How to Store a Mattress?
Storing a mattress appropriately isn’t something most people think deeply about until it’s too late. When moving, people just randomly toss their mattress, treating it like it’s nothing, but they forget that improper storage can damage the structure of the mattress.
Whether you’re moving homes, remodeling a space, downsizing, or preparing for long-term travel, your mattress, one of the most essential investments in your comfort and health, deserves more than a careless corner in the garage.
Improper storage can cause memory foam to flatten, rust innerspring coils, breed mold, or permanently deform its shape. That’s why proper storage is not just merely about finding space; it’s about ensuring preservation, protection, and peace of mind.
At The Mobile Storage Guy, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, renters, and families move and store their most valuable items safely.
We know firsthand that a mattress needs thoughtful preparation and the right environment to stay fresh, clean, and supportive for future use.
This guide will guide you through everything you need to know about storing a mattress the right way, from cleaning and wrapping to long-term maintenance, so that when it’s time to bring it back, your mattress still feels like new.
Why Mattress Storage Needs to be Done Right
Mattresses are built with layers of materials that work in harmony: foam, coils, padding, adhesive, and fabric coverings.
These materials are designed to support the human body while it sleeps, but are not built to endure environmental stress, extreme temperatures, or improper pressure over time.
Storing a mattress upright, bending it to fit into a car, or wrapping it in heavy plastic without ventilation may seem like quick solutions, but they often lead to irreversible damage.
The foam compresses and hardens, the inner coils shift, mildew forms inside seams, and comfort is lost.
How to store a mattress in a storage unit? The correct storage approach includes preparation, clean transport, climate-conscious storage conditions, and perfect positioning.
With The Mobile Storage Guy, you get the added advantage of mobile container delivery, expert handling tips, and access to professionally maintained facilities, all without the hassle of transporting your mattress in a crowded car or makeshift trailer.
Step One: Cleaning the Mattress
Your mattress may look clean on the surface, but it is actually home to dust mites, body oils, skin cells, and allergens that accumulate over time.
Begin by removing all bedding, including sheets, mattress protectors, and any toppers. Using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, clean all surfaces thoroughly, including the seams and edges where debris tends to settle.
If the stains are visible, use a mild cleansing solution to treat them, preferably one made for mattresses or a simple mixture of water and dish soap.
Gently dab the solution on the stain; do not saturate it. To neutralize odors, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface.
Leave it to sit for several hours and then vacuum it away, and repeat the process on the reverse side of the mattress.
Once cleaning is complete, allow the mattress to dry thoroughly. Any moisture that remains, no matter how small, can lead to mold once wrapped.
At The Mobile Storage Guy, we recommend letting your mattress air out in a clean, shaded outdoor space or a well-ventilated room before wrapping. This gives you relief that you’re storing it in the best possible condition.
Step Two: Wrapping and Protection
Once your mattress is thoroughly clean and dry, the next step is to protect it from the elements. Many people mistakenly wrap their mattresses in thick plastic, believing this will keep them safe.
However, this can actually trap humidity, especially in fluctuating climates, and cause mildew to grow from within. The ideal wrapping method uses breathable yet protective materials.
Once your mattress is clean and fully dry, the next step is to protect it. Mattress storage bags made from polyethylene are ideal because they protect against dust, pests, and minor moisture while still allowing limited airflow.
How to wrap a mattress for storage? Slide the mattress into the bag carefully and seal it shut. If a commercial mattress bag is unavailable, you can wrap the mattress in clean cotton sheets first, then loosely cover it with thin plastic, secured with duct tape along the seams.
Ensure the wrapping is tight enough to keep out debris but loose enough to allow for occasional ventilation.
The Mobile Storage Guy team often advises customers on choosing the right wrapping depending on their storage timeline.
A short-term wrap might be different from what you’d need for six months or more, and we’re happy to guide you on most practices.
Step Three: Picking the Right Storage Location
Where you store your mattress matters just as much as how you prepare it. If you store it in a space with high humidity, drastic temperature changes, or poor ventilation, the mattress can become damaged even if it’s cleaned and wrapped perfectly.
Common home spaces, such as attics, sheds, and basements, often appear to be convenient storage options.
Still, they can expose your mattress to exactly the kind of conditions it can’t handle: moisture, temperature extremes, and pests.
For optimal results, store your mattress in a clean, climate-controlled environment with a stable temperature and low humidity.
That’s one of the advantages of using The Mobile Storage Guy. We provide portable storage containers that you can load at your own pace right in your driveway, and then we safely transport them to our secure, well-maintained storage facilities.
Our units are designed to protect against environmental damage while giving you complete control over how and when you load your stuff.
