Have you suddenly found yourself with an extra bed and are now wondering how to store it? This simple guide is just what you need. Let’s look at where you can store an extra mattress, as well as some garage storage tips.
Where to store extra mattress
It is important to keep in mind when choosing a storage place for your mattress that it needs to be in an environment that makes a mattress thrive. It considers the outer conditions of the area, as well as its size and internal conditions. You should keep the following criteria in mind when choosing a place to store an extra mattress.
- Indoors, ideally in areas that are not damp or close to water, rather than in basements or garages.
- There should be enough space to accommodate the mattress size and sufficient ventilation
- In a low-humidity environment
- No dirt, rodents, or vermin which may damage the mattress
- Direct sunlight should be avoided
Usually, your garage meets these requirements, as long as it is dry and low in humidity.
Garage storage tips for mattresses
Before storing a mattress in your garage, make sure it’s in the best possible condition. Your garage must be dark and free of any moisture.
Keep in mind that a dehumidifier can suck up moisture in the air that could potentially cause mould growth or ruin your mattress. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you store your mattress in a garage.
- Prepare the mattress for storage.
This is a step-by-step process and the first step is to deep-clean the mattress so it’s ready for storage. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment as well as baking soda do wonders when cleaning a bed.
After cleaning, pack the mattress in a mattress cover. There are mattress bags, mattress covers, and mattress protectors that can be bought online. You can also use a thick plastic covering for the same purpose.
- Control the temperature.
The main idea is to reduce the moisture in the air, if the mattress gets damp it will grow mould and you’ll have to remove it. You manage the humidity with a thermostat or a portable dehumidifier. A storage unit would be an excellent alternative if climate control is not possible because of budget restrictions.
- Pest control.
There’s nothing worse, then when you take your bed out of storage, and discover rats have gnawed away and built a breeding area out of it. To avoid this make sure there are no holes or places of origin for rodents or vermin to enter your garage. You can also place traps to mitigate any future issues.
- Sagging and structure.
When you lay a mattress on its side, the coils, fillings, and internal construction easily misshape. Over time this damages the bed and it can cause bumps, sagging, and become less supportive after getting it from the storage.
Make sure a tarp is laid down before placing the mattress on the ground and avoid stacking other items on top of the mattress as the weight over time can cause an issue.
If you have to store the mattress on it’s side make sure to switch it around every 6months to a year to help alleviate any issues.
Store a mattress in a storage unit
When storing a mattress in a storage unit, you have to consider how it will be stored, especially if it will be kept there for a long time. You must prepare the bed properly and place it on the storage unit properly to prevent damaging it over time. The following are some tips for storing a mattress in a storage unit.
- Make sure it fits.
You don’t want it squished by the walls of the unit or by other items. Most storage units have a dimension of 2.80 m x 2.10 m x 1.80 m so they fit most mattresses.
Just double check and keep in mind any other items you plan on storing in it. Sort of like playing storage unit jigsaw, perhaps.
- Lay it down.
Even if you are storing the mattress for a long time, you should lay it down. Putting a mattress upright, on the side, for a long period can cause its layers to deteriorate.
Additionally, the fillings and other internal mechanisms might sag to the side due to gravitational pull. If this is inevitable due to lack of space, place the bed between a wall and a sturdy piece of furniture.
If you need to store the mattress for a short time, such as no more than 12 hours, you can store it upright.