Moving a mattress by yourself is not an easy task, especially if you have a large bed, but it is possible. Here we share some practical tips on how to move a mattress by yourself without damaging your bed or yourself.
Knowing the right way to protect your mattress from damage is essential. This is especially important if your bed is still in its trial period, because if you want to return or exchange it later, it will need to be in perfect condition.
If your mattress is more than eight years old or if it's starting to sag and feel uncomfortable, it might be time to get a new one. Our guide to this year's best mattresses has our top recommendations for all sleepers, and we expect many of them to be on sale during the Labor Day mattress sale, too. For now, here's how to move a mattress yourself without damaging it…
How to move a mattress yourself
Before you begin the process of moving your mattress, you will first need to prepare your space, the mattress, and yourself. We recommend gathering everything you need ahead of time so you can get to work instead of taking a break to pick up extra supplies.
Before you begin the process, be sure to remove all bedding, including sheets, mattress toppers, and pillows, and set them aside.
What you will need
- Mattress bag
- Adhesive tape
- Bubble wrap (optional)
- Tie-down straps
- Cardboard
- Tape measure
- Cart
1. Measure your mattress and your new space
Before you begin, measure the dimensions of your mattress and the space it needs to pass through to make sure there is enough room to move it safely. If you are moving it up stairs, measure any parts of the ceiling that could fall to make sure you have a safe path.
2. Clear your route
You'll be moving this mattress without help, so you need a clear path from where you start to where you finish. Make sure to move anything that might get in the way, and also consider the size of your mattress. You may need a little extra space to get it through, especially if you're moving it up or down stairs.
3. Cover your mattress
The easiest way to cover your mattress is to use a mattress bag. If you remember when your mattress was first delivered, it would have been wrapped in a large plastic film. Well, that’s exactly what a mattress bag is and the thick plastic means that your mattress won’t get marked or scuffed during your move.
Start by placing your mattress on its side and gradually slide it into the bag. You can buy mattress bags that have a zipper to secure it inside, which is easier if you can find one.
You can buy them in all mattress sizes available on Amazon or at hardware stores. If you don't have a mattress cover, you can cover it with bubble wrap, making sure to cover all parts, including the edges, because that's where you're most likely to damage it.
4. Reinforce your mattress with cardboard
Queen-size mattresses and those made from memory foam or springs can be soft, which can be difficult when you try to move them. You can use cardboard to reinforce the edges and make it firmer so it is easier to move. Using old cardboard boxes or sheets of cardboard, place them on the sides of the mattress and secure them with tie-down straps.
5. Place the mattress on a dolly (optional)
This step depends on where you are moving your mattress. If you are moving it outside of your home and loading it into your vehicle, you will need help.
We recommend using a hand truck, a four-wheeled platform that can be used to transport bulky items like mattresses. Load your mattress onto the hand truck and wheel it to your vehicle, remembering to apply the brakes so it doesn't roll away when you try to lift it.
If you can lay it flat in your car or van, don't put anything on top of it to avoid causing it to sag. Also, make sure the mattress is secure in your vehicle and won't move around during your trip. You can use blankets or pillows to protect it.
Things to Avoid When Moving a Mattress by Yourself
1. Don't lift with your back
When moving your mattress by yourself, you must follow health and safety protocols, otherwise you risk injury. Always lift with your legs and not your back to avoid injury.
When lifting a mattress, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Also, avoid twisting your body when lifting and carrying your mattress, as this will put pressure on your back and joints. Instead, rotate your feet if you need to change direction.
2. Don't fold your mattress
Unless you have a traditional innerspring mattress, avoid folding your mattress to fit your car or van. Folding your memory foam mattress can cause the layers to wrinkle, tear, and lose their shape. Even the best memory foam mattresses become lumpy, uneven, and uncomfortable.
3. Never drag your mattress
Even if you've packed your mattress well, dragging it can cause scratches, tears in the fabric, water damage if you walk through puddles, and potentially damage the inner layers.
Other Ways to Move Your Mattress
If you're getting rid of your mattress, you can donate it to charity and arrange for it to be collected. You can also list it on Facebook Marketplace or CraigsList and specify that the collector should transport the mattress.
Also, find out if your area has mattress collection services. Many municipalities have collection days for bulky items, but many places will ask you to notify them when you leave them out.
If you are keeping your mattress, moving it to another room or a new home, you can ask friends, family or even neighbors to help you move it. You can also hire a professional to move it. Professionals will take care of all the work and do it for you, often also delivering it to the room of your choice.
And if you’re buying a new mattress, why not look for a mattress company that offers mattress removal? Saatva, the brand behind the Saatva Classic, one of this year’s best hybrid mattresses, offers free white-glove delivery that includes free removal of your old mattress and bed.