April 2022 – U-Lock Mini Storage

4 Tips for Storing a Mattress

Proper mattress storage decreases the chances of funky odors. Storing a mattress with care will prevent it from soaking in odors from your home.

Mattresses are an investment, both in cost and in the time it takes to find the right one. In fact, a quality mattress can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years if properly maintained.

Because the right mattress is expensive, it makes sense to want to store it when it’s not currently being used. However, a few months or years in storage can damage a mattress beyond repair if the proper care isn’t taken.

Maybe you’re getting married and you need to upgrade from a twin to a queen, or your kids are moving out, and you want to repurpose their rooms. Whatever the case — proper mattress storage will significantly expand the longevity of your bed. Keep reading to find out how to store a mattress correctly.

The Importance of a Proper Mattress Storage

Proper mattress storage decreases the chances of funky odors. Storing a mattress with care will prevent it from soaking in odors from your home. Insufficient air circulation between the layers can also result in a stale odor.

You definitely don’t want any mold or mildew in your mattress. Proper humidity is as important as proper aeration, and if your mattress is just lying on the basement floor, it could become an easy target for colonies of mold or mildew that thrive in humid environments.

Proper storage will help your mattress retain its shape and structure and protect the construction.This is especially important for firm and ultra-firm mattresses that typically have fewer layers, making them more susceptible to outside impact.

Finally, let’s run through a list of things you need to do before you place your mattress into a storage vault or a dark room.

Clean The Mattress

Your mattress has probably collected some dust and debris during use. The dust buildup, along with insufficient cleaning, creates a perfect environment for dust mites, which are the most common allergens in U.S. homes.

To prevent them from hosting a party inside your mattress, give it a thorough cleaning session before you put it into storage:

Remove all the bedding and mattress protectors from the mattress and vacuum it from all sides. If your mattress has a tufted top, use a small brush for hard-to-reach places to clean every crevice.
If your mattress has some stains, treat them. Make a mixture of lukewarm water, dish soap, and baking soda and pour it into a spray bottle. Generously spray the mixture on a stained area and a few inches around it. Let sit for 10-15 minutes and blot the stain with a cloth. Allow the mattress to dry before storage or use .
Disinfect the surface. To make sure that your mattress has a minimal amount of microorganisms, you can disinfect the surface by spraying it with a Lysol spray and allowing it to dry out.

Invest in a Mattress Storage Bag

You should store your mattress in wrapping to prevent any unwanted critters from using it as their home.

The easiest way to do it is to use perforated plastic wrap, but if you’re about to get fancy, we recommend that you purchase a mattress storage bag. Dedicated mattress storage bags a layereds design with waterproof linings which can keep your mattress secure while protecting it from any unpleasant accidents.

Store a Mattress on a Flat Surface

Mattresses have a structure: they consist of top layers, comfort layers, transitional layers, and the base. The best way to maintain your structure, and therefore the comfort of your mattress, is by laying it on the floor or another flat surface.

Placing a mattress on the side, folding, or rolling it may cause the structural elements to shift or bend under their weight, which will result in lumps or broken coils. That’s why your storage room should have enough space to place your mattress as you’d typically put it on the bed.

How to Store a Mattress Depending on Its Type

Generally speaking, the way you store your mattress is the same regardless of its type: don’t place it on an uneven surface or right on the ground, and make sure it’s protected from mold and dust mites.

Each mattress type has its unique features, which may require special care:

Memory foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses don’t have coils inside and can adjust to your body curves pretty easily. However, the softness of memory foam can work against you if you place a mattress on an uneven surface. Plus, memory foam is especially susceptible to mildew growth, so be sure to wrap the mattress into a plastic or place it in a storage bag.
Latex mattress. Natural latex is dense and heavy, so it has a higher chance of bending under its own weight. Place a latex mattress on a flat, supportive surface. Avoid storing it on the side or in an upright position.
Hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses are among the heaviest, and they also have a rigid coil layer for a core. However, the coils inside a hybrid mattress typically are individually wrapped, making them more likely to shift if you place the mattress on its side.
Spring mattress. Unlike hybrid mattresses, spring mattresses have a reinforced coil unit with a wired perimeter, which maintains shape better. But they are still prone to bending and breaking, so be sure to store it in a flat position.
For big sizes, such as King, California King, high-profile, or bulky RV mattresses (check the best ones on this page), the main concern is their weight. If you place these mattresses on a lumpy surface or store them on the side, they might bend under their weight and lose all supportive properties.

Store your mattress in a storage unit

You can rent a storage unit and store your mattress for long-term or short-term. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we have a wide selection of storage unit sizes for you to choose from.
We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).

Rug Storage Tips: 6 Tips for Storing Rugs and Carpet

Stored area rugs can lose their shape, attract pests and accumulate odors if they’re not put away correctly. To keep your rug safe and protected, follow these steps to prepare it for storage.

Stored area rugs can lose their shape, attract pests and accumulate odors if they’re not put away correctly.

To keep your rug safe and protected, follow these steps to prepare it for storage.

1. Clean the rug thoroughly

To start the rug storage process, give the rug a good vacuuming. Use a good-quality vacuum to ensure you lift as much dander, dust and other microscopic particles as possible. For some valuable area rugs, you’ll need to be much more careful with the vacuum so you don’t ruin the delicate weaving.

Once you’re done vacuuming, clean the rug based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Different cleaning methods may apply depending on the material and make of the rug. First, check the label, then proceed with any of the following methods.

Woven or braided rugs.

If small braided rugs are washable, place them in a zippered mesh laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on a low setting.

