second clean layer that is easy to refresh later.
The right way to store a mattress in your unit
With the cover on, how you set it down is what protects the internal structure. Rest it flat on a raised surface such as a pallet or board so air can pass beneath it and nothing cold or damp reaches it from the ground.
Resist the urge to fold or bend it, which strains the springs, foam and stitching, and keep heavy boxes off the top, as constant weight is what leads to dips and sagging. Standing it on its side is generally best limited to transport or very short-term storage before laying it flat. It is worth moving it flat and covered on the day too, rather than bending it into a car.
How to store a mattress in a storage unit by type
The care above suits any bed, but a few types have their own quirks worth knowing.
Memory foam and latex
These are dense and heat-sensitive, so keep them away from anything warm, like a radiator or direct sun through a window, which can soften and distort the foam over time. They can gradually lose their shape if stored upright for extended periods.
Spring, hybrid and coir
Sprung, hybrid and coir mattresses are more tolerant of a short spell on their side, thanks to their firmer internal frame. Even so, they hold their shape longest when the load is spread evenly across the whole mattress.
Choosing the right unit
Where the mattress lives is the last piece of the puzzle. Choose a dry, secure space with enough room to lay the mattress flat without wedging it against other stored items.
Our two Doncaster sites at Balby and Armthorpe use weather-resistant containers that are kept clean and dry, with secure padlocks and access limited to authorised personnel. Once you have chosen a unit and completed the rental agreement, you can move in the same day, so there is little waiting around.
Whether you need storage for a short spell during a house move or for a longer stretch while you free up space at home, the same principles keep your mattress in good condition. If the timescale is what you are unsure about, see how short-term and long-term storage compare to find your fit.
Size is also worth considering. A single mattress and a few boxes may fit comfortably in a smaller unit, while the contents of an entire room could require a 20ft or 40ft container. It helps to see how our personal storage units in Doncaster are laid out, and you can compare the full range of storage unit sizes to choose the right space for your belongings.
Bringing it all together
Learning how to store a mattress is really about respecting those two enemies, moisture and pressure, at every step, from the first vacuum to the spot you choose in your unit. Handle each one, and your mattress waits quietly until the day you need it again.
Not sure how much room your mattress and the rest of your things will need? Send us a message and we will help you land on a unit that fits, with a no-obligation quote to match. Request your storage quote and we will take care of the rest.
