Originally posted October 2021. Updated November 2022.
Storing your bedroom furniture set may seem like a simple task, but keeping it in good condition takes a bit of elbow grease. Whether you’re planning to keep it in a climate controlled storage unit or somewhere in your basement or attic, prep work is the key to proper bedroom furniture storage. We’ve compiled a list of storage tips to help you preserve your mattress and bedroom furniture so you hopefully won’t have to shell out for a new set any time soon.
Prepping for Proper Bedroom Furniture Storage
Moving, renovating, downsizing—there are many reasons to store a bedroom set. Furniture and mattress storage isn’t complicated, but it’s more work-intensive than simply covering or placing the items in a box. In addition to being bulkier than most furniture in your home, bed frames and mattresses require special care to ensure they stay in good shape.
Disassemble your bed frame.
Taking your bed frame apart makes it much easier to transport and store. As you remove screws, bolts, and cam locks, set these small parts aside and put them in clearly labeled bags. Tape or rubber-band these bags to the frame, so you don’t lose any essential pieces. If you still have the assembly instructions, attach those to the frame as well, so you can reassemble it more easily when the time comes. Before you wrap wooden or metal bed frame pieces in blankets or load them onto a truck, give them a good cleaning. Dust everything thoroughly and use furniture polish to provide the pieces with an extra level of protection.
Protect glass items.
Many bedroom furniture sets have glass elements, whether a mirror attaches to a dresser or a glass tabletop on a nightstand. If your bedroom furniture set has any glass pieces, you will need to take some extra precautions. First, wrap anything glass with packing paper, making sure not to tape the paper directly to the glass as that will leave residue behind. After you have wrapped it, cover the glass in bubble wrap or put it in a separate box for extra security.
Clean and wrap your mattress.
If it feels like your mattress is a lot heavier than the day you first set it up, it probably is. As we sleep, dead skin cells, sweat, and other particulates find their way into our mattresses (ew). However, you can help eliminate some of that weight. Vacuum away accumulated dust and dead skin cells from your mattress with a handheld vacuum or your sweeper’s brush attachment. Clean and deodorize your mattress by sprinkling baking soda and leaving it on for at least an hour before vacuuming again. If you notice any stains, you can use a stain remover or whip up a natural DIY cleaner like this online recipe.
After cleaning your mattress, give it an hour or two to air out. You’ll want to expose it to sunlight and fresh air. Placing it outdoors is ideal, but you can also set it near an open window that gets plenty of sunshine if you can’t put it outside.
How to Pack a Mattress and Bed Frame for Moving or Storage
Once your furniture is clean, you should make an effort to keep it that way. Before loading anything onto a truck or sticking it in the attic or basement, cover your mattress and furniture with blankets or protective bags. This creates a barrier and keeps dust and potential damage away, protecting the items in transit and keeping them safe while they’re in storage. For bedroom furniture, consider doing the following:
- Place your box spring and mattress in separate mattress bags.
- Wrap the bed frame, headboard, and other furnishings in moving blankets. This will help cushion these items if they are jostled while moving or if weight shifts inside your storage unit.
It’s essential to use the right kind of protection for each item. For example, you should never wrap wooden furniture in plastic. This is because condensation can sometimes develop between the plastic and the wood, warping it or causing other damage like mold and mildew.
Not sure where to find the right supplies? Many Prime Storage locations offer moving and packing supplies for purchase. So, before you start packing, drop by your nearest facility and shop for boxes, mattress covers, bubble wrap, and more.
How to Arrange your Mattress and Bed Frame in a Storage Unit
Making the best use of your storage unit requires a little planning. First, decide which items you want easy admission to, and plan to place them in the front of the unit. Allow at least one aisle space within the unit so you can move through it and access your belongings when needed. Placing your belongings in the proper position can help prevent damage and make it easier to remove them when the time comes. These storage tips can assist in avoiding warping, mold, and other damage:
- Lay your mattress flat on a tarp or other clean surface to retain its shape. While storing your mattress upright may seem more convenient, doing so can cause the coils and springs to shift and the fabric to sag.
- Avoid placing anything on top of mattresses.
- Place furniture on wooden pallets or other raised surfaces.
- Choose climate controlled storage for additional protection from the elements.
Climate controlled storage can help keep your mattress and wooden or metal bedroom furniture in the best possible condition. These units are kept within a consistent temperature range year-round. So, whether you live in a part of the country that gets extremely hot, muggy, or bitterly cold, climate controlled storage units are air-conditioned or heated to help make sure your belongings are protected from fluctuating temperatures.
Not using climate control? If you aren’t, placing a dehumidifier in your furniture and mattress storage area is advisable. A dehumidifier will help keep mustiness at bay and prevent the wood from expanding and contracting, which causes damage. When you remove your bedroom furniture from storage and put it back into use, repeat the process of cleaning all items before reassembling them.
Find Convenient Bedroom Furniture Storage at Prime Storage
Taking the time to clean and prepare your bedroom set before storing it can help preserve its beauty and functionality, but where you store it is of equal importance. When you need to store your bedroom furniture, get in touch with Prime Storage. Whether you reserve a unit online or talk with one of our many storage professionals, take advantage of the convenience of our storage facilities. Not sure where to start? Contact a location nearest to you to find an available unit today.
