One common furniture item that is placed in storage units is mattresses. These large items may seem difficult to store properly, but when you follow the correct steps, your mattress will stay in perfect condition while in a storage unit. If you are looking to store mattresses and are not sure where to start, we have all the tips for storing them inside a storage unit.
Clean The Mattress Before Storing
The most important step when storing a mattress is to ensure that it is clean before tucking it away. Cleaning and allowing it to dry will prevent mold and mildew from forming. Especially if you plan to store it for years, cleaning off dead skin cells, oils, and dirt will help keep them in better condition.
Cleaning a mattress can be an intense process. Before putting it in storage you should use a disinfectant, work to remove stains, and ensure that no moisture is trapped in the mattress.
Properly Wrap The Mattress To Limit Damage
Once the mattress is clean, you will want to protect that hard work and prevent any contaminants from clinging to the mattress during transportation. Using a protective coating around the mattress will add another layer of security while it rests in your storage unit.
There are a few different options that can work for covering your mattresses. While wrapping it in a blanket or drop cloth can work for the short term, these options below are best to keep problems at bay when storing mattresses for a longer period of time.
Plastic Cover
Using a plastic mattress cover is the best option to protect against moisture. These covers are transparent, which makes it easy to see if there are any issues with the mattress without removing the cover. Most plastic covers are puncture-resistant which helps keep pests and moisture out, especially during moving.
Breathable Fabric Cover
Allowing the mattress to breathe will limit worries of mold growth while sitting in a storage unit. Fabric mattress covers allow for air circulation while still providing protection from rips and tears.
Consider Multiple Positions
Depending on the size of your unit, you may be able to position the mattress in multiple ways. A mattress takes up a lot of space, so if you are storing other large furniture items, you may need to try a few different positions to keep the unit easily accessible.
Flat
The best way to store mattresses is flat on the bottom or on its side. Storing the mattress this way will help it hold its shape and limit the effects of gravity. Especially if you are storing your mattress for multiple months, you will want it to retain its structural integrity.
Off The Ground
Keeping a large item off of the ground in a unit could help protect it from issues like flooding and pests. You can place the mattress on a pallet or platform to keep it cleaner and safe while moving other items around the unit.
Ensure Your Unit Has Ventilation
Having ventilation in a storage unit is crucial to keep your furniture in pristine condition. Air circulation prevents humidity which can cause mold or warping to occur. Finding a facility that offers climate-controlled units will limit the worry of proper ventilation as it does the work for you.
Especially when it comes to fabric pieces, keeping humidity at a minimum is important. When moisture enters a mattress you could be dealing with mold growth, foul smells, lumps, and structural changes.
Storage Options From 700 Block Storage
Our Salt Lake storage facility offers self-storage units of varying sizes and spaces. 700 Block Storage wants to help people of all types and needs have secure storage for their personal belongings. While our units will work well for all different needs, we specifically feel that our climate-controlled units are best for military families, out-of-state student storage, business inventory storage, and long-term storage or furniture.
Renters can pay for their units online and start using their units as soon as today. Reach out to us to learn current availability or read our FAQ page to learn more about what we offer.
