Your mattress is basically coiled springs, foam, and fabric in a wooden frame. Therefore, it is highly vulnerable to moisture, pests, and even dirt. If you have a need to store your bed mattress for the long term, you will want to pull it out in the same condition that it was in when it went into storage. Doing this will take a little careful preparation before you place your mattress in a storage unit. Check out what you need to do to get your mattress ready to be stored for a long while in a storage unit and a few helpful pointers to keep in mind.
Wrap the mattress in a protective cover.
You could go with a simple tarp or large piece of plastic to wrap up your mattress, but it is a better idea to first invest in a zippered mattress cover. These mattress covers have thick lining that protects the mattress inside from moisture, dirt, and other contaminants. Tight-fitting mattress covers will work out the best because they will be less likely to be ripped or snagged during transport, so go for a high-quality cover that is made to fit the size of your mattress exactly.
Store the mattress in its typical flat position.
You may be tempted to stand your mattress up on its side or on its end inside of the storage unit to prevent it from taking up a lot of storage space. However, this is not a good idea if the mattress is planned to be in there for a while. Standing the mattress upright instead of laying it flat puts undue stress on the one side or one end of the mattress, which can make it sag or squat after a while. Try to find a way to lay your mattress flat in the unit, and don't stack anything too heavy on the top of it.
Consider opting for a climate-controlled storage unit.
The biggest concern for your stored mattress will be mold development. In some areas, humidity levels can run really high at certain times of the year. That moisture can be absorbed by your mattress, which can nurture the development of mold spores, especially if the mattress is repeatedly exposed to high moisture levels. For this reason, it is a good idea to look for a climate-controlled storage unit that will not have issues with elevated heat and humidity.
