For most people, purchasing a mattress is a big financial investment. So, when it comes time to move or temporarily store your mattress, you want to ensure that you do so properly to prevent potential damage and keep it in good condition.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to store a mattress and the best way to move a mattress without causing damage.

Why Proper Mattress Storage and Transport Matters

Though no one intentionally harms or damages their mattress, improper handling and storage can create unintended consequences.

Prevents Damage

Knowing how to store and transport a mattress correctly can help you avoid potential damage. For example, if you commit some of the common storage errors like placing the mattress on its side, storing heavy objects on top of it or transporting it unprotected, it may be at risk of potential warping, premature sagging or moisture damage.

Oftentimes, these types of damage cannot be repaired. You’ll likely need to dispose of the mattress and purchase a new one if you notice these signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintains Hygiene

Not only does proper storage and transport keep your mattress free from damage, but it also helps to maintain its hygiene and cleanliness.

Especially if you plan on storing your mattress away for a long time, you’ll need to protect it adequately to keep dust, allergens, bacteria and other buildup from accumulating on the mattress. Otherwise, it may cause potential health issues and irritation once you remove the mattress from storage and start sleeping on it again.

Extends Lifespan

Moving and storing mattresses properly helps make it last longer. As mentioned earlier, certain types of mattress damage are irreversible, and your only option will be to replace it entirely.

In general, mattresses should last you around seven to 10 years. However, accidentally damaging it while putting it away in storage or moving it from one residence to another can lead you to replace it earlier than normal.

Protects the Warranty

There are certain errors you can make while storing and moving your mattress that will invalidate the warranty. This means that any damages that result from your mistakes may not be covered or warrant a free replacement, as they were likely preventable.

The specific terms and conditions of the warranty will vary depending on the brand. Before moving your mattress or putting it in storage, review your warranty terms to ensure you don’t void it unknowingly.

How To Prepare Your Mattress for Storage

Learning how to store your mattress correctly starts with the proper preparation. Here are some crucial steps needed to get your mattress ready for storage.

Clean It

Start by removing any linens that are still on the mattress and giving it a thorough cleaning.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if there are any specific cleaning instructions you should follow. Otherwise, take off and wash the removable cover (if there is one), and vacuum the surface of the mattress to remove any dust and debris.

Spot-clean any stains or residue with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, avoiding any harsh cleaners. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Cover It

After cleaning the mattress, you’ll want to cover it to protect against dust, dirt and spills while in storage. This is especially the case if you need to transport the mattress out of your home before storing it, as it will be exposed to many more substances and debris during the moving process.

You may be able to find dedicated covers for mattresses in storage, but wrapping a mattress in plastic can also do the trick. No matter what you use, make sure all sides are completely covered to keep any pests, moisture and debris from soiling the mattress while it’s in storage. This may require you to tape any loose ends shut.

Find a Climate-Controlled Storage Space

Choosing the right storage space is just as important as the other preparation steps we’ve discussed so far.

You’ll want to choose a location that is dry and climate-controlled to avoid mold and mildew growth that will ruin a mattress. Plus, it needs to be the proper size to fit your mattress so it doesn’t warp or damage the structure.

Some ideas for storage locations include a storage unit, a basement or a garage, as long as the mattress won’t be exposed to the elements. If you have limited space or budget to rent out a storage unit, there are some creative mattress storage ideas to consider, like sliding it under another bed in your home temporarily.

How To Store Different Types of Mattresses

The same general recommendations typically apply when storing all mattress types. However, there may be some specific requirements depending on the type you own.

Innerspring Mattress

To avoid damaging the inner coils, you should always store an innerspring mattress on a clean and flat surface. If you plan to keep the mattress in storage for an extended period of time, flip it every few months to avoid uneven wear.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses should also be stored flat and not on their sides. It’s particularly important to avoid placing any heavy objects on top, which can wear out the cushion and rebound properties of the memory foam over time.

Hybrid Mattress

Like the previous two mattress types, hybrid mattresses should also be stored flat. Typically made from both foam and innerspring layers, placing a hybrid mattress on its side can cause the inner layers to shift and create a lumpy or uneven sleep surface.

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are known for being a bit more durable and resilient than the other types. However, it should still be stored and transported correctly to prevent unnecessary damage. This means storing it flat, keeping it covered and storing it out of direct sunlight to prevent the latex from deteriorating.

