7 Tips for How to Store a Mattress and Box Spring

It is hard to believe, but we spend over one-third of our lives sleeping! Having a good bed, bed springs and mattress is an investment that could last a very long time. A good bed set, including the headboard, box springs and mattress can cost thousands of dollars, so it is important to protect your investment. If properly maintained, a good bed set can last decades and mattresses and box springs can last at least 10 to 15 years. Even if you are an empty nester, and cleaning out a child’s bedroom, it might still be a good idea to keep their mattress for future needs.

Tips for Mattress Storage

What are the best ways to keep a mattress in good condition during moving or storage? Below are some tips for mattress storage.

1. 1. Avoid storing mattresses in the basement. Basements can be damp, which could damage the mattress. Also, keep mattresses away from pets and sharp objects.
   2. Before moving or storing a mattress, be sure to thoroughly clean the mattress. Use upholstery cleaner on the actual mattress and then vacuum both sides.
   3. Disassemble the bed for moving or placing it in storage. Keep all screws/nuts/bolts in a plastic bag taped to the frame or headboard for safe keeping. Cover the bed frame and headboard with old blankets during transit and during storage to protect from dust.
   4. Invest in a mattress cover to protect the mattress in storage. Use a light, breathable plastic cover to cover the entire mattress. These usually cost $20 or less at stores. Secure the cover with tape and cover any holes or tears in the cover.
   5. If you are storing a mattress on a long-term basis, then store it flat in the storage unit. This is actually opposite from what you read in most storage tips. It is okay to move the mattress on its side, but for storage, it is better to store flat as the coils and inner workings could shift by storing it on its side over a long period of time. When storing on the ground in a storage unit, lay a tarp on the ground first. You can also store the mattress on top of flat furniture.
   6. Do not store anything on top of a mattress. Heavy items can cause damage to the mattress material as well as possibly damaging the mattress springs.
   7. Once you are ready to remove the mattress from storage, freshen up the mattress before use. Sprinkle baking soda on both sides allowing the baking soda to absorb any odors and then remove via a vacuum.

How to Store a Box Spring

Of course, if you have a box spring for your mattress, you’re also going to want to make sure you store it properly as well. Storing a box spring is very similar to storing a mattress, but much more simplified. Below are some tips for box spring storage:

1. Before storing your box spring, be sure to vacuum both sides.
2. Use a mattress storage bag to protect your box springs during storage.
3. When you remove the box spring from storage, sprinkle it with baking soda to freshen it up.

Storing a Mattress in a Storage Unit

It is critical to protect your bed set, box springs and mattresses, while moving or in storage, so you will be able to use the items for many years to come. Self storage is a great home storage solution to keep these items protected until you need them again.