How to Move a Mattress to a New Home

There are few items in a home as important as the mattress – it plays a major role in determining the quality of your night’s rest and, therefore, has a great impact on your energy level, mood, concentration, and overall well-being. A comfortable mattress can help improve your health and make you feel refreshed, focused, and ready to take on the world.

So, if you’ve invested in a quality mattress and do like it, you will definitely want to keep it – even when moving to a new house.

Moving a mattress to another home, however, is not an easy task – mattresses are big and heavy and quite prone to damage. To successfully relocate your comfy bedding, you need to know how to protect it properly and transport it safely to your new place.

Here are some expert tips on how to move a mattress to a new home to help you keep your sleeping pad clean and intact during your next relocation.

Is It Worth Moving a Mattress?

First things first – before you start wondering how to move a heavy mattress, you need to be certain that you really want to take your old mattress to your new home.

There are both pros and cons to relocating a mattress:

• PRO: You’ll keep the same mattress, the one you’re used to and happy with;
• PRO: You’ll be able to set up your bed shortly after arriving at your new home – and thus ensure your good night’s sleep after the exhausting Moving day;
• PRO: You won’t need to buy a new mattress – so you won’t have to waste your time looking for an appropriate mattress during the busy days after your relocation and waste your money on a new bedding item when you’ll have no funds to spare after your expensive move;
• CON: Preparing your mattress for moving will take a lot of time and effort;
• CON: Transporting a mattress is very difficult and quite risky – you may easily damage the bed accessory or get hurt if you try to transport it yourself (you can even cause a serious accident when moving a mattress with a car);
• CON: Having your mattress relocated by professional movers will cost you a lot.

So, is it a good idea to move your mattress? It depends on the quality and condition of the bedding, the mattress moving cost, and the specific circumstances in your case.

To decide whether your mattress is worth moving, you need to find the answers to the following questions:

• How old is the mattress? It is advisable to replace your mattress every 7-10 years;
• What is the current condition of the mattress? If the bedding is stained, worn-out, or ripped in places, if there are bumpy, saggy, or caved-in areas, or if the springs make noise when you turn in the bed, then there is no point in moving your mattress to your new home – it is deteriorating and you will soon need to replace it anyway;
• How comfortable is the mattress? If you wake up with backaches or muscle stiffness, then your mattress is not right for you and should be replaced without delay. And what better time to do so than when moving to a new home?;
• How difficult will it be to move the mattress? (How big is the mattress? How heavy is it? Will you need to take it up or down stairs? How are you going to transport it? Will you have moving help?) If you’re using professional moving services, the movers will take care of your mattress, so you’ll have nothing to worry about. In the event of a DIY-move, however, you need to consider whether you can handle the mattress safely, what transportation means you’re going to use, and who will be willing to help you;
• How much will it cost to move the mattress? The cost to move a mattress depends on its size and weight, the relocation distance, and the chosen moving method. If you hire a moving company, the cost will be based on the time it will take the movers to complete the job (for a local move) or on the weight of the mattress, the complexity of the job, and the distance to your new home (for a long-distance move). If you opt for a self-move, how much you will need to pay for the relocation of your mattress will depend on how you will transport the bedding to your new home – whether you will be able to use your car or a pickup truck borrowed from a friend (and pay only for the fuel) or will need to rent a moving vehicle (and pay for the truck rental).
• How much does a mattress of similar quality cost in your new location? Sometimes, it may be cheaper to leave your old mattress behind and buy a new one after the relocation.

All things considered, if your current mattress is good quality, not too old, and still in excellent condition, then you should probably take it with you.

If you decide to do so, you need to start thinking about how to protect the mattress and how to actually move it to your new place.

How to Pack a Mattress for Moving

So, how to prepare a mattress for moving? Your first task is to provide the bedding with proper protection, so it can survive the move safe and sound.

During the relocation your mattress will come in contact with various surfaces (floors, stairs, the ground outside, the inside of the moving truck, the roof of your car, etc.) and will be exposed to the elements – without protective coverings the bedding can easily get stained, torn, or soaked, not to mention that it will be more susceptible to “bruising” and weakening from all the jostling. This can significantly shorten the lifespan of the mattress – and in some worse case scenarios the bedding may be completely ruined. So, it’s crucial that you provide your mattress with the best protection possible.

