How to Transport a Mattress Safely Like a Pro in 7 Easy Steps?
Jessa Taash
May 1, 2024
Moving into a new home is an exciting adventure. But one task can feel like a real headache: getting your mattress safely from your old place to your new one. Moving a mattress can feel like an Olympic feat, but with the right knowledge and a little planning, it can be a breeze.
Transporting a mattress can be a quick 15-minute task or an hour-long ordeal, depending on your approach. Whether you’re a solo mover or have a team of pizza-motivated friends on standby, this guide caters to all situations. No white-glove moving crews are required here!
We’ll break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. This easy 7-step guide will answer your burning question: “How to transport a mattress?”
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel confident taking on this key part of your move. Moving is hard work, but with some smart strategies, you will get your mattress where it needs to go without any damage.
Table of Content
Things you should know before transporting a mattress
Moving day is here, and while your new place promises sweet dreams, getting your precious mattress there can feel like a nightmare. Don’t worry, though! By planning and following these simple steps, you can conquer the mattress and move like a champion.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of lifting and carrying, let’s address some crucial prep work:
Measure Up
Mattresses can be surprisingly heavy! While enlisting a friend or family member to help is always recommended, here’s a weight guide to give you an idea:
Twin mattress: 45 pounds
Queen-size mattress: 71 pounds
King-size, memory foam mattresses, California king mattresses, and some specialized mattresses: 90-100 pounds
Bonus Tip: Always try to find a buddy to help move your mattress. Those extra hands will save your back and make the process much smoother.
Gather Your Supplies
Next, gather all the necessary supplies to properly protect and transport your mattress. You’ll need a mattress bag or heavy-duty plastic wrap to encase the mattress and prevent it from getting dirty or damaged.
Additionally, you’ll want to have packing tape to secure the bag or plastic wrap, moving straps or ropes to help carry the mattress, and possibly a moving dolly or hand truck for larger mattresses or long distances
Disassemble the Bed Frame (if necessary)
If your mattress won’t fit through doorways or hallways, disassemble the bed frame and pack its components securely.
Supplies for transporting a mattress
Investing in extra equipment can really take the hassle out of moving your mattress. But the good news is, you don’t have to buy everything outright. You can rent a lot of the equipment you’ll need from moving rental companies, or just buy the supplies you want online from Amazon.
Mattress Bag
A mattress bag shields your mattress from dust, dirt, potential damage, and unexpected rain showers during its move. It is a large, heavy-duty plastic bag designed specifically for moving mattresses.
You can save your mattress for $15-$20 by using the mattress bag.
Packing Tape
Packing tape will be used for sealing the mattress bag securely around your mattress. You’ll also need packing tape to secure any additional protective coverings, such as moving blankets or plastic sheeting.
Moving Straps/Ratchet Straps
Moving straps, also known as ratchet straps, are invaluable for keeping your mattress tightly secured during transportation. These straps are tightened around the mattress to prevent shifting or sliding, ensuring a safe and stable move.
Think of these as seatbelts for your mattress in the car
Dolly
A dolly, or a hand truck provides a stable base for transporting the mattress and can help you navigate stairs, curbs, and other obstacles with ease. Consider renting a dolly if you don’t own one.
Moving Blankets(Optional, But Beneficial)
While not essential, moving blankets can provide an extra layer of protection for your mattress, especially if you’re concerned about scratches or bumps during loading and unloading. Opt for thick, quilted blankets for optimal protection.
Scissors
A pair of scissors plays a crucial role. They’ll come in handy for cutting, opening the mattress bag and removing any packing tape used during the securing process.
Extra Helping Hands
Unless you possess superhuman strength (and even then, a friend wouldn’t hurt!), enlist a buddy or family member to assist with the lifting and carrying.
Remember, two (or more!) heads are better than one when it comes to wrestling a mattress. Otherwise you will damage your mattress (with its unhandy dimensions) and hurt yourself too
How to Transport a Mattress [7 Easy Steps]
By following these 7 easy steps, you will know how to transport a mattress like a pro.
