How to Store a Mattress
Mattresses: they are often one of the biggest and clunkiest belongings we have, and can be quite obnoxious to move between locations and pack up into storage.
But sometimes life calls for you to put your mattress away for a while, and when that happens, Arizona Self Storage is here to help. We want to offer you a quick primer for how to store a mattress in a storage unit, including proper mattress storage technique and protection, so you can free up some of your space at home. Whether it’s temporary storage while you handle a renovation, long-term storage as an emergency mattress replacement, or some other reason, it’s important that you prepare your mattress accordingly so it’s in perfect shape when the day comes for you to retrieve it.
How to Wrap a Mattress for Storage
Alt text: A white mattress cover is stretched to completely enclose a mattress as it is prepared for transportation and storage.
When you’re not using your mattress, it’s important to store it in a way that will protect it from dirt, dust, and other potential damages. Here are a few tips on how to wrap a mattress for storage:
- Use a mattress cover: A mattress cover will help keep your mattress clean and free from dust and other debris. It will also protect it from moisture and mildew.
- Wrap the mattress in plastic: Wrap the mattress in several layers of plastic wrap to protect it from moisture and dirt. Make sure the plastic is securely sealed so that pests can’t get in.
- Store the mattress in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your mattress in damp or humid environments, as this can cause mold and mildew to form.
As for positioning your mattress when it is in storage, do what you can to keep it off of the ground, even if just by an inch or two. This prevents pests from easily reaching it, and makes it harder for the mattress to get affected by water in the event of flooding. You should also store it lengthwise along the long end of the mattress whenever possible, as storing it upright in a standing position creates an opportunity for the added weight from above to warp the mattress’s bottom half and permanently cause the mattress to have a deformed bend in the middle.
How to Protect a Mattress in Storage
Alt text: A man lifts a mattress from its short end as he begins to transport it. The mattress is inside of a fabric mattress cover.
When you put your mattress into storage, there are a few things you can do to help ensure it remains protected and intact.
First, make sure the mattress is clean and dry before you store it. If it’s wet or dirty, the debris and moisture will damage the mattress by causing a buildup of mildew. You can protect the mattress by wrapping it in a plastic sheet or bag, which will keep out dust, moisture, and pests. Another way to protect the mattress is to put it in a sealed container or box. If it’s sealed from outside exposure (even when indoors), you protect it from excess moisture and infestation.
The Best Mattress Cover for Storage
There are several different types of mattress covers available on the market. The most common type is the zippered cover mattress storage bag, which can be easily removed and washed. This mattress storage bag is usually made from a durable fabric such as cotton or polyester. It is important to choose a cover that is breathable, so that the cover does not hold in moisture and cause the mattress to remain damp and grow mold.
Another type of cover is the vinyl protector, which is waterproof and protects the mattress from spills and accidents. Finally, a third type of mattress cover is called an encasement, which completely covers the mattress and provides total protection from dirt and debris as well as prevents bed bugs and other pests from getting into the mattress. Our recommendation for any storage that you expect will last longer than a month is the encasement for maximum protection, or the vinyl protector if encasement isn’t affordable.
Entrusting Your Mattress to the Best in Arizona
Arizona Self Storage has cut no corners in our pursuit of providing premium storage options for the good people of Arizona. Across our various locations from Tucson to Litchfield Park, we’ve installed premier security features, offer versatile rental plans, kept up meticulous cleaning measures, and offered all the additional services you might need to accommodate your self storage experience.
We understand that mattresses come in all sizes, and often aren’t the only thing held in a storage unit. As such, we offer a variety of storage unit types, with differing dimensions, so you can find something perfectly catered to your every need. Our Gilbert location alone offers over ten different sizing options, ranging from a small closet to a large garage. Many of these unit types may come with temperature-control capabilities so your mattress is kept in a stable environment, free of the hazardous Arizona heat.
You don’t need to take a gamble with your storage service — put your mattress in our capable hands for as long as you need, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for you the day you decide to take it back, no strings attached. Find an Arizona Self Storage location near you and reserve your unit online today!