How to store a mattress in a way that's right for you and your family.

Is there an extra bed that is too good to part with?You can learn how to store a mattress.

In the time it takes to find the right one, mattresses are an investment.If properly maintained, a quality mattress can last up to 15 years.

It makes sense to store the mattress when it isn't being used.If the proper care isn't taken, a few months or years in storage can damage a mattress.

Maybe you are getting married and need to upgrade from a twin to a queen, or your kids are moving out and you want to reuse their rooms.Proper mattress storage will greatly increase the lifespan of your bed.There is a way to store a mattress correctly.

The easiest way to clean a mattress is to vacuum it on both sides and then use an upholstery cleaner.Get a mattress ready for storage.

Wrap the mattress in plastic and secure it with packing tape to create a tight seal.If possible, don't use thick plastic covers as they are more likely to trap the water.A light plastic is better.

The majority of the time the mattress is in storage, it needs to be covered.A high-quality mattress bag with no holes or tears should cost less than $20 for long-term storage.The covers are designed to keep the mattress dry.

The bed pieces should be covered with old blankets or sheets when moving from point A to point B.Always use a covered truck.

It's not safe to tie a mattress to the top of a car because the mattress could bend at the point of no return.It can be difficult to move a mattress on an open truck bed.

It is okay to keep the mattress on the side of the truck during the moving process.This method is preferred over piling furniture on top of the mattress.

You should never store a mattress upright if you are told to prop it on its side to save space.If you put your mattress inside your storage unit, lay it flat to mimic its natural position.

Mattresses need to be stored flat because eventually the coil and inner-workings of a side-stored mattress will settle out of their proper position, destroying the cushion.

Don't put anything on the mattress.The springs can be damaged by heavy objects.Heavy objects cause more wear to the exterior.

If you want to maximize space, place the mattress on top of other objects.Make sure everything is stable.

When storing furniture, the primary concern is the temperature and humidity.They can do a lot of damage to a mattress.The basement is a terrible place to store a mattress.

If you rent a storage unit, consider climate-controlled storage.Climate control will ensure that your storage space will have heat in the winter and stay cool during the summer, which will protect your expensive mattress and bed from severe temperature changes.

If you decide to store the mattress in your basement or garage, you should buy a portable dehumidifier.This setup is not ideal, but this tool will help maintain the quality of your mattress.

When you are ready to retrieve your mattress, follow the guidelines in Step 1 to make sure it is smelling fresh.