If you do decide to store the mattress on your property, remember to keep it in a dry, cool room. You may also use a dehumidifier to help control air moisture and periodically check in to make sure the storage conditions remain safe.
Step Four: Transporting the Mattress Safely
Transporting a mattress is one of the most commonly mishandled steps in the entire storage process. A mattress should never be folded, rolled, or strapped to the top of a car.
Doing so can damage the internal layers, brake springs, permanently compress the foam, and often void the warranty.
Instead, mattresses should be transported flat, inside a clean vehicle or container that allows them to maintain their shape.
One of the many benefits of storing with The Mobile Storage Guy is that you never have to wrestle with your mattress through doorways, staircases, or small car trunks.
Our containers are delivered directly to your location, allowing you to carefully load your mattress flat and with full support. If you prefer to keep the container on-site, that’s also an option.
Alternatively, if you prefer professional storage, we’ll collect it and transport it to one of our secure off-site storage facilities.
Step Five: Store it Flat and Keep it Unloaded
Once in storage, the way your mattress is positioned will determine how well it retains its shape. Storing a mattress upright may save floor space, but it often leads to sagging, internal distortion, or even cracking if the foam dries out unevenly.
The safest way to store a mattress is to lay it flat on its side, resting on a clean, supportive surface.
If you don’t have access to a platform or bed frame, you can place the mattress on a set of wooden pallets or a raised platform. This not only provides support but also encourages airflow beneath the mattress.
Never stack boxes, bins, or other furniture on top of the mattress. Even light pressure over time can lead to indentations and uneven firmness. Storing your mattress flat and free from pressure is the most reliable way to preserve its structural integrity.
Step Six: Monitor and Maintain While in Storage
Mattress storage isn’t a one-and-done task, especially for long-term storage. Periodically inspecting the mattress ensures that no issues go unnoticed until it’s too late. Every one to two months, open the wrapping slightly and allow the mattress to air out.
Check for signs of moisture, odor, or pests. If the surrounding temperature has changed dramatically, it’s worth checking that the mattress hasn’t developed any condensation inside its wrapping.
If you’re using our facility, rest assured that our storage containers are kept in a regulated environment and monitored closely.
You also have the flexibility to access your container or schedule a temporary delivery if you’d like to inspect your mattress in person. We believe in giving our customers full control over their belongings, even when in storage.
Step Seven: Different Mattresses, Different Needs
It’s important to remember that not all the types of mattresses behave the same in storage. Memory foam mattresses are particularly sensitive to compression and need ventilation.
Innerspring mattresses, while a bit more durable, are vulnerable to moisture and rust. Hybrid mattresses combine the challenges of both foam and coils, requiring extra care to manage both pressure and humidity. Latex mattresses are slightly more flexible but can crack under dry, cold conditions.
If you’re unsure about what’s best for your mattress type, we are happy to help assess and recommend storage methods based on your specific needs.
We understand the nuances between brands and materials and know how to keep them in their best shape.
Step Eight: Bringing Your Mattress Back into Use
When the time comes to retrieve your mattress, don’t just unwrap it and use it immediately. Place it in a clean, dry room and let it air out for several hours.
Vacuum the surface to remove any dust that may have settled, even inside the wrapping. If there are any lingering odors, sprinkling baking soda followed by another vacuum session should resolve the issue. Once the mattress feels fresh and firm, it’s ready to go back to your bed.
The key to using a mattress after storage is patience. Allow it time to acclimate to room temperature, especially if it was stored in a climate-controlled space or tightly wrapped.
Why The Mobile Storage Guy Is the Best Choice for Mattress Storage
When it comes to preserving the comfort and longevity of your mattress, cutting corners just isn’t worth it.
The Mobile Storage Guy offers more than storage; we provide convenience, confidence, and care.
From container delivery to expert guidance on loading and long-term care, everything we do is designed to simplify your life while protecting your most valuable items.
You don’t need to guess whether your garage is safe or struggle to move a king-size bed through a narrow hallway.
With our service, you get time to pack, the tools to store correctly, and the assurance that your mattress will be waiting for you in the same condition you left it.
Final Thoughts: Store it Like You Mean it
A mattress isn't merely a useless piece of furniture; it’s where your body resets and recovers. When stored incorrectly, that comfort can be lost forever.
We know that you have many mattress storage ideas, such as placing it in the garage or on top of something; however, when stored properly, with care and preparation, and in the right environment, your mattress can remain clean, supportive, and ready to serve you for years to come.
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to protect your mattress and everything else that matters, let us handle it.
From doorstep delivery to secure storage and expert help at every step, we’ve got you covered. Sleep better knowing your mattress is in the best possible hands.