The ultimate guide to moving your mattress

Moving a bed is difficult and time-consuming, but it’s valuable furniture you’d want to bring to your new place. That said, you’ll have to learn how to move a mattress, which can be daunting as it’s a bulky item that can be difficult to manoeuvre.

There’s no need to panic, however, as moving mattresses isn’t impossible. With careful preparation, learning how to transport a mattress can be easy to manage. Read this guide to learn all the tips and tricks for lifting this piece of furniture.

What you’ll need

Invest in some tools to easily carry a mattress and move it to your new apartment or home! Here’s a list of must-haves you need to help you with your move: 

• Mattress bag - To protect your mattress from dirt and dust, wrap it up with a bag. Get the right size for your double, queen, or king bed for a clean and hitch-free move.

• Cardboard - If your mattress is a little floppy, reinforce it with pieces of cardboard to protect its integrity as you move it around.

• Ratchet straps and ropes - Attach your mattress to your vehicle safely and securely with some ratchet straps and ropes! You can grab these materials in any hardware store.

• Dolly or cart - Carrying your mattress to your vehicle can be difficult, especially if you’re figuring out how to move a mattress by yourself. Get a dolly or a cart to move your bed on wheels quickly.

• Measuring tape - Know the measurements of your mattress and all the areas it passes through for a smoother move-out.

Time of completion

When done correctly and with everything prepped, taking out a mattress shouldn’t be more than 15 minutes. If you include wrapping the bed, clearing the path and strapping it onto your vehicle, allot 60 - 90 minutes for good measure.

Step 1: Pack your mattress

First, you should learn how to transport a mattress without getting it dirty. The best way to put your bed into the mattress bag is by leaning it against the wall and then sliding the bag onto the mattress starting from the top. This step might be easier with the help of a friend.

Afterwards, ensure a tight fit for your mattress by laying it on the ground and pushing all the air out before sealing it up. Seal the open ends with tape for maximum protection.

Step 2: Clear your path and prepare the transport vehicle

Before moving your mattress out of your room, carve a path from your bedroom to the door. If you’re unsure whether it will fit between a space, pull out your tape measure so you know it can pass through. If you’re moving your stuff out, carrying the mattress out last might be best to avoid bumping into anything.

If you can hire a truck to move your mattress, do it, as it is one of the easiest and safest ways to transport a bed. If you plan to use a smaller car or vehicle, gather all the necessary equipment to secure it to the top before bringing your mattress down.

Step 3: Lift it to your vehicle

A mattress is heavy and hard to carry, as its size can topple you if you don’t lift it properly. Enlisting your friends and family members is best because you need help moving a mattress. 

After routing your path to the moving vehicle, carry the mattress with one person on each end lengthwise. Lift the mattress by gripping it with your hands from beneath, squatting low and lifting from your knees. This prevents you from throwing out your back as you move it to your vehicle.

Step 4: Secure the mattress

If you’re using a truck or a big enough van, lay it flat on the floor so it doesn’t topple over when you drive. However, if you’re using a small car, use a set of ratchet straps and ropes to secure it on top. Tighten it and tug at it before setting off so it doesn’t go flying when you hit a bump on the road.

Step 5: Drive carefully to your destination

While carrying a mattress on top of a car is legal, it can be challenging. Move moderately, and avoid sudden turns and brakes, so your mattress doesn’t go flying. Even if you’ve secured it well, taking every precaution needed for a successful drive to your bed’s new home wouldn’t hurt.

Relocate your mattress with ease

Moving a mattress is tricky, but it can be manageable with proper preparation and patience! Lift it carefully, be mindful of moving through your space, and thoroughly secure it to your vehicle.

If you encounter any mattress-moving difficulties, leave this to the experts. Post the task on Airtasker and get in touch with movers who can assist you in relocating your furniture, no matter how bulky and difficult it can be!