How To Transport a Mattress Without Damage

Whether you’re moving to a new home on the other side of town or across the country, transporting your mattress properly can seem like a big task.

To help make the process less daunting, here are some expert tips shared by one of our Sleep Experts® in our mattress moving guide.

Find a Moving Partner

Even if your mattress seems like a manageable size and weight, it’s recommended to find someone to help you move it. It will be much easier to lift and maneuver the mattress when you have a helper, keeping you from injuring yourself or damaging the mattress.

With the mattress well-wrapped in plastic or other covering, you and your helper should stand on opposite sides of the mattress, tilt it to one edge, and lift it slightly to pick it up off the floor. Then, carefully carry it to the vehicle you will use to transport it.

Transport in the Proper Vehicle

It’s always best practice to move the mattress in a vehicle big enough to fit it inside. You may have seen a mattress strapped to the top of a small vehicle before. But, this can be a safety hazard to others on the road if it slips out, not to mention the serious damage this can cause to the mattress itself.

If you don’t have a pickup truck or large SUV that can fit the mattress, see if you have a friend who will let you borrow theirs for the move. If not, you may also rent a moving van or truck already equipped for this type of thing.

Secure It

After packing a mattress into the moving vehicle, make sure it’s well secured to keep it from jostling around during transport. The mattress may get damaged if it falls, bends or is hit by other unsecured objects in the vehicle.

If you’re using a large moving van or truck, use straps or ropes to tie it to the side wall of the vehicle. If you’re transporting other large items, slide the mattress between two of them to keep it secure and stable throughout the ride.

Hire Professional Movers

There’s always the option to hire professional movers to transport the mattress for you. This might be the easiest way to move a mattress if you don’t have the proper vehicle or if it’s too heavy to lift without hurting yourself or the mattress.

This way, the entire process will be done for you by experienced movers who know how to move a mattress correctly and have the right vehicle and equipment for the job.

Taking Your Mattress Out of Storage

When you’re ready to take your mattress out of storage and use it once again, follow these tips to get it back in working order:

1. Remove protective covering: First, remove the protective covering. Put it in a well-ventilated area and allow the mattress to air out for a few hours before putting on any linens or bedding.
2. Thoroughly inspect it: Give it a once-over to look for any signs of damage, pests or significant stains.
3. Clean it up: Vacuum the surface to remove any debris that may have accumulated while in storage. If needed, spot-clean any new stains or spills and allow it to dry completely before sleeping on it. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Storing and Transporting a Mattress

If you want to know how to protect a mattress when moving and keep it in good condition while in storage, make sure to follow these do’s and don’ts:

Mattress Storage Do’s

• Do a pre-clean: Give the mattress a thorough cleaning before putting it in storage to remove any dirt, bodily fluids and other buildup.
• Store flat: Always store the mattress flat to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming misshapen.
• Keep it protected: Only put the mattress in storage after thoroughly covering it with a mattress bag, cover or plastic sheet to protect it from dirt and moisture. 
• Store in a dry place: Be sure to store the mattress in a dry environment to avoid the buildup of mold and mildew. 
• Check-in frequently: Regularly check on the mattress while in storage to ensure it’s still properly covered and isn’t exposed to any moisture or other unwanted visitors. 

Mattress Storage Don’ts

• Don’t fold or bend: You may bend or fold your memory foam mattress temporarily to make it easier to move; however, do not leave it this way longer than necessary.
• Don’t store heavy items on top: Placing other unused items on top of the mattress while in storage can put unnecessary stress and wear and tear on the sleep surface, causing it to sag prematurely or lose its effectiveness.
• Don’t store it in a humid area: Storing your mattress in a place that experiences extreme temperature swings or high humidity can cause unwanted damage.
• Don’t store on its side: You might be tempted to store your mattress on its side to save some space, but it can damage the internal layers if left this way for a prolonged time. 

Will My Warranty Protect My Mattress?

How you store and transport your mattress may impact its warranty. It’s important to be aware of the actions that could potentially void the warranty and put you on the hook for a potential replacement.

The warranty is meant to cover manufacturing defects that impact the quality and effectiveness of the mattress. So, if the mattress gets damaged, stained or ripped at your own doing, this likely won’t be covered.

Common things that could affect the warranty during moving or storage include getting liquid spills or stains on the mattress or not providing proper support.

FAQ: Storing and Transporting Your Mattress