How to Move a Mattress

Preparing to move your mattress

The first step is to measure your mattress's length, width, and thickness. These dimensions will help you determine the correct size of the mattress bag you'll need and plan safe transportation.

Here are the essential supplies you will need for moving:

1. Mattress bag or cover: Choose a durable plastic bag slightly larger than your mattress's measurements. Look for a thickness of at least 3 millimeters and a secure closure (such as a zipper or adhesive seal) to provide maximum protection from moisture and dust. While stretch wrap is an alternative, a dedicated bag is ideal.
2. Packing tape: Used primarily for securing the mattress bag.
3. Dolly or hand truck: Necessary for safely transporting the mattress.
4. Ratchet straps: For securely fastening the mattress to the hand truck and inside the moving truck.

Vacuum the surface of the mattress to remove dust and dirt before covering it. You can spot-clean any stains, but it is critical to ensure the mattress is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

To cover the mattress with a bag:

1. Place the open/sealing end of the bag at one end of the mattress.
2. Carefully and slowly pull the bag up across the entire mattress, working your way from one side to the other.
3. Once the mattress is completely inside, remove the backing from the adhesive seal and fold it tightly over the mattress to create a secure closure. As an alternative, or for extra security, you can also reinforce the seal with packing tape.

» LEARN: How to pack for a move

Choosing the right transportation method

The best transportation method for your mattress depends primarily on its size, the distance you need to move, and the types of vehicles you have available. Some vehicles can only fit twin or double/full-size mattresses, while larger vehicles can haul a California king.

The ideal and safest ways to transport your mattress are:

• Moving truck: This is the best option for moving any size mattress. You can stand the mattress on its side and use ratchet straps to securely fasten it to the interior walls, preventing movement. The enclosed space also ensures protection from rain and the elements.
• Cargo van: A rented cargo van can accommodate most mattresses up to queen-sized. For king-sized memory foam mattresses, you may need to fold or vacuum-seal them to fit.
• Pickup truck: Most mattresses can fit inside a truck bed if laid flat, provided they are securely tied down with ropes or straps. Do not stack any other items on top of the mattress. For larger king-sized mattresses, you might need to leave the tailgate open.
• SUV: A large SUV, with the second and third-row seats folded down, may accommodate a twin or double/full-sized mattress. However, do not try to bend or fold the mattress to make it fit, as this can damage its structural integrity.

It’s important to note that while strapping a mattress to the roof of your personal car may seem like a budget-friendly option, it is strongly discouraged due to significant safety hazards. An improperly secured mattress can fly off, potentially damaging other vehicles or obstructing your view, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

If you are moving a long distance and don’t have access to a moving truck or cargo van, you can explore shipping your mattress as an alternative. Major carriers like FedEx and UPS will ship mattresses, provided they are compressed and properly boxed. Additionally, you can use freight services offered by companies specializing in transporting large, heavy or bulky household items.

» RELATED: Best moving companies

Moving a mattress by yourself

You can likely move a mattress by yourself, depending on your physical strength, but always start by securing it in a mattress bag to protect the material. To move it through the house, the easiest method is to slide it on its side, which is ideal for navigating narrow hallways and doorways.

1. Place several pieces of cardboard (or cardboard slips) beneath the entire length of the mattress edge that will be touching the floor to minimize friction and prevent damage.
2. Stand at one end, lift the opposite edge using your legs, not your back, and place one hand at the bottom to maintain the lift while the other hand grips the side for balance and direction.
3. Walk backward toward the exit door, dragging the mattress behind you.

Using a hand truck is highly recommended for moving the mattress outdoors and onto a moving truck:

1. Position the mattress vertically against a wall.
2. Slide the hand truck's base beneath it and secure it tightly with straps.
3. Tilt the hand truck backward using the handles and roll it to the truck.

If the mattress is too tall to fit through the door while on the vertical hand truck, secure the mattress to the hand truck just outside the doorway. If you must drag the mattress to the moving truck without a hand truck, ensure a piece of cardboard stays underneath the entire way to prevent the mattress bag from ripping on rough exterior surfaces.

Navigating obstacles and stairs

Moving a heavy mattress up or down stairs requires careful preparation, the use of support structures, and ideally, a helper. To begin, always clear the path of any obstacles or trip hazards to ensure safety.

It is highly recommended to recruit a helper to share the load and maintain control over the bulky item. Throughout the move, you will want to utilize the surrounding walls and stair rails (banisters) both for your personal support and to momentarily lean the mattress against when you need to take a break.

When navigating downstairs with a helper, the person at the bottom should stand in the lead position to control the speed and direction. You can brace one side of the mattress against the wall to transfer some of the weight and guide it carefully down the stairs one step at a time.

The same tactic of using the wall for support and lifting one step at a time applies when moving the mattress upstairs. For navigating tight corners or narrow staircases, you may need to gently flex the mattress to maneuver around the turn. However, if the mattress has innersprings, be very cautious and avoid bending it too much, as this can cause permanent internal damage.

Storing and securing the mattress

When transporting your mattress, place it either flat or on its side, ensuring it’s securely fastened in the moving vehicle. If using a moving truck or pickup, it is critical to strap it down tightly to prevent shifting and potential damage during transit.

For long-term storage, always cover the mattress completely with a protective, waterproof bag and store it lying flat. It must be placed on an elevated, even surface, like wooden pallets, to ensure proper airflow underneath and prevent moisture accumulation, which helps maintain the mattress's shape and prevents mold or mildew.