How to Move a Mattress by Yourself?

Are you thinking of moving a mattress by yourself? Not to discourage you, but you’re gonna need some heads up.

Luckily, we’ve prepared the ultimate guide to mattress transport, including instructions on how to move a mattress as well as everything you need to be able to do it.

Keep reading!

What do You Need to Move a Mattress by Yourself?

Let’s go over the essentials that you will need to move a mattress on your own successfully.

A Mattress Bag For Moving

Mattress bags are big, plastic-based bags, specifically designed to fit the size of a mattress. They’re essential to the moving process, so as not to damage or besmear the outer layers of the mattress.

You can find them in practically all standard mattress sizes in hardware shops, moving supply outlets or any homeware store in general. You can also look for some mattress bags at online stores such as eBay with prices ranging between £10 and £15.

Bubble Wrap, Tape and Scissors

To provide an additional layer of protection for the mattress, you’re going to need bubble wrap. You can wrap the bubble wrap around the mattress by leaning it against a wall. Afterwards, you will need tape and scissors to seal the wrap.

You probably already have a tape and a pair of scissors at home, whereas bubble wrap can be found at any general hardware store.

Straps

Given how heavy the mattress is and how inconvenient it is to carry it at this point, tie-straps, or other mattress moving straps, come in handy. They come with various hooks which allow you to both secure things tightly and carry the mattress to the vehicle.

You can find straps in any general hardware store. However, should you lack time and already have some ropes at home, you can use them in a similar manner. They do require more skill, though, so if you don’t consider yourself a crafty person, make sure to buy some tie-down straps.

Cardboard Covers

We’re all about triple protection over here. Make sure to get some cardboard covers to additionally seal the mattress to avoid potential damages. 

You may not need it, it all depends on how you decide to pack it, but it’s good to have it just in case.

Dolly

Mattresses are quite heavy, so a dolly, or any kind of platform with wheels for that matter, will significantly ease the process. You can put the mattress on top of it and transport it to the vehicle. General hardware stores also sell such products, but you can always rent one from suitable companies.

An alternative to a dolly is having a bunch of friends come to help you carry the mattress.

A Van or Pickup Truck

Unfortunately, your family car won’t make do. You’re going to need a van or a pickup truck to move a mattress or any other vehicle that has sufficient space. You can try folding down the seats of your car and see if it works. If not, contact renting companies to rent a vehicle for your moving day.

The Moving Method

Start by removing all bedding, including sheets, pads, mattress toppers, anything really. Then proceed to follow the steps below.

Cover the Mattress

Start by covering it with the mattress covers you’ve acquired for moving, as we discussed earlier. Set the mattress in an upright position, leaning against a wall and slowly put it in the bag. Some bags come with zips, but if your bag is lacking one, you can easily fold the bag at the rear side of the mattress and seal them with tape.

Continue by wrapping the mattress with bubble wrap for double protection. During the mattress transport, your mattress might grind against floors, walls, doors and even the inside of the vehicle, so make sure to protect it thoroughly.

Finally, put the cardboard covers around the mattress, seal them with tape and adjust the tie-down straps (or rope, whatever you choose) to be able to lift it up and put it on the dolly.

Make Room

Carrying a mattress in your home can be fatal to other objects. To avoid breaking stuff in your home, remember to put aside any type of breakable items, items that can be easily pushed by the mattress as you transport it from your bedroom to the vehicle. These can involve decors, such as wall ornaments and paintings, vases, lamps, and smaller tables and chairs.

After securing all obstacles, make sure to open all necessary doors to make a clear path. California king or queen size mattresses often come split between two separate single mattresses. Should this be the case, you’ll have an easier time moving them into your home. However, if you have a huge mattress, you’re going to need to make way for it.

Move The Mattress To The Vehicle

Gently lift the mattress and put it on the dolly to carry it to the vehicle.

Bubble wrap may be slippery at times, letting the mattress fall out of the dolly, but this is where the cardboard covers come in handy. They allow friction and keep the mattress in place. To secure it, even more, you can use more tie-down straps to tie the mattress to the dolly and make sure it doesn’t go anywhere.

Once you arrive at the vehicle, the best way to place it is sideways to avoid damages. However, if you lack space, you can just lay it out flat but remember not to put anything on it since heavyweights can damage the mattress or cause sagging.

Driveaway to your destination!

Mattress Moving Tips

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about some additional tips and tricks that will help you with mattress transport without causing any damages to it.

• Make Sure To Lift It Carefully

Despite the hefty appearance, mattresses are actually very fragile. The slightest pressure may be dangerous if applied incorrectly. Make sure to apply equal pressure at all sides to avoid punctures and never rely upon rolling. Rolling a mattress can be very dangerous and can cause sagging.

• Choose The Right Vehicle

Not all vehicles can provide suitable conditions for transport. To be able to provide suitable placement for your mattress during the moving, it’s best to rent an adequate moving van, similar to the ones used by moving companies. 

Trucks are best, but they’re quite expensive to rent and they’re not that necessary if you’re only moving a mattress.

• Cannot Find a Dolly?

If you’re unable to acquire a dolly or any type of platform or cart with wheels, the best way to move the mattress to the vehicle is by dragging it. Just grab the tie-down straps or ropes, and drag them to the vehicle. 

This way, you’ll avoid mishandling and punctures. The mattress will already be secured with a bag, bubble wrap and cardboard and will stay safe during the trip.

 Other Moving Methods

Already finding it difficult? Let’s go over some of the standard mattress moving options.

Shipping The Mattress

Shipping the mattress is one of the most convenient methods, especially if your new destination is located in a different city. 

You can various shipping companies that will transport your mattress anywhere in the country. The prices depend on the size of your mattress as well as the distance between destinations, however, the cost will be somewhere in the ballpark of £50-£150.

Hiring Moving Professionals

Professional mattress movers take care of absolutely everything regarding transportation, including the packaging. It will be a bit more costly, but you literally won’t have to worry about a thing and your mattress will safely arrive at its new destination, completely hassle-free.

Note that some mattress manufacturers offer removal services, should you be looking to dispose of your mattress. For instance, you can contact Eve to visit your home and pick up your old mattress after which they proceed to recycle it with no obligations on your side whatsoever.

Emma also provides a similar service. Once you order a new mattress offered by their company, they will easily swap both products, meaning that you can get rid of your old one and be provided with a new mattress within the same day.

Wrapping It All Up

Moving a mattress is no piece of cake. It involves a lot of time and energy or money in case you decide to go with moving professionals. However, our detailed instructions on how to move a mattress got you covered. Keep following our guide and you’re good to go!