But how to protect a mattress when moving? You can use professional packing services – or you can pack your bedding yourself.

If you hire professional packers, the experts will bring all the necessary packing supplies and will pack your mattress in the safest and most efficient way possible.

If you decide to pack your bedding yourself, follow the proven mattress packing steps below:

1. Get hold of an effective mattress protector for moving – A specialized mattress moving box or mattress bag for moving is your best bet, but you can also use plastic wrap to protect your mattress from dust, dirt, and moisture during the move. Mattress bags and mattress boxes are sold in standard mattress sizes – you need to measure your mattress (do not forget to measure the depth (the thickness) of the mattress) so you can select a box or a bag that will fit your mattress perfectly. A suitable mattress cover for moving will ensure the safety of the bed accessory during your move;
2. Remove all covers, pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers from your bed. Pack them in a large moving box (See also: How to pack bedding and linens for moving);
3. Take the mattress off the bed (work with a partner as mattresses are quite heavy and difficult to handle, even when they have handles) and lean it against the wall, with the long side standing up. Make sure the mattress is clean and 100% dry;
4. If you’re using a mattress bag, slip the bag over the mattress. Make sure all of the air has been pushed out of the bag, fold the flaps down, and seal the open ends with quality tape (if the bag has a zipper, zip up the open side). Tape down all loose edges (to secure excess plastic), then tape around the top, middle, and bottom of the mattress in both directions to make a crisscross pattern;
5. If you’re using plastic wrap, wrap tightly and make sure the mattress is fully covered with the plastic material;
6. If you’re using a mattress box, protect the mattress with plastic covers (plastic bag or plastic wrap) first. Then, lay the mattress flat on the ground and slide it into the mattress box (if it’s a two-section box, slide one end of the mattress into the first section, then slide the second section over the other end of the mattress). Fill any empty space in the box with bubble wrap so the mattress doesn’t shift around during transport. Seal the box tightly with duct tape (when using a two-section box, be sure to securely seal the two sections together).

Alternatively, you can wrap your mattress in moving blankets (or regular blankets) – they will protect the bed accessory from dust, dirt, and tears. Keep in mind though that blankets will provide no protection against moisture and will make your big mattress even bulkier.

Knowing how to wrap a mattress for moving will allow you to keep it clean and intact during the entire relocation process. Be sure not to forget about the box spring though – if you have one, it should also be wrapped in plastic coverings.

Good to know: How to pack a memory foam mattress for moving

Memory foam mattresses are “floppy”, so they’re a bit trickier to handle during a house move. Therefore, the best way to pack a memory foam mattress is to put it in a mattress moving box that will create a sturdy protective shell around the bedding and will make it safer and easier to move:

• Put your memory foam mattress in a plastic mattress bag or wrap it in bubble wrap. Secure the protective coverings with tape;
• Slip the bubble-wrapped mattress into the box. If you haven’t wrapped the mattress in bubble wrap, slip the mattress into the box and then add some bubble wrap to keep the bedding snugly in place;
• Seal the box with tape.

It’s possible to compress a memory foam mattress (by vacuuming the air out of the plastic mattress bag) and roll it up to make it more compact and easier to move, but doing so is risky (it can damage the foam encasement and deform the shape of the mattress).

Thin memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses can also be folded so they fit into smaller spaces and become easier to handle:

• Put the mattress in a plastic mattress bag;
• Fold the mattress width-wise, so that the top and the bottom of the mattress are touching;
• Make sure the side of the mattress that you sleep on is on the inside;
• Use ratchet straps to secure the folded mattress, so it doesn’t open during the move.

Do not attempt to fold or bend a coil mattress or an innerspring mattress though – doing so will void the warranty and will almost certainly damage the mattress.

All in all, packing a mattress for moving is not overly difficult – especially if you’re using a specialized mattress bag. Moving a mattress, however, is a much bigger challenge.

How to Move a Mattress

There is no doubt that the easiest way to move a mattress is to have it relocated by professional movers.

