Tips for Long-Term Storage of a Mattress and Box Spring
Mattresses and box springs, particularly quality ones, are an investment. If you must put them in a storage unit, you must make sure to do so properly.
Address Concerns During Storage
Several things can damage your bed while it is in storage. The most alarming, perhaps, is mold and mildew. There doesn't have to be a leak in the storage unit for this type of damage to occur, either. The fabric covering the mattress and box spring can absorb moisture from the air if climatic conditions are damp or humid. Sometimes you end up with visible mold and mildew growth, but more often than not the mattress just develops the unpleasant musty odor of mildew.
Other types of damage can also be a concern. If stored incorrectly, mattresses can develop creases or suffer damage to the springs. Box springs may warp or start to come apart due to the stresses of being stored. Tears and stains to the fabric coverings are also a possibility.
Select the Ideal Unit
One way to minimize the chances of damage is to choose the right storage unit. The ideal unit is large enough to hold the mattress without the need to bend it or stand it on its side. You should be able to lay the mattress and box spring flat if you want to ensure that there is no chance for creasing or warping to occur. A climate-controlled unit is also preferred. These units should provide both temperature control, which means the unit doesn't become too hot or too cold, as well as humidity control. You won't have to worry about damp weather or condensation from temperature fluctuations affecting your mattress while it is in storage.
Be Generous With Packaging and Protection
How you package the mattress and box spring is also important. Start by investing in properly sized mattress bags. These bags are made to let moisture escape, but they do not let it in. Seal both the mattress and the box spring in their own individual bags before storing them in your unit. The bags don't just protect against moisture, they also protect the fabric from stains.
It can be tempting to store other items on top once the box spring and mattress are laying flat in your storage unit. Unfortunately, this increases the chances of problems like spring damage or tears. Instead, stack your boxes in the unit first until you have a flat surface, and then store the bed on top of the boxes.
Contact a self-storage facility for more help.