Packing a mattress for a move requires technique. It’s heavy, doesn’t fold easily, and doesn’t fit in any kind of box. Whether you’re moving into a new place, helping a friend, or just debating whether it’s worth bringing your mattress along, we’ve got you.
If your mattress fits your bed frame perfectly, still feels great to sleep on, and doesn’t have any weird dips or squeaks, why leave it behind?
Not sure about how it’s done? Don’t worry, in this blog, we will discuss how to pack a mattress for moving safely and easily.
Essential Steps To Prepare Your Mattress For Moving
Mattress packing, be it a king-size or queen-size mattress, a spring or a heavy mattress, an old mattress or a new mattress, has to be done with care, and there are a few things you have to prepare and do before finally packing your mattress.
1. Gather and Prepare Supplies
When packing, it is important to have all the essential moving supplies ready for a more efficient move. Packing and moving a mattress is no different. You’ll be needing supplies such as a mattress box or mattress bag, packing tape, bubble wraps, and ties for securing the mattress.
2. Check The Condition of The Mattress
Before packing your mattress for the move, inspect it for stains, wear and tears, snags, runs, dents, and bumps.
3. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
It is essential to check that the mattress is clean and dust-free before packing it. Using a vacuum cleaner is the easiest way to ensure this.
While cleaning the mattress with a vacuum cleaner removes dust and debris, you may want to use a combination of water, detergent, and other disinfectants for a deeper clean.
4. Place Your Mattress in a Protective Mattress Bag or Heavy-Duty Plastic
To keep the mattress safe and intact during the moving process, containing it in a mattress bag is one of the best ways to do so. However, if a mattress bag is unavailable for you, using heavy-duty plastic as an alternative works well too.
5. Secure Your Mattress in Moving Blankets or Bubble Wrap
For extra protection of your mattress, consider adding moving blankets or bubble wrap as an additional layer of security, especially during a long-distance move.
6. Use Packing Tape and Other Securing Materials
Having packing tape to seal the mattress in a bag or other protective materials is a must, and while it can do the trick, having a stretch wrap, bungee cords, and tie-down straps will come in handy.
These materials can add to the security of your mattress while ensuring it remains intact or undamaged during transit.
7. Check Your Vehicle
Before loading the mattress, make sure that your vehicle is ready. Check if the vehicle has enough gas, the tires aren’t flat, and the brakes are working fine.
Additionally, ensure that the vehicle is suitable for moving the mattress.
How To Use a Mattress Box for Extra Protection
When preparing your mattress for relocation, packing it inside a mattress box is a great way to have your mattress extra protected. If you opt for the idea, here are the steps:
1. Measure The Exact Dimensions of The Mattress
Although most mattresses come in standard sizes according to their type, it’s still best to measure the exact dimensions of the mattress. For better mattress size identification, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure a mattress:
Gather Measuring Tools
To measure the mattress accurately, start by preparing a measuring tape.
Remove Any Sheets From the Mattress
To ensure accuracy in measuring the mattress, remove any sheets, blankets, pillows, and clothes from the mattress as they can add excess measurements.
Measure the Dimensions of the Mattress
Start by measuring the width of the mattress. Place the tape measure on the shorter side of the mattress from left to right.
Then, measure the length by measuring the longer side of the mattress from edge to edge.
Finally, measure the height of the mattress by measuring its thickness from top to bottom. Write down the measurements if needed.
Standard Mattress Sizes and Mattress Types
- Memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and spring mattresses
- Queen size mattress (152.5 cm x 203.5 cm), king size (193cm X 203.5cm), and California king (183cm X 213.5cm)
- Latex mattress and mattress topper considerations
2. Purchase The Right Size Box
After measuring the exact dimensions of the mattress, ensure that you purchase a box with the correct size.
Putting your mattress in a smaller box than its actual dimensions can deform it, potentially rendering it unusable.
On the other hand, placing your mattress in a large moving box may damage the mattress during transport as there’s extra room in the box for the mattress to be shaken, thus creating deformities and wear.
