How to Store a Mattress or Topper the Right Way
Maybe you're moving, maybe you're renovating the guest room, or maybe you bought a new bed and aren't quite ready to let go of the old one. Whatever the reason, you're stuck with a big slab of foam and nowhere to put it. It’s tempting to just fold it up and shove it in the attic, but that is exactly how you destroy a good bedding.
Foam is resilient, but it's not invincible. Moisture, heat, and gravity can turn a luxury topper into a lumpy mess in just a few weeks. If you want to know how to store a mattress topper or a mattress so it actually survives hibernation, you need to follow few specific rules.
What's Inside This Guide
The Right Way to Store a Mattress Topper
Let's start with the easier item. Learning how to store a mattress topper mostly comes down to one golden rule: Roll, don't fold.
Whether you are figuring out how to store a foam mattress topper or a latex one, folding creates a sharp crease. Over time, especially with memory foam, that crease can become a permanent crack. Instead, strip the sheets and gently roll the topper up like a sleeping bag. If it’s a memory foam mattress topper, don't roll it too tight, or you might damage the cellular structure of the foam.
Once rolled, secure it with straps or soft rope (don't pull too hard!) and slide it into a vacuum storage bag or the original box if you kept it. If you're wondering how to store a memory foam mattress topper long-term, unrolling it every few months to let it "breathe" and regain its shape helps to maintain it in it's original shape.
Never store a topper without a cover. If you lost the original packaging, wrap the rolled topper in a breathable canvas bag or even a clean cotton sheet. Avoid sealing it in dark, airtight plastic for months on end if there is any humidity present, as this is a recipe for mold.
How to Store a Full Mattress Safely
A full mattress is a heavier issue. The rules for how to store a mattress are stricter because the weight of the mattress works against you.
- Keep it Flat: The best way to preserve the internal structure - especially if you are researching how to store a foam mattress or a hybrid - is to lay it flat. This prevents the internal layers from shifting or sagging to one side.
- Don't Lean It (Long Term): We know, it saves space. But if you want to know how to store a mattress against a wall safely, the answer is: "it's safe only for a short time." If you leave a heavy foam or spring mattress on its side for months, gravity will pull the materials down, warping the shape. If you must store it on its side, rotate it every few weeks.
- Latex and Futons: Learning how to store a latex mattress is similar - they are extremely heavy and floppy, so flat storage is non-negotiable. Conversely, if you need to know how to store a futon mattress, you have more flexibility; these are designed to fold, so storing them folded is usually safe.
Location: Garage vs. Storage Unit vs. Home
You might be looking for how to store a mattress in a small space, which makes the backyard shed seem like a tempting option. But you need to be extremely careful. A shed is essentially an incubator for destroying bedding. Unlike your home, a shed isn't climate-controlled. Extreme heat in summer can degrade the cellular structure of memory foam (making it permanently soft or sticky), while freezing winter temps can make materials brittle and prone to cracking.
If you are searching for how to store a mattress in the garage, stop and check your local climate. Mattresses hate two things: extreme heat and moisture. A damp garage can lead to mold growth within days. A hot attic can degrade memory foam, making it brittle.
The gold standard is climate control. Learning how to store a mattress in a storage unit is easy if the unit is temperature-controlled. If it's an outdoor drive-up unit, treat it like a garage: elevate the mattress off the concrete floor (use pallets) and cover it thoroughly to prevent pests.
Quick Guide: Where is Safe to Store?
Not all storage spots are created equal. Here is a quick breakdown of where you should keep your bedding if you plan on how to store a mattress long term.
| Storage Location | Risk Level | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Controlled Unit | Low (Best) | Ideal for long-term. Prevents mold, cracking, and heat damage. |
| Spare Room / Closet | Low | Great for how to store a mattress in a small space. Keep it flat under a bed if possible. |
| Garage / Attic | High | Only for very short term. fluctuating temps and humidity can destroy foam. |
| Basement | Medium | Use a dehumidifier. Never place directly on concrete floors (moisture wicks up). |
Cleaning and Protecting Before You Store
Never store a dirty bed. Always clean your mattress or a topper before you pack it away, vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove skin cells and dust mites. If there are stains, spot clean them and let it dry completely. Trapping moisture inside a plastic bag is the fastest way to ruin your investment.
Finally, the best insurance policy for storage is a high-quality cover. Ideally, keep the mattress or topper inside a breathable mattress protector before you wrap it in heavy-duty moving plastic. The waterproof protector adds a layer of defense against dust and bugs, while the outer plastic protects against moisture and scuffs during the move.
When you take your mattress or topper out of storage, give it 24-48 hours to "air out" and expand before sleeping on it. This helps dissipate any stored odors and allows the foam to return to its supportive shape.