How To Move a Mattress Without Hurting It (or Yourself)
Wrestling 80 pounds of foam and fabric through a narrow doorway isn't anyone's idea of fun. But knowing how to move a mattress the right way can help you avoid scuffed walls and an aching back.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from wrapping and lifting to loading and securing your mattress for transport. But if dragging a bulky bed around sounds like more trouble than it's worth, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is always here to help you pull off a successful move.
Supplies and Equipment for Moving a Mattress
Moving a mattress is much easier with the proper equipment. Here’s what to have on hand when it’s time to move:
- Mattress bag or heavy-duty plastic cover: shields against dirt, dust, moisture, and scuffs during transport
- Packing or duct tape: seals the protective cover to help keep it securely in place
- Ratchet straps or rope: keeps everything secure in your vehicle to prevent shifting while driving
- Furniture dolly or hand truck: reduces the need to carry the full weight over long distances
- Moving straps: distributes weight more evenly, making lifting safer and more comfortable (especially for larger mattress sizes)
- Work gloves: improve your grip and help protect your hands while maneuvering through tight spaces
8 Foolproof Mattress-Moving Tips
Follow this sequence to protect your mattress from damage while reducing the risk of injury.
1. Measure Your Mattress and Doorways
Measure your mattress, hallways, doorways, stairwells, and the cargo space in your moving vehicle. Knowing your clearances ahead of time can help you plan the safest route and avoid getting stuck in tight spaces. It’s much easier to remove doors or rearrange furniture before you pick up the mattress.
2. Strip and Clean the Mattress
Remove all bedding, including sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors. Then, vacuum both sides of the mattress to remove dust and allergens. If you notice any stains, spot-clean them according to the manufacturer's care instructions and allow the mattress to dry completely before packing it to help prevent mold or mildew.
3. Put It in a Protective Mattress Bag
A mattress bag is one of the simplest ways to protect against dirt, moisture, tears, and scuffs during a move. Slide the mattress into the bag, making sure it fits snugly without stretching or tearing the plastic. If you don't have a mattress bag, heavy-duty plastic sheeting can work in a pinch.
4. Put It in a Protective Mattress Bag
Once you’ve fully covered the mattress, use packing tape to seal the opening and reinforce any loose edges. Since adhesive can leave residue or damage certain materials, avoid applying tape directly to the fabric. A tightly sealed cover also helps keep out dust and rain while it's being loaded and transported.
5. Clear a Path to the Vehicle
Before lifting, walk the entire route from the bedroom to your vehicle and remove anything that could get in the way. Move rugs, boxes, furniture, and other tripping hazards, and prop open doors whenever possible. If you have stairs or tight corners to navigate, take a moment to plan how you'll turn and pivot.
6. Lift With a Partner Using Proper Form
Mattresses may not look especially heavy, but their size and awkward shape make them difficult to carry safely. Whenever possible, ask another person to help so each of you can support one end. Bend at your knees instead of your waist, and lift with your legs while keeping the mattress close to your body. Communicate as you move so you stay in sync when lifting and setting it down.
7. Maneuver Through Doorways and Stairs
Carry the mattress on its side when moving through narrow doorways, hallways, or stairwells. Tilt or rotate it gradually instead of forcing it through a tight opening, and take your time around corners to avoid scraping walls, door frames, or railings. If the fit is especially tight, removing a door from its hinges can provide a few extra inches of clearance and make the move much easier.
8. Load and Secure It in the Vehicle
Once you reach the vehicle, position the mattress according to the available space and the manufacturer's recommendations. Standing it upright against a wall and securing it with ratchet straps helps prevent it from shifting during transit in a moving truck or cargo van. Before you drive away, double-check that everything is firmly secured so the load stays stable throughout the trip.
Common Mattress Moving Mistakes To Avoid
Even with the right equipment, a few simple mistakes can make your move more stressful than it needs to be. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help reduce the risk of damage or injury.
- Dragging it across the floor: Pulling a mattress across hardwood or carpet can tear the fabric, wear down the edges, and leave behind dirt or stains. Always lift it or use a dolly whenever possible.
- Skipping the protective bag: A mattress bag helps keep out dirt, moisture, and debris while protecting against scuffs and tears. If you don’t use one, you leave the mattress vulnerable to damage before it even reaches your new home.
- Using rope instead of ratchet straps: Rope often loosens during transport, allowing the load to shift. Ratchet straps provide a more secure hold and make it easier to keep everything in place.
- Stacking heavy items on top: When you can, load heavier items separately so they don’t compress the materials inside the mattress.
- Lifting with your back instead of your legs: Mattresses may not seem especially heavy, but their size makes them awkward to handle. Bend at your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs to reduce strain.
Get Help Moving Mattresses (and More)
Moving day usually involves much more than a mattress. Whether you’re relocating to a single-story ranch two blocks away or a high-rise apartment in another state, College HUNKS is here to help with everything from junk removal to full-service moves.
Reach out today for your free estimate.
FAQ
How Do You Transport a Mattress Safely?
The safest way to transport a mattress is in a clean moving truck, where you can secure it with ratchet straps to prevent shifting during transit. Before loading, place it in a protective mattress bag to guard against dirt, moisture, and tears. Avoid stacking heavy furniture or boxes on top, and always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for transporting your specific mattress type.
Wondering how to transport a mattress without a truck? A moving van, pickup truck, or trailer are usually the best alternatives. We don’t recommend strapping your mattress to the roof of a car—wind can damage the mattress or loosen the tie-downs during transit. Whatever vehicle you use, make sure to properly secure the mattress before hitting the road.
How Long Can a Mattress Stay in a Moving Bag?
You can keep a mattress in a moving bag for a short period during a move, but don’t store it that way for weeks or months. Plastic bags can trap moisture, especially in humid environments, which increases the risk of mold or mildew. Once you arrive at your new home, remove the bag as soon as possible so the mattress can air out before you put on fresh bedding.
Can You Fold a Mattress To Move It?
It depends on the type of mattress. You can often fold all-foam mattresses temporarily if the manufacturer says it's safe to do so, but traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses generally aren’t safe to bend since it can damage the coils or internal support system. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's care instructions before folding or bending any mattress.
Is It Legal To Strap a Mattress to the Roof of a Car?
Laws vary by state, but make sure you properly secure the mattress so it doesn’t become a hazard to other drivers. Even if your municipality says it’s OK to transport a mattress on a car roof, we don’t recommend it—strong winds can loosen straps or damage the material. Whenever possible, use a moving truck, cargo van, or trailer instead.
How Do You Move a Mattress by Yourself?
If you have to move a mattress alone, use a mattress bag for a better grip, move slowly, and consider using a dolly or moving straps to make the job safer. For king-sized mattresses, it's best to ask someone to help or hire a moving company like College HUNKS.