The Proper Way to Move a Mattress

The Proper Way to Move a Mattress: Tips and Tricks

Considerations When Buying a Bed

If you're looking to buy a new bed, there are a two choices you can make now that will make it easier to move your mattresses later on:

Some new bedframes are designed to double as box springs and a mattress foundation, adding little more than a wire mesh to a traditional frame design. This is far less bulky than a traditional mattress/bed spring combo.

While you may be able to flex a queen or king-size mattress around a set of stairs, you can't do the same with box springs. Most mattress companies offer the option of split box springs, providing two sets of springs that fit under the mattress.


Packing

Moving pads should be wrapped around the side of the mattress that will have contact with the ground when carrying it from the bedroom to the moving van. This padding should extend high enough to protect against any contact with doorknobs and hand rails. The easiest way to do this is to form the pads around the mattress to make a cup, with a long piece of packing tape around the sides and another across the bottom. Tape should never be applied directly to the mattress.

Movers, box stores, and some hardware stores sell mattress bags and mattress boxes. While a box is adequate for preventing damage inside a moving van, a bag is a must if the mattress will be exposed to the elements.


Moving the Mattress Up and Down Stairs

If the mattress won't fit around stairs, you may be able to hoist it through a veranda. There should be enough space between the railing and any overhead obstructions for the mattress to be lifted half-way straight up before gravity takes over and pulls the mattress into a horizontal position. There should be two ropes tied to the sides of the mattress. Each of these should be pulled by one person on the veranda. A third person will be needed on the ground to direct the mattress.

Securing a Mattress on a Roof Rack

The mattress should be set on the rack with the front even with the top of the windshield to reduce flexing from wind pressure during transit. Ropes or straps should extend diagonally across the mattress: If the mattress extends past the rear of the roof, run one set of ropes from the bumpers and another set from the roof rack. Use tape to hold down loose areas of the mattress bag.