If you hire a moving company for your move, the pros will take care of all your household items – including your mattress. The experienced movers will bring all the needed equipment and will use safe and efficient moving techniques to take your mattress out of your old home, load it onto the moving truck, and transport it to your new location. They will even unload and unpack the mattress (and all your other belongings) for an extra fee (if you’ve opted for a full service move, the movers will do it all as part of their service).

Using professional moving services, however, is not the cheapest way to move a mattress, so you may decide to move your mattress on your own. In such a case, you will need to plan for the transportation of the mattress and make all the necessary arrangements and preparations.

Here is how to move a mattress by yourself – step by step and method by method.

Step 1. Consider the size of your mattress and decide what vehicle you’re going to use

Measure your mattress to find out its exact dimensions and think about what kind of vehicle you’re going to need to move the bedding to your new home. (Consider not only the size but also the type of the mattress – split king-size mattresses, for example, split into two parts, so they’re easy to move and can fit in almost any vehicle, despite the enormous size of the whole mattress.)

When moving a mattress, you need a large enough vehicle to transport the bulky piece without folding or bending it.

• If you’re moving short distance and your mattress is not too big, you may be able to transport it on top of your car. If you have a large SUV and the seats in the back are removable (or can be folded down), you may even be able to clear enough space for your mattress in the vehicle;
• Most mattresses will fit into a pickup truck, so if you have one or can borrow one from a friend, you will have no problems moving your mattress to your new home;
• If you’re moving a larger mattress – a queen-size mattress or a king-size mattress – you will need a truck. And in the event of a long distance move, you should not even consider moving your mattress without a truck, regardless of its size.

Keep in mind that the car roof method is very risky and highly unrecommendable. A lot of things can go wrong when you transport a mattress this way – the mattress will be exposed to the elements and the debris that may get kicked up on the road and can get easily damaged; the heavy piece may slip off during transit and not only get damaged, but also cause damage to another vehicle or even cause a traffic accident; the mattress may obstruct the driver’s view and cause an accident; etc. In some places, it is even illegal to transport a mattress on the top of your car.

Moving a mattress in a pickup truck is less risky, but it still leaves the mattress exposed. Your best option is to transport your mattress in a moving van or truck, where the bedding will be well protected and safe for the traffic.  

To sum it up: The best way to move a mattress is to transport it in a moving truck. If you’re wondering how to move a mattress without a truck, though, you have three viable options:

1. Transport your mattress in the bed of a pickup truck
2. Transport your mattress in the back of a SUV
3. Transport your mattress on the car roof

Related: How to move a king size bed; Dos and don’ts when moving a queen size bed

Step 2. Ensure moving help

Mattresses are very heavy and very awkward to handle. Larger mattresses are more than 75-80 inches long and a California king can weigh up to 160-180 pounds. You cannot safely lift and carry such a weighty piece alone – even with a dolly, it will be extremely difficult to manoeuver a large mattress around. And if you need to move the mattress up or down stairs or navigate it around tight corners, doing it on your own will be next to impossible. Even professional movers use more than one person when moving a mattress.

If you try to move a mattress alone you risk damaging the mattress, causing damage to your property, and getting hurt – having a partner is essential for the success of your mattress relocation endeavor. So, be sure to ask friends for help – or to enlist the help of a family member.

If you can’t find anyone to help you move your mattress, consider hiring moving labor – it won’t cost you much and will save you the heavy lifting.

Step 3. Plan your route and clear the path

Decide on the shortest, safest, and easiest route to take the mattress out of your home and into the moving vehicle. Clear the way of obstacles to provide as much room for maneuvering as possible and to avoid tripping over objects when hauling the heavy piece:

• Remove any items that may block the walkways and stairs;
• Remove any breakables along the way like lamps, hanging pictures, etc.;
• Have doors propped open;
• Make sure the pathway from the entrance of your home to the moving vehicle is free of obstacles, debris, and fallen leaves;
• Make sure there are no dusty or wet areas on the floors or stairs or on the ground along the pathway.

