Quick checklist
If you only need the short version:
- Take photos of the assembled frame and note where each part goes.
- Clean and dry every piece.
- Disassemble the frame and label the parts.
- Put all screws, bolts and brackets in a labeled bag and tape it to the frame.
- Wrap wood and metal parts in moving blankets or similar padding.
- Store the parts in a dry, clean, ventilated space, flat or on edge with support.
- Check the pieces before you reassemble them.
Before you start
Gather a few supplies:
- A screwdriver, Allen keys or wrench that fit your frame’s hardware
- Zip-top bags or small containers for hardware
- Masking or painter’s tape and a marker
- Moving blankets, bubble wrap or old sheets and towels
- Mild soap, a cloth and a vacuum
- Furniture straps or rope, if you will bundle pieces
Take photos of the frame before you start, and photograph tricky joints as you take them apart. If you still have the instruction manual, keep it with the hardware. If it is a brand name frame, many makers provide a PDF manual online.
Step by step
1. Clean the frame
Vacuum the slats, joints and rails, and wipe the surfaces with a cloth and mild soap and water. Dry each piece fully before storing. Moisture trapped in storage can lead to mildew, warping or rust, particularly on wood and metal. Check the seams for any signs of pests while cleaning.
2. Take it apart
Remove the mattress and bedding first. Then take off the headboard, footboard, side rails, slats and any center support. Follow the assembly order in reverse. Take your time with stubborn bolts, and avoid forcing pieces that seem stuck. If the frame is moving out rather than into storage, our tips for moving furniture cover carrying long, heavy pieces safely.
3. Label the parts
Tape a label on each piece, such as “left rail,” “headboard” and “foot, right.” Put matching numbers or letters at joints that connect. This makes reassembly much faster, particularly if you are storing for months or years.
4. Bag the hardware
Put screws, bolts, nuts, washers and cam locks in a zip-top bag, and label it with the bed’s name or size. Tape the bag to the headboard or a side rail so it stays with the frame. Don’t use loose boxes of hardware that can get separated, and consider a second bag as a backup. The same applies if you have extra items like casters or small brackets.
5. Wrap the pieces
Wrap wood and metal in moving blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches. Avoid wrapping wood tightly in plastic wrap, since plastic can trap moisture and cause warping or mold. Protect the corners and finished surfaces with extra padding. Secure the wraps with tape or straps that do not touch the finish directly, because some tapes can damage finishes.
By frame type
- Wood frames. Keep them away from damp and large temperature swings, and wrap in breathable blankets. Don’t stack heavy items on top.
- Metal frames. Dry well to prevent rust. A light wipe of dry cloth is enough in most cases. Bundle with padding so edges do not scratch other items.
- Upholstered frames. Vacuum, spot clean as needed, and cover with a breathable fabric cover or clean sheet. Avoid plastic that can trap moisture.
- Storage beds with drawers or lift mechanisms. Empty them first, remove the drawers, and secure any moving parts.
- Bed frames with slats. Bundle slats together with straps or tie them in groups.
Where to store a bed frame
Self-storage unit. A typical option if you are between homes. Climate-controlled units cost more but protect against humidity and heat, which can matter for wood, upholstery and mattresses. Many people pick drive-up units for easy loading of long pieces, though they are less sheltered from weather. For loading tips, see how to pack a storage unit.
Garage. Convenient, but temperatures and moisture vary. Use shelving or racks off the floor, and keep it away from walls with leaks. Our guide on what to store in a shed vs a garage explains which items tolerate those conditions.
Attic. Hot in summer and often cold in winter, which is not ideal for wood or upholstery. Only use it if you know the space is dry and the temperature is moderate.
Basement. Prone to moisture. Keep pieces off the floor on pallets or shelves, wrap breathably, and check regularly. If you are using your basement as a room, see our article on basement bedroom code requirements.
Behind a closet or under another bed. For a platform frame that you will use later, a slim flat bundle may fit beneath a guest bed or in a closet.
Flat or upright?
Both can work. Flat storage supports long rails and slats evenly, as long as nothing heavy is placed on top. Upright storage saves floor space, but pieces should be leaned against a wall with padding and a way to keep them from tipping. Whichever you choose, avoid leaning long, thin pieces at an angle for a long time, which may bend them. Place the heaviest items on the bottom and keep pieces off the bare floor.
Storing the mattress too
If you are storing the mattress, keep it clean and dry, use a breathable mattress bag, and store it flat. Avoid stacking heavy items on top. A mattress that was in a compressed box or vacuum bag may need time to expand. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses can take hours to reach full shape after unpacking, and manufacturers often give specific times, with 24 hours a common recommendation. Follow the instructions that came with your mattress.
What not to store under a bed
Under-bed space is handy, but it is not suited to everything:
- Food and anything that attracts pests
- Items that are damp or could mildew
- Delicate items that can be crushed or damaged by dust
- Anything flammable, or with a strong chemical smell
- Items you need often, since you may not reach them easily
Better under-bed items include off-season clothing in lidded bins, spare bedding and shoes in boxes. Keeping the space tidy also matters if you follow feng shui; see our feng shui bedroom guide for more on clutter under the bed.
How long can you keep a frame or mattress?
A well-built frame can last for decades if it is kept dry and undamaged. Wood can last especially long, while particleboard and low-cost frames wear sooner. Mattresses are different. Manufacturers often suggest replacement in a range of about seven to ten years, depending on type and use, and an old mattress may be less comfortable and supportive even if it looks fine. If your mattress is very old, sagging or has stains and odors, it is better to replace than store it. Check your warranty and manufacturer guidance.
Setting up again
When you take your frame out of storage, unwrap it and check for moisture, pests, cracks, rust or loose joints. Lay out the parts and hardware according to your photos and labels. Tighten the bolts once the frame is assembled, and again after a few days of use. If you are rearranging the room, master bedroom layout and dimensions can help you plan where the bed goes, and our overview of how to invest in your bedroom can help you decide which upgrades to make while the room is empty.