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, box springs and mattress is an investment that could last a very long time. A 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.

Interested in learning the top box spring and mattress storage tips? Keep reading below.

Tips for Mattress Storage

What is the best way to store a mattress and keep it in good condition during moving or storage? Learn how to store a mattress below.

1. Avoid Storing Mattresses in the Basement

Basements can be damp, which could damage the mattress. In order to protect your mattress from potential damage, never store it in your basement. Also, keep mattresses away from pets and sharp objects.

2. Clean the Mattress Thoroughly

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. Take the Bed Frame Apart

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. Use a Mattress Storage Cover

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. Keep the Mattress Flat in Storage

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. Avoid Placing Items on Top of the Mattress

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. Freshen Up the Mattress with Baking Soda

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. Clean the Box Spring

Before storing your box spring, be sure to vacuum both sides. If it needs cleaned further, use a stain remover and rag to blot out stains.

2. Use a Mattress Storage Bag

Cover the box spring with a mattress storage bag. This will help to prevent dirt, dust or moisture from getting to your box spring.

3. Freshen up the Box Spring with Baking Soda

When you remove the box spring from storage, sprinkle it with baking soda to freshen it up.

Consider 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.

ezStorage has storage facilities in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Northern Virginia. Reserve a 5×10, 10×10 or 10×15 storage unit for all of your household storage unit needs today!