We have all been there: climbing out of bed in the morning with a stiff neck, a sore back, and the distinct feeling that the previous night did nothing in the way of rest.
Many of us have been experiencing poor sleep for so long that it simply feels like second nature, being tired is a way of life for far too many people.
There are plenty of factors that affect sleep quality. Everything from leaving a light on to facing added stress at work can prevent sleep from having actual restorative effects, even if you fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.
While there is no disputing that many things contribute to sleep quality, perhaps the biggest factor is sleep environment. This means sleeping somewhere that is a comfortable temperature with quality bedding and, of course, a good mattress.
If you often find yourself waking up and feeling like you have not slept at all, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. So once you have decided to update your mattress, what should you do with the old one?
One man's trash is another man's treasure. Your mattress may be relatively new, but it may not properly accommodate your sleeping style.
If your mattress is not necessarily out of life, it just is not the right one for you, it may be worth donating to someone else for whom it will be right.
Organizations like Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity will sometimes accept mattress donations if it is in relatively good quality, but be honest about the state of your mattress.
While it might sound easy to just drop off your old mattress, do not saddle a non-profit with your mattress if it will not serve someone in need, but also do not assume that just because the mattress is not working for you it can't provide someone else with a good night's sleep.
This is a great way to help reduce waste but more often than not, if a mattress is giving you persistent issues (and particularly if you have a partner that is also experiencing discomfort), the quality has probably degraded to a point where it is not salvageable.
Nothing lasts forever, think about how long you have had your mattress. Even a high end one may not last more than around 7 years. If it has been in the neighborhood of this long since you replaced your mattress, it has likely run its course.
While it is always a good idea to at least consider donation an explore the option, in all likelihood you will have to dispose of it instead.
Some communities will take part in a large disposal period where dumpsters are placed in town once a year, but if your hometown does not engage in this practice, or if it is several months away, it may not be a viable option for you.
A good first step if you are not sure where to start is to simply reach out to your local trash service to find out whether they will take large items like mattresses at all. Do not simply leave the mattress on your curb without checking, as you could end up with a fine from your city.
If they do accept mattresses as a part of regular trash collection, they probably only do so on specific days, and you will likely need to wrap the mattress in plastic before they will take it.
Though every service is different, many times it will not be possible to leave your old mattress for your regular trash service to collect, and you will need to explore alternative options.
Research your options before jumping into one. A reputable company will take the time to ask you questions and find out which disposal option will best serve you.
They should also be able to offer you a quote or estimate. Make sure to choose a company that is transparent about the price range you can expect, and that is genuinely interested in finding you the best possible deal.
Also make sure you work with a company that is familiar with residential disposal, as a less informed one could cause you to rack up fines if the proper steps are not taken.
Before you make the final decision on which type of disposal method is right for your mattress, take stock of the rest of your home. Are there other large items you have been meaning to get rid of, but have not had the means?
Maybe there is a set of chairs, a dresser, or an entertainment center sitting in your attic or garage.
Whatever items are imposing on your home, disposing of your mattress could be a great opportunity to get rid of outdated items that are not doing anything but collecting dust and taking up space.
If you find that there are more than a few items you want to clear out of replace, discuss a larger method with your disposal company. You may find that the choice to get rid of your mattress serves as the catalyst to help you clear out your whole home.
The importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated, particularly in a world that requires high function and productivity from everyone during their days just to get by as a functioning member of society.
It is easy to fall into the pattern of thinking that you simply are not capable of sleeping well at night and dooming yourself to a life of fatigue. However, very few people actually have medical disorders disturbing their sleep; it is much more likely that you have control over the situation.
Now you know exactly what steps to take in order to get rid of that mattress that is not serving you so you have all the necessary tools to make room in your bedroom for a new, better mattress that will.
Do not wait until you fall asleep at your desk or over dinner to make this switch - be proactive and kiss your old mattress goodbye. Take the steps toward disposing of your old mattress, choosing a new one, and achieving a restful night of sleep.