When it comes time to store your belongings in a storage unit, knowing what will fit becomes essential. Mattresses are typically the largest items people need to store. Because of their massive size, mattresses often take up more room in a storage unit than people realize.
If you are renting a typical 5 X 5 storage unit, knowing if a queen mattress will fit is probably one of your concerns. With the information contained in this article, we will answer this question and help you determine how to ensure a perfect fit.
What Are the Average Dimensions of Queen Size Mattresses?
Queen size mattresses are typically 60 inches wide by 80 inches in length. This measurement equates to approximately 5 feet by 6.67 feet. Although this is a typical queen mattress measurement, slight deviations may occur among brands and mattress types. The following offers dimensions for other types of queen mattresses.
Olympic Queen mattresses are 66 inches by 80 inches.
Split Queen mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches but they can be split into two 30 by 80-inch mattresses, for easier storage.
Will a Queen Mattress Fit In a 5 X 5 Storage Unit?
Yes, a queen size mattress will fit in a 5×5 storage unit. Using the dimensions of an average queen mattress which are 60 inches x 80 inches, the mattress will be too long to fit against one of the walls. But it will fit if you put it diagonally on its side.
A 5 X 5 storage unit will have 7 feet of diagonal space, so this will be the only way to position a queen mattress inside. Of course, the position of the mattress is going to cut down on the storage space you have available for other items, but you can make it work.
Prepare a Mattress for Storage
Whether you are moving to a smaller place, your kid went to college, or you have bought a new mattress, storing a queen mattress is not overly difficult. Before you put a mattress in storage, you need to take care of a few preparations.
Clean the Mattress
Before you store a mattress in a storage unit, you need to perform a deep cleaning. Follow these easy steps to make sure your mattress is clean.
- Remove any bedding, including mattress covers.
- Apply upholstery cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Vacuum the mattress thoroughly on all sides.
- Spot clean any stains with fabric stain remover.
- Allow the mattress to air dry completely.
- Sprinkle the mattress liberally with plain baking soda, and allow it to sit for at least two hours.
- Vacuum the mattress to remove any baking soda or lingering debris.
- Flip the mattress to the other side and complete the steps above.
Place the Mattress in a Mattress Bag
While it may be tempting to put your mattress straight into storage without preparing it, this is not a good idea. Mattresses absorb dirt and moisture from the atmosphere where they are being stored. Your mattress could go in nice, white, and clean, and come out highly stained and smelly.
To keep your mattress clean during storage, you should consider putting it in a mattress bag. Choose a mattress bag that is breathable and will not cause mold and mildew to grow. A mattress bag will keep pests out and prevent your mattress from becoming dusty and dirty while in storage.
Rent a Moving Truck
You might think moving a queen size mattress into a storage unit is easy, but that is not always the case. If you try to strap a mattress to the top of your car or throw it in the back of a truck, it could become damaged due to the velocity of the wind.
The best way to move a large mattress to a storage unit is to rent a dolly and truck. Renting this equipment will ensure your mattress gets delivered to the storage unit without any damage or other issues.
Tips for Storing a Mattress in a Storage Unit
Once you have determined your queen size mattress will fit inside your 5 X 5 storage unit, you need to make sure you store it properly. Whether you are storing the mattress short-term or long-term, the following tips will keep it clean and like new.
- Keep the mattress off the ground for ample airflow all around.
- Store the mattress flat whenever possible.
- Do not put anything on top of the mattress.
- Choose a climate-controlled storage unit.
- Make sure to air out the mattress before use.
Bottom Line
Although a queen mattress will fit diagonally in a 5 X 5 storage unit, this leaves you little room for anything else. Storing a mattress in this way could also cause damage. Ideally, mattresses should be stored flat, following the tips above.