5 Simple steps to move your mattress with ease

Your bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture you need to transfer to your new place. However, it’s also complicated as you need to learn how to move a mattress, one of the clunkiest and biggest pieces that need to be moved.

Learning how to transport a mattress can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. With the proper preparation and tools, it can be easy and quick. This guide shows you all the tips and tricks you need to lift 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 the mattress moving process.

Step 1: Pack your mattress

First, you should learn how to cover a mattress for moving. You can, and you should, if your mattress is thin enough! However, if you can’t fold it and need it in a mattress bag, the best way to put it in is by leaning it against the wall and sliding the bag onto the mattress starting from the top. This step might be easier with a moving buddy.

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 your own 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, ratchet strap the mattress to the car 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

Prepare well so that moving your mattress isn’t tedious. It can be manageable, especially if you are mindful of moving through your space and securing it to your vehicle.

Plenty of hard things can come your way when moving. If you don’t have time to deal with a difficult move, post a task on the Airtasker platform. There are capable movers who can help you move all your furniture, no matter how bulky and difficult!