3. Secure The Box
Make sure to secure the box with packing tape after wrapping it and placing it inside.
How To Use a Mattress Bag for Protection
A mattress box may not be accessible to you. However, your mattress still deserves that protection. Using a mattress bag instead is a great option.
1. Prepare The Mattress For Packing
Before placing the mattress into a mattress bag, prepare the mattress for packing. You can lay the mattress flat or have it stand upright.
2. Place The Mattress Into The Mattress Bag
Place your mattress inside the mattress bag carefully. Pull the mattress bag over the mattress and ensure that no dust or debris enters the mattress bag.
3. Seal The Mattress Bag
After placing the mattress inside the bag, seal the open side of the mattress bag with packing tape. Additionally, make sure to remove excess air for a better seal. You can do this with a vacuum tube before taping the edge of the opening shut.
How to Safely Transport Your Mattress to a New Place
After securely packing your mattress, the next step is to safely transport it into your new home. Here are ways we can help you with that, too.
1. Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When moving heavy furniture, including a mattress, it is important to use proper lifting techniques to avoid any physical injury. Here are the steps to lift properly:
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Position Your Feet Shoulder-Width Apart
Positioning your feet shoulder-width apart can improve balance, enhance posture, and increase stability during the lift.
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Bend Your Knees
Squat down by bending your knees to avoid strain on the hips and back. You may also rest one knee on the floor if needed.
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Hold the Mattress Close to Your Body
Hold the load as close as you comfortably can to your body at waist level. Doing so will help you maintain balance and improve your lifting control, while also reducing back strain.
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Use Your Hips to Guide Motion
Lead with your hips when lifting to maintain proper alignment and prevent back injuries. Additionally, keep your shoulders aligned as you move.
2. Loading the Mattress into a Moving Vehicle
Loading the mattress into a moving vehicle is not a very easy task. Here’s a guide on how to effectively load the mattress into a moving vehicle:
Use A Moving Dolly or a Hand Truck
To load your mattress into the moving vehicle, utilize a moving dolly or a hand truck to avoid physical strain.
To load the mattress onto the moving dolly, tilt the dolly forward just enough to slide the plate under the mattress, and place the mattress upright.
Then, carefully tilt the dolly truck back onto its wheels and use your hand to steady the item whilst moving the dolly.
3. Clear the Vehicle and Moving Area
Keep the vehicle and moving area clear by removing obstacles to improve safety and efficiency during the loading.
Additionally, ensure the cleanliness of the moving vehicle to avoid any damage caused by dirt or stored liquids.
4. Placing the Mattress Into the Vehicle
Placing the mattress into the moving vehicle requires a proper approach. First, lay your mattress flat in a vehicle—cargo or moving van, or moving truck.
You may fold your mattress in half, but avoid doing so as it can create a crease that may take a while to unfold or damage the mattress entirely.
5. Secure The Mattress
Secure your mattress in place with a bungee cord or tie-down straps to avoid having the mattress shake, twist, or turn.
6. Avoid Sharp Turns and Open Windows
While in a moving vehicle, avoid sharp turns and open windows during transit. Sharp turns can potentially damage the mattress when done a few times over.
Meanwhile, having open windows during transit can cause serious damage to the mattress when it’s raining outside or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Tips for Long-Distance Moves
1. Hire Professional Movers
Moving takes a lot of stress and effort. However, hiring professional movers can reduce the stress. You can avoid the physical strain of heavy lifting, the stress of taking care of logistics, and the hassle of packing entirely. Additionally, most professional moving companies will include moving insurance, protecting the mattress in case of loss, damage, or theft.
2. Get Multiple Quotes From Moving Companies
Whether you’re hiring professional movers or looking for storage solutions, a free quote might help you plan better by giving you an idea of how moving a mattress might cost.
Every move is different, and prices might vary depending on the mattress size, distance, and extra services. Having an idea of how moving might cost you is a great way to be prepared.
