How to Pack a Mattress for Storage

Whether you’re moving, downsizing, travelling or just clearing space at home, packing a mattress properly for storage isn’t something you want to guess your way through. Mattresses are expensive, bulky, and surprisingly easy to damage if not stored the right way. Do it wrong and you could be coming back to mould, sagging, or worse, a mattress that’s no longer usable.

But done right, storing your mattress can help it stay in great shape until you need it again. From cleaning and wrapping to keeping it off the floor, here’s everything you need to know.

Clean it properly before you pack it

It might look clean on the surface, but mattresses hold on to dust, skin cells and moisture. Leaving all that trapped inside while it’s in storage is a recipe for mould and bad smells. Start by giving your mattress a thorough vacuum. Use a handheld vacuum or an attachment to clean along the surface and into any seams or corners.

If you notice any marks, gently spot clean with a mild fabric cleaner and a damp cloth. Don’t soak it. The aim is to clean it without adding too much moisture. Once it’s done, let it dry completely. If you can, leave it in a warm room or outside in the shade for a few hours. You want it totally dry before wrapping it up.

Use the right kind of cover

To protect your mattress from dirt and dust while it’s in storage, you need to wrap it. But wrapping it too tightly in thick plastic can do more harm than good. If there’s any trapped moisture inside, sealing it up with no airflow could lead to mould.

The best option is to use a breathable mattress bag. These covers are made for storage and help stop dust and dirt getting in while still letting air circulate. If you don’t have one, you can wrap your mattress in cotton sheets or old blankets before covering it loosely with plastic. Just make sure there’s a bit of space for air to flow.

Never store it directly on the ground

Even if your mattress is clean and covered, putting it straight on the floor of a storage unit is not a good idea. Storage floors, especially concrete ones, can hold cold and damp. That moisture can slowly work its way into your mattress over time.

To keep it safe, raise it off the ground. You can use wooden pallets, cardboard boxes or anything that creates a bit of space underneath. This stops moisture building up and gives you extra protection in case something spills nearby.

Standing it up can save space, but do it the right way

A lot of people wonder whether they should store their mattress flat or upright. If you are only storing it for a few weeks, laying it flat on a raised surface is fine. But if you are storing it long term, it is usually better to stand it up on its side.

Storing it upright saves space and avoids creating pressure points that can cause sagging. But it is important to support it properly. If the mattress leans awkwardly or is slightly bent, the shape can be affected over time. Try to keep it standing straight against a solid wall or supported by large furniture or boxes. This will help it stay in its original shape.

Avoid putting anything heavy on top

A mattress might look like a good base for stacking boxes, but it is not built for that. Putting anything heavy on top of your mattress while it is in storage can cause permanent dents or sagging, especially with memory foam or spring mattresses.

Try to give it its own space. If you are short on room, slide lighter items next to it instead of on top. You want to keep the surface of the mattress as flat and pressure-free as possible.

Pick the right spot in the unit

If your storage unit is climate controlled, that’s ideal. But if not, try to store your mattress away from the door. The area near the door is most exposed to outside air and temperature changes. Putting your mattress further back in the unit will help protect it from sudden heat or cold.

Temperature swings can lead to condensation, and that’s something you want to avoid. Even a well-wrapped mattress can suffer if there’s constant moisture in the air.

Sort your payment and keep a backup plan

If you are going to be away while your mattress is in storage, make sure your payments are covered. Set up a direct debit or card payment and double check that you can manage your account online if needed.

It’s also a good idea to let someone else know where your unit is and how to access it. You can ask the storage company if it’s possible to add a second name to the account, just in case anything needs to be collected while you’re away.

Take photos and check your insurance

Before you lock the door on your storage unit, take clear photos of your mattress and anything else you are storing. This gives you a record in case anything goes wrong.

Most storage companies include a basic level of insurance, but it may not be enough to cover a high-end mattress. If you are storing something valuable, check if you need extra cover.

When you’re ready to bring it home

When it’s time to take your mattress out of storage, unwrap it carefully and let it breathe before using it again. If you stored it upright, give it a bit of time to settle before putting it on the bed. A quick vacuum and airing out will help get rid of any musty smell.

Packing and storing your mattress properly might take a bit of effort, but it makes all the difference. Get it right and your mattress will be ready to go whenever you are. Whether you’ve been away for a few weeks or a few months, you’ll be glad you took the time to do it properly.