Cover Your Mattress in Bag
Lay your mattress flat or prop it against a wall for easier handling. Team up with a friend to hold the bag open while you carefully lift one end of the mattress and slide it inside.
Work together to expel any air trapped inside the bag, creating a snug fit. Once the mattress is fully covered, secure the closure and reinforce the open ends with packing tape.
Prepare Your Path
Clear a path from your bedroom to the vehicle. Move any furniture or obstacles that might hinder your progress. This will ensure a smooth and efficient exit for your mattress buddy.
Consider Your Vehicle
Depending on the size of your mattress and the distance of your move, you’ll need to choose an appropriate vehicle for transportation.
Cars
SUVs/Trucks
These offer more space, allowing you to lay the mattress flat in the cargo area. These are perfect for most full-, queen-, and king-size mattresses.
Use your ratchet straps and wrap them horizontally across the front, center, and back of the mattress. Think of it like creating a three-point safety belt for your mattress.
Once the straps are in place, tie them securely to the luggage rack using a sturdy knot like the “trucker’s hitch.” This will prevent the mattress from bouncing around during transport, keeping it safe and sound.
Pick-Up Trucks
If you have a large mattress (California King or specialty size), a pick-up truck might be your best bet. Wrap the straps horizontally across the front, center, and back of the mattress, similar to securing it on a luggage rack. Then, loop the straps under the truck bed and secure them to tie-down points on the underside of the bed.
Rental Trucks
For those with particularly large mattresses or limited space in their vehicle, renting a moving truck is the best solution. These trucks provide ample space and often come with equipment like ramps and dollies to assist with loading and unloading.
Lift Your Mattress
Mattresses can be surprisingly heavy, so proper lifting technique is crucial to avoid injury. Here are some safety-first principles:
Safety First
Always prioritize your safety! If your mattress feels too heavy to handle alone, enlist a friend or family member to help.
Bend at Your Knees
Never bend at your waist to lift the mattress. Squat down, keep your back straight, and engage your leg muscles to lift.
Utilize Leverage
When possible, use furniture dollys or leverage doorways and walls to reduce the lifting distance.
Load onto the Dolly
Stand the mattress upright on its side and carefully place it onto the dolly platform. If your mattress is on the softer side and lacks rigidity, provide extra support by securing both sides with cardboard pieces.
If your moving path involves descending stairs, come to a complete stop at the top of the stairs before lifting the mattress off the dolly and carrying it down one step at a time.
Never attempt to use the dolly to roll the mattress down the stairs, as this could lead to damage or injury.
Load Your Mattress on Vehicle
Once you’ve lifted your mattress to your vehicle, carefully load it in. If possible, try to lay the mattress flat in the cargo area. For larger vehicles like trucks, you have more flexibility in positioning.
Secure Your Mattress for Transport
Use ratchet straps, moving blankets, or other materials to secure the mattress in place during transport. This will prevent it from sliding or shifting, which could cause damage.
Even with proper securing methods, sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns can cause the mattress to shift or become dislodged, potentially leading to damage or accidents.
Take your time and drive at a moderate speed. If you’re traveling a long distance, plan for frequent stops to check on the mattress and ensure it remains secure.
Prioritize safety over speed, as a slight delay is far better than risking damage to your valuable mattress or, worse, putting yourself or others in harm’s way.
By following these seven simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful mattress move.
Advanced Techniques and Considerations
While the basic steps for transporting a mattress are relatively straightforward, different mattress types and moving scenarios require additional considerations and techniques.
For Mattress Types
Memory Foam Mattresses
To ensure a safe move, it’s essential to use a sturdy dolly or hand truck to support the weight of the mattress. Additionally, memory foam mattresses can be sensitive to temperature extremes, so it’s crucial to keep them protected from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold during the move.