See also: How to avoid accidents and injuries on Moving day

Step 4. Take the mattress to the moving vehicle

When everything is ready, it’s time to take the mattress to the moving vehicle:

• Place the packed mattress on the ground, standing sideways on its longer side;
• Place moving straps (or strong ropes) under the mattress in an x-pattern;
• Stand on one end of the mattress and have your helper stand on the other;
• Position the straps (or ropes) securely on your upper forearms and bend your knees and your arms to get ready to lift the heavy mattress;
• Lift the mattress off the ground – lift with your legs, keeping your back straight. Be sure to stand up simultaneously with your partner. Lift the mattress only high enough to clear the floor. Keep your hands on the bulky piece to keep it balanced on the straps (or ropes);
• Start walking slowly and carefully along the exit route. Angle the mattress as needed to get through doorways, around corners, and along stairs.

Bonus tips:

1) How to carry a mattress?

If you’re moving a smaller mattress, instead of using moving straps or ropes, you and your helper can simply grab the mattress under the bottom corners, lift it simultaneously, and carry it all the way to the moving truck. One of you will have to walk backward, so be sure to walk very slowly and to watch your step. The person walking forward should be giving directions and warnings.

2) How to move a mattress alone?

The easiest way to move a mattress by yourself is to place it on a dolly and roll it to the moving vehicle. Keep in mind though that it will be very difficult to put the mattress on the dolly and keep it balanced – and this method will only work if you live in a home without stairs or steps.

If you don’t have a dolly, you’ll have no choice but to drag the mattress – line the path to the moving vehicle with cardboard pieces and slide the mattress across the ground (be sure to double-bag the bed accessory for extra protection).

 On stairs, align the mattress next to the wall, get above it to guide the slide, and use gravity to help move it downstairs. Do not forget, however, that the risk of damage to the mattress is extremely high.

All in all, moving a mattress by yourself is not a good idea at all.

3) How to move a mattress up stairs (or down stairs)?

 If you need to take your mattress down stairs (or up stairs when taking it into your new home), it’s best to use the high and low technique – the person who is higher on the steps should hold the mattress from the top end and the person lower on the steps – from the bottom. This way, the mattress will be well balanced and more stable and navigating it along the stairs will be easier.

You can also use moving straps to take a mattress up or down stairs. Do NOT, however, attempt to use a dolly to roll a mattress downstairs.

See also: How to move furniture up stairs

4) How to move a mattress in the rain?

Even a small amount of moisture can ruin a mattress (when a mattress gets soaked up, it cannot be easily dried and remains wet for a long time – as a result, mold starts developing on the porous material and quickly affects the entire piece, ruining it completely).

Therefore, when moving a mattress in the rain, you need to be careful to keep it dry and well protected against moisture – use a waterproof mattress cover for moving (a quality mattress bag is your best bet), make the trip between your home and the moving vehicle as short as possible, do not set the mattress on the wet ground, and be sure to remove any wet coverings without delay.

See also: Tips for moving in the rain

5) How to move a memory foam mattress?

Moving a memory foam mattress is a great challenge – these mattresses are heavier than innerspring mattresses, tend to flop around as they’re being carried, and can be damaged if tied down tightly. Therefore, the best way to move a memory foam mattress is to transport it in a specialized mattress shipping box (see above).

If you’re moving short distance and your foam mattress is less than 11 inches thick, you can also move the bedding folded (as explained above). A folded mattress will be much easier to place on a dolly (so you can actually move a folded foam mattress alone) and will fit into a smaller space (so you may be able to move it with your car). Just be sure not to allow the mattress to remain folded for longer than 2-3 hours – otherwise, you risk damaging it.

Step 5. Load the mattress

When you get to the moving vehicle, things become even trickier – you need to find a safe and efficient way to load the mattress and secure it for the trip to your new home.

So, how to transport a mattress?

How to move a mattress in a truck

If you’re using a moving truck, loading the mattress into the vehicle will be easy enough – you and your helpers will be able to carry the bulky piece up the truck ramp. Even if you’re moving the mattress by yourself, it won’t be difficult to slide it – or roll it, if you’re using a dolly – up the ramp.

If you’re moving a spring coil mattress, you can position it upright, along the side wall of the truck. Use ratchet straps to secure the mattress in place (moving trucks have built-in tie-down handles for that purpose). You can then pack some boxes or furniture next to the mattress for extra support during the trip – just make sure there are no sharp edges that could come in contact with the mattress during transit and cause damage.