3. Ensure Your Moving Path Is Clear
Before moving, check the doorways, hallways, and the vehicle to ensure it has enough clearance to fit the mattress without bending or forcing it.
Ensuring a clear, spacious path reduces the risk of damage to the mattress and helps prevent injury during transport.
5 Safety Tips For Moving a Mattress
Prevention is better than a cure. Moving a mattress to a new place or home is no exception. Here are 5 safety tips to prevent damage during the moving process:
1. Avoid Placing Sharp or Heavy Objects On the Mattress.
To prevent rips or punctures, avoid placing sharp objects on the mattress, such as scissors, tools, or keys. Avoid heavy objects as well to prevent permanent dents.
2. Use Blankets or Paddings on the Floor
Utilize blankets or padding on the floor of the vehicle to create a cushioned surface to rest the mattress on during the move.
3. Use Straps or Ropes to Secure the Mattress
Use strong straps or ropes to secure the mattress box tightly during transit, preventing the mattress from sliding and reducing the risk of tears and dents.
4. Get Help From a Friend or Professional Movers
Moving a mattress can be awkward and heavy; ask a friend for help, or hire professional movers to safely pack, lift, carry, and position the mattress, reducing the risk of injury and making the process more efficient.
5. Take Your Time
Rushing increases the risk of accidents. Take your time and move slowly but surely.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Mattress
Not Using a Mattress Bag
A common mistake people make when moving a mattress is skipping a mattress bag. This simple mistake can easily be the source of damage during transit, allowing dirt and dust to accumulate on the mattress.
Bending or Folding the Mattress
Due to the shape and size of mattresses, it is easy to make the mistake of bending, rolling, or folding them.
However, the convenience of doing so may cost the mattress itself, as such mistakes can cause deformities to the mattress.
Trying To Move the Mattress Alone
Moving a mattress is no simple task, although moving it alone sounds viable. Having help from a friend or a moving company might help you. Thus, helping you avoid the possible damages that moving the mattress alone might cause, like accidental drops, crashes, and injuries.
Loading the Mattress Incorrectly
Loading the mattress incorrectly in the moving truck can cause damage to it. Ensure you follow the proper steps to ensure the safe transportation of your mattress.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t stop at just moving a mattress from one place to another. Making sure that it’s in good condition is part of the moving process, too.
While moving a mattress is no easy task, it is easy to overlook its difficulty. Overall, it is viable to do the task on your own. However, hiring a trustworthy moving company will objectively make the task easier for you and better for the safety of the mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you compress a mattress for Transport?
If possible, avoid compressing your mattress for transport, especially if it’s an innerspring mattress. However, if your mattress is one of those thin ones that comes in a compressed bag when bought, you may roll the mattress, put it in a plastic bag, and compress it using a vacuum hose to suck all the air out.
2. Is it OK to fold a mattress for Transport?
Although it is not advisable to fold your mattress for transport, it is OK to do so. If you decide to fold your mattress when moving to a new place, make sure to fold it with the top side facing down, with both halves of the inner part facing each other.
When exposed to cold weather for an extended period of time, your mattress might stay folded and not unfold on itself easily after transport. If this happens, do not force the mattress open; instead, give it some time, a couple of hours or so, to unfold and return to its original shape.
3. How to Store a Mattress
First, clean and inspect your mattress. Then, place the mattress inside a protective plastic mattress bag and add bubble wrap for extra security. After that, measure the exact dimensions of the mattress.
Next, purchase the right size mattress box from a mattress store or an appliance store. A hardware store or two might have them, too. Afterward, secure the wrapped mattress inside the mattress box using packing tape. Then, lay the mattress flat on the vehicle. Lastly, secure it with a bungee cord or tie-down straps during transit.
4. Is It Worth Moving a Mattress?
It is worth moving a mattress if it’s fairly new, still provides you comfort, and provides good sleep.
If you don’t have enough space in your new home, you may store it in storage units. There are 24×7 climate-controlled storage units, suitable for storing mattresses.
However, if the answer is no, then disposing of your mattress is the best option. Let the professional movers discard it.