Innerspring Mattresses
The springs in the innerspring mattresses can create snags or tears in the mattress bag if not handled carefully. Ensure the mattress bag is thick and durable enough to withstand the potential snags.
Pillow-Top Mattresses
Pillow-top mattresses have an additional layer of padding on top. When moving these mattresses, it’s crucial to use extra padding or moving blankets to protect the pillow-top layer from being crushed or dented.
For Long-Distance Moves
- Weatherproofing: If your journey involves unpredictable weather, consider an additional layer of protection. Waterproof tarp or plastic sheeting can be used to shield the secured mattress from rain, snow, or road spray.
- Secure Stops: For long journeys, plan rest stops to check the straps and ensure the mattress remains secure. Tighten any loose straps as needed.
Is it OK to fold a mattress for transport?
In most cases, folding a mattress for transport is not recommended. Here’s why:
Folding a mattress, especially one with an innerspring or a hybrid core, can damage the internal structure. This can lead to uneven support, sagging, and reduced comfort over time.
Memory foam and latex mattresses are generally more flexible and can tolerate some bending or folding for short periods. However, even with these mattresses, it’s still best to avoid folding if possible.
What If My Car Has a Luggage Rack?
If your car has a luggage rack, then you’re in luck! A luggage rack provides a convenient and secure way to transport your mattress, especially if it’s a full, queen, or king size that won’t fit comfortably inside your vehicle.
FAQs: How to transport a Mattress
Is it legal to tie a bed in a car?
Yes, it is legal to tie a bed (mattress) to the top of your car, but there are important safety considerations that make it highly inadvisable. Here’s why:
- An unsecured mattress poses a danger on the road. If the straps fail, the mattress could become a projectile, injuring you or other drivers.
- Even if the straps hold, the wind resistance and movement during travel can damage the mattress itself.
How can I move a mattress without handles?
Moving a mattress without handles? No sweat! Protect your mattress with a mattress bag. Clear a path from your bedroom to the vehicle for a smooth journey. Bend your knees and recruit a friend if possible.
Consider using a dolly to roll the mattress, especially for longer distances. If no dolly is available, you can try carefully sliding it on its side across cardboard sheets on a flat surface. Once loaded in your vehicle, secure the mattress tightly with straps to prevent bouncing.
Bonus tip: add moving blankets for extra protection against scratches. With a little planning and these strategies, you can move your mattress like a pro!
Can you transport a box spring in a car?
Yes! But
Transporting a box spring in your car depends on its size and your car’s dimensions.
Small cars: are generally not recommended. Box springs are bulky and unlikely to fit inside a small car without folding, which can damage them.
SUVs or trucks: are more likely to work. You might be able to fit the box spring flat in the cargo area or stand upright behind the seats if there’s enough space.
For safety and to avoid damaging the box spring, consider alternative methods like renting a truck or using a van service if your car isn’t suitable.
How do you transport a mattress without a truck?
If you don’t have access to a truck or large vehicle, you can transport a mattress in a car or SUV by folding down the rear seats to create a flat surface. Secure the mattress inside the vehicle using ropes, straps, or moving blankets to prevent it from shifting during transit.
For larger mattresses that won’t fit inside, you can use a roof rack or luggage carrier, but be sure to properly secure the mattress to the rack and cover it with a waterproof mattress bag to protect it from the elements.
If the mattress is too large or heavy to safely transport in your vehicle, consider renting a moving truck or van for the day.
Conclusion: How to Transport a Mattress
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your mattress moving guide. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge and essential steps to conquer how to transport a mattress like a pro.
Whether you’re tackling a twin mattress in your car or a king-size on a rented truck, this guide has provided you with options and safety tips for a smooth journey.
Remember, the key to a successful mattress move is preparation and choosing the right method for your situation. Don’t hesitate to enlist a friend for help with lifting, and utilize tools like dollies or straps whenever possible.
So, have you mastered the art of mattress moving? Share your tips and any creative solutions you discovered in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your moving adventures!
