How to Move a Mattress

While mattresses may appear lightweight, they are surprisingly tricky to move, as many have found out firsthand. This is especially true for larger sizes, such as a king-sized mattress or a California king. However, as the MOVERS WHO CAREⓇ, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you safely move your mattress, whether relocating to a new home or just taking it to the dump.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we understand the importance of ensuring your mattress arrives at your new home in perfect condition. With our expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, we're here to guide you through the process step by step. From assessing your mattress to selecting the right moving equipment, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to mattress-moving worries and hello to a seamless relocation experience!

Equipment Needed

• Mattress Bag or Cover - You need a mattress bag to protect your mattress from dust, dirt, and damage during the move. It will also help prevent tears or stains, ensuring your mattress is moved in pristine condition.
• Ratchet Straps - Get ratchet straps to secure the mattress during the move. These straps are handy when loading your mattress onto a truck or on the roof of a car. By tightening the straps securely around the mattress, you can prevent any movement or shifting during transit. This ensures that your mattress stays firmly in place, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a safe and stable journey to its destination.
• Tape and Shrink Wrap - If you cannot get a mattress bag or prefer to reuse your non-disposable mattress cover, consider getting shrink wrap and tape from your local hardware store. Simply wrap the shrink wrap around the mattress and secure it with tape to ensure optimal protection during the move. This method provides your mattress and its cover with the necessary protection throughout the moving process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Mattress

The steps outlined below will guide you in moving your mattress smoothly and efficiently. Pay close attention to each step to ensure a hassle-free move.

1. Prepare the Mattress

Before you begin moving your mattress, start by removing all bedding, pillows, and mattress protectors. If your mattress has handles, use them to lift it more easily. For those with a Sleep Number mattress, you must disassemble the bed before you can move it. This step ensures the mattress is prepared for a safe and efficient move.

2. Protect the Mattress

Once the mattress is prepared, it's time to encase it in a protective covering. If you have a mattress bag or cover, slide the mattress inside, ensuring it fits snugly. Alternatively, if you choose shrink wrap, thoroughly wrap the mattress, cover it completely, and secure the wrap with tape.

3. Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Vehicles

Carefully measure all the doorways and hallways along the route you’ll be moving your mattress. This is to ensure that your mattress can indeed fit through them. Also, confirm that the moving truck has a wide enough opening to accommodate the mattress during loading. If you plan to secure the mattress to the roof of your car, ensure that your car's roof provides enough space for secure and balanced transportation. This step is especially important if you are moving larger mattresses like a king-sized mattress or a California king, as they require additional space for safe maneuvering.

4. Get Help

Unless you're moving a single or twin-sized bed, you should enlist the assistance of your friends or neighbors to help you move your mattress. This is especially true if you're moving a sleep number bed, where having an extra set of hands to help disassemble the bed can be very helpful.

5. Lift and Move the Mattress

Lift the mattress and remember to use proper lifting techniques - bend at your knees, not your waist. This helps protect your back. Keep the mattress close to your body and straighten your legs to lift. Carefully maneuver through doorways and hallways until you reach the moving truck or your parked car.

6. Load the Mattress

With the help of your friend, gently lift the mattress and load it onto the vehicle or truck bed. When using the roof of your car, position the mattress securely, ensuring it does not extend beyond the edges of the vehicle. When using a moving truck, place the mattress against a side wall to prevent shifting during transit. Once properly positioned, strap the mattress down using ratchet straps to ensure it does not move during transit.

7. Transport Safely

Drive carefully and maintain a steady pace, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns to prevent the mattress from shifting or falling during transport. If you're transporting the mattress on the roof of your vehicle, periodically check to ensure it remains securely strapped and undamaged throughout the journey. This precaution helps protect both the mattress and other drivers on the road.