For large braided rugs, place them on a concrete or vinyl floor. Sponge clean the rug with carpet cleaning foam, rubbing it in according to the directions. Finishby rinsing or vacuuming.

Handmade, hand-knotted, antique and oriental rugs

Protect your delicate vintage or antique rugs by placing a piece of nylon screen over the rug, and then vacuuming over the screen.

Coir, sisal, rush and grass rugs.

These natural fiber rugs allow a lot of dirt to sift through to the floor, so be sure to vacuum them regularly.

To clean the rug, scrub any stains with a soft brush and soapy water. Place a plastic cloth beneath it to protect the floor. Blot dry, and use a fan or dryer to speed up the drying process, since water will weaken the fibers.

Some of these rugs are made in squares and are then sewn together. By buying a few extra squares, you can hand-stitch new swatches into the rug if a spot gets ruined.

Fur, sheepskin and hair-on hides.

To clean these rugs, shake unscented talcum powder on them and then leave it alone for a few hours.

Then, brush the powder through the hair and shake it out, repeating the process several times.

2. Protect the rug from moths and other insects

If you need to store an area rug in a basement, attic or garage, make sure you take extra care to protect it from moths and insects. Apply an insect and moth repellent that is specially designed for fabrics.

3. Tightly roll the rug for storage

Never fold a rug or carpet! Folding can lead to creases, cracks and other damage. Instead, roll the carpet into an even cylinder.

To determine which way to roll your rug, decide which is more fragile: the back of the rug or the pile where the fibers are. In general, the pile is more delicate, meaning you should roll your rug with the pile facing inward.

4. Wrap the rug in a protective fabric

Wrapping a rug is especially helpful if you need to transport or ship it. This extra layer of protection will help keep out bugs, dirt and other elements that can damage the delicate fibers.

How to wrap a rug in a breathable fabric:

Finish rolling your rug by wrapping a cotton sheet or muslin around the rug at least one and a half times around to keep it protected. Secure the sheet with cotton or polyester twill tape.
If you want expert-level protection, consider wrapping your rug in a polyurethane rug wrap. These rug wraps are designed to provide a superior barrier against dampness and insects and will be more effective than muslin.

Note: Do not use plastic to wrap your rug, since it will keep it from breathing.

5. Store the rug off the ground in a cool, dry environment

When storing your rug, it’s important to keep it in a location off the ground, safe from any harmful elements.

You’ll also want to make sure nothing else lays on top of it. Boxes and other supplies can cause cracks and destroy the rug’s shape. It is vitally important to store your rug in a cool, dry environment without exposure to natural night.

Keep these rug storage tips in mind:

Use a fan or dehumidifier to avoid mildew problems.
Block light from windows with shades or blinds.
Consistently implement a housekeeping plan (vacuuming, dusting, etc.)
Store your rug on an elevated surface, since carpet beetles like to reside between the floor and the back of your rug.

6. Unroll and check the rug for signs of damage every few months

To be safe, we also suggest unrolling your rug once a month to make sure there is no evidence of bug infestation. Also, vacuum the area and the rug itself to eliminate any insect-attracting dust.
We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).

6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Live in a Storage Unit

Have you ever wondered if living in a storage unit was legal or not? If you found yourself suddenly without a home due to financial hardship or natural disaster, where would you go? For some, that could mean living with family or friends. For others, that could be living in a storage unit where they keep their belongings. While a storage unit might seem like a viable option, it’s not sustainable or safe.

It’s illegal

Living in a storage unit is prohibited by various local and federal housing laws. Storage facilities must evict any person they find living on the premises to comply with the law and most insurance policies.

There are good reasons why this restriction is in place. For starters, living in a storage unit is unsafe.

The doors lock from the outside

Most storage unit doors are garage-style roll-up doors that lock from the outside. Also, in many storage facilities, management is tasked with doing multiple walkthroughs throughout their shift to ensure all the doors are closed and locked. This task is performed for the safety of renters’ belongings, but if you’re living inside a unit, there’s a chance you could get locked inside. At best, this could mean you feel slightly claustrophobic for the night. At worst, this could result in fatality.

There are no windows or natural light

Natural light is an essential component of psychological well-being. People living in a storage unit could find themselves depressed, lethargic, and claustrophobic due to their living conditions. This lack of space and light can be especially detrimental to children.

Storage units don’t have running water

If you opt to live in a storage unit, you’ll have to spend most of your day outside the unit or sit inside it quietly and discreetly since doing so is illegal. Either way, you’ll be limited on options for bathing and using the bathroom. Your personal hygiene and health can suffer without access to fresh, running water.

Cooking inside a unit is a fire hazard

There are a variety of activities that could cause a fire inside a storage unit. One of the most probable is people attempting to use stoves or grills without proper ventilation. Unfortunately, people living in a storage unit are commonly to blame for fires breaking out.

You will get caught

The viral Youtube video above talks about the need to be invisible to be able to live in a storage unit. Most storage facilities are well equipped with cameras and security protocols, so it’s unlikely a person will get away with hiding out in a storage unit for long. Once caught, you can face civil charges and could lose access to your unit and your belongings.
We offer storage solutions to our clients across Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley with storage units in Chilliwack (Chilliwack U-Lock Mini Storage), South Surrey and White Rock (White Rock U-Lock Mini Storage), Burnaby and Vancouver (Burnaby U-Lock Mini Storage), Victoria (Victoria U-Lock Mini Storage), Nanaimo (Nanaimo U-Lock Mini Storage) and Parksville (Parksville U-Lock Mini Storage).