Alternatively, you can slide the mattress between two pieces of tall furniture, such as a wardrobe and a bookcase.

If you’re moving a memory foam mattress, however, keeping it upright in the moving truck is not a good idea – gel mattresses and foam mattresses must be transported flat, with nothing on top of them, so they don’t get distorted during the move. If there isn’t enough space to lay your memory foam mattress flat on the floor of the moving truck, be sure to transport it in a mattress box that will help preserve its shape.

Related: How to pack a moving truck

How to move a mattress in a pickup truck

If you’re using a pickup truck, you need to lift the mattress onto the back of the truck. If you don’t have anyone to help you, this will be very difficult – try to lift one end of the mattress into the truck bed and push the mattress from the back to load it the rest of the way.

Most pickup beds are large enough to fit small and medium-sized mattresses flat within the bed or resting upon the wheel wells. Larger mattresses may need to be leaned at an angle over the side of the truck bed. Either way, be sure to secure the mattress in place with ratchet straps or strong ropes.

If your mattress is longer than the truck bed, you may need to leave the tailgate open. In such a case, be sure to secure the back end of the mattress with ropes or straps in an x-pattern to prevent the mattress from sliding off the truck.

Keep in mind that the mattress will be exposed during transit, so make sure it is well protected – consider double bagging the bedding item and check for rips or tears in the plastic covers (seal them with tape if you find any).

How to move a mattress with a car

If you’re moving a mattress with a car, there are three different scenarios:

1. If the mattress fits inside the car

Remove (or fold down) the back seats to clear as much room as possible. Put your mattress inside the car – position it as flat as possible and avoid putting anything on top of it. Make sure the mattress doesn’t interfere with the driver’s vision.

2. If you’ll be transporting the mattress on the roof rack

Carefully lift the mattress and lay it flat on top of the roof rack. This will be extremely difficult – and very dangerous – to do on your own, so be sure to find a helper.

Once you’ve positioned the mattress in place, tie it to the rack – wrap 3 or 4 ratchet straps horizontally across the front, center, and back of the mattress and around the roof rack. Tighten the straps enough that the bulky piece won’t move, but not so tight that you cause damage to the mattress. Make sure all knots are secure.

If you’re moving a foam mattress on your car, be sure to use a mattress shipping box. Secure the box with moving straps as described above.

3. If you’ll be transporting the mattress on top of the car

Place the mattress on the roof of the vehicle (work with a partner) and make sure it is well centered (this will not only help maintain balance, but will also prevent any overhangs that could obscure the driver’s vision or create other hazards).

Next, you need to secure the mattress. Here is how to tie a mattress to a car:

• Toss a long piece of rope over the length of the mattress. The rope must be long enough that one of its ends can be secured under the front of the car and the other end – under the back of the car (this will keep the mattress from flying off the front or back of the car). Make sure the rope is taut and the knots are secure;
• Wrap a strong rope across the front, center, and back of the mattress. Open the car windows, except for the driver’s. Pass one end of the rope through the front passenger window and the other through the passenger window behind the driver. Tie the two rope ends together inside the car, securing the mattress to the roof. For added safety, repeat the process with a second rope, but pass it through the two rear windows.

As when moving a mattress in a pickup truck, you need to provide your bed accessory with maximum protection when moving it on your car.

Step 6. Drive safely

Driving a moving truck is quite difficult – and driving with a heavy mattress in the back of your vehicle is also quite a challenge. So, when moving a mattress, be sure to drive with care and do your best to avoid sharp turns, sudden braking, and sudden accelerating.

If you’re transporting your mattress on top of your car, you need to be even more careful. Drive slowly, take back roads whenever you can, and keep a steady eye on the rearview mirror so you can detect potential problems as early as possible. Stop periodically and check if the mattress is secure and everything is all right.

Step 7. Unpack the mattress

Once you arrive at your new place, unload the mattress without delay and carry it inside (make sure you have someone to help you).

Remove all wrappings and tape and carefully inspect the mattress. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum it up. It is also a good idea to lightly spray the mattress with disinfectant and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Let the mattress sit near an open window (if possible, in direct sunlight) for several hours to air out and dry completely. Then, place the mattress on the bed and get ready for a good night’s sleep.

May your dreams be happy ones!