How to Move Mattress: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s face it: comfort matters. After investing in a great night’s sleep, you wouldn’t dream of leaving your new mattress behind during a move. Most people take their mattresses with them.

While professional Melbourne movers offer expert packing and moving services, this guide is for DIY movers! We’ll help you develop a safe plan on how to move a mattress by yourself.

Mattresses are heavy and awkward to transport, so grab a friend or family member to make things easier. This guide will show you exactly how to transport a mattress without damage.

Things To Know Before Moving A Mattress

Moving a mattress can be challenging when changing address in Australia, but with a little planning, you can avoid aches and keep your precious sleep surface safe.

First things first, grab a friend! Mattresses are heavy, and tackling one alone increases your risk of injury. Second, consider the size and type of your mattress. Memory foam mattresses, for example, are more delicate than spring options. No matter the kind, having a helping hand makes manoeuvring it much smoother.

Finally, ditch the roof rack! While it might seem convenient, it exposes your mattress to the elements and potential damage. Instead, secure it safely inside a truck or van for a stress-free move.

Equipment Needed for Moving a Mattress

Spruce up your move and protect your precious mattress with some smart supplies! Here’s a breakdown of what you might need when transporting a mattress:

• Mattress Bag: Keeps your mattress clean and safe from dust, dirt, and even bugs. They’re affordable and readily available at stores like Walmart or online.
• Dolly or Hand Truck: This makes hauling your mattress a breeze, especially when navigating stairs or long distances. Rent or buy one from hardware stores or moving companies.
• Straps: Secure your mattress in the truck with ratchet straps for a locked-in fit. Alternatively, use a sturdy rope for a more budget-friendly option (find both at hardware stores).
• Cardboard (optional): To keep flexible mattresses stable during transport, use a large piece of cardboard for extra support.
• Tape: Strong packing tape is key for sealing your mattress bag. Look for waterproof and durable options like shipping or duct tape to prevent moisture damage.
• Retractable Knife: Safely open your mattress bag with a sharp knife (available at hardware stores) – just be careful not to nick the mattress itself!
• Tool Set: If you’re moving a bed frame, too, a basic set of wrenches, screwdrivers, and Allen wrenches will help with disassembly and reassembly.
• Sandwich Bags: Keep track of all those pesky bed frame screws, nuts, and bolts by organising them in sandwich bags. No more lost hardware!

How to Move Mattress: Preparing for the Mattress Moving

It’s time to prepare for transporting the mattress! We’ll show you how to protect your precious sleep surface before it embarks on its journey to your new home. Here’s how to prepare for your move:

Protecting It During Mattress Transport

Moving a mattress can be tough, but protecting it doesn’t have to be expensive. Plastic mattress covers are easy to find at hardware stores and won’t break the bank.

Here’s the key: a plastic cover is a lifesaver if you’re moving your mattress to a completely new location. It shields your mattress from bumps, scrapes, and dirt during transport.

However, you can skip the cover if you’re just moving the mattress to another room in the same home.

Take the Mattress Off the Bed

Before you wrestle with your mattress, there are a few things to do:

1. Undress the Bed: Remove all the blankets, quilts, and extra sheets not fitted to the mattress. These can be packed separately.
2. Lift Off the Platform: Whether your mattress sits on a bed frame or a box spring, lift it off completely.

Now, it is prepped for packing and transporting mattress!

How to Cover Your Mattress

Now that your mattress is prepped, let’s get it covered!

1. Stand the Mattress on Its Side: This will make it easier to manoeuvre the cover.
2. Open the Cover: Lay the plastic cover flat with the zipper open.
3. Slide the Bottom In First: Place the end of the mattress (farthest from the zipper) onto the bottom edge of the cover.
4. Slide Up and Over: Carefully lift the top of the mattress (you can ask a helper to hold it slightly) and slide it into the cover.
5. Zip it Up: Once the entire mattress is inside, zip up the cover securely.

Keeping Your Covered Mattress Protected

A plastic cover shields your mattress from dust and damage during a move. Once your mattress is tucked in, follow these steps for a secure seal:

1. Smooth Things Out: Ensure the plastic isn’t bunched or stretched thin anywhere, as it could tear during transport. Adjust the corners for a snug fit.
2. Zip It Tight: If your cover has a zipper, close it securely.
3. Tape-Up Time (for non-zippered covers): For covers without zippers, use packing tape to seal the opening completely. Fold the top flap of the cover over and tape it down.
4. No Loose Ends: Remove loose flaps or tape that could snag or allow dust in.

Clear the Way!

Before you wrestle your mattress out the door, ensure you have a clear path to your vehicle. Here’s how to avoid any bumps or bruises:

1. Plan Your Route: Before you even lift the mattress, figure out the best path to your car. Look for the route with the fewest obstacles and widest doorways.
2. Open the Doors: Prop opens any doors you’ll need to pass through so you won’t have to fumble with the mattress.
3. Communicate with Your Helper: If you have a partner in crime, talk through the plan together to avoid mishaps.
4. Clear the Path: Move any furniture or obstacles in your way. Safety first!

How to Transport a Mattress

Transporting your mattress should be a part of your moving house checklist. Follow these tips on how to transport a mattress and watch your mattress transform from a chore to a stress-free experience!

Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready to Go

Prepare the vehicle for loading by opening all the doors and ensuring the interior is clutter-free. If any seats need to be removed or folded to create space, do that before carrying the mattress in.

Begin by Lifting the Mattress

Team up to lift the mattress safely! Stand on opposite sides of the mattress, grab the bottom corners together, and lift with your legs, not your back. Keep your core muscles engaged for better support.

Load the Mattress Onto a Hand Truck/Dolly

If you have a dolly, stand the mattress on its side and secure it with cardboard (especially if floppy) before placing it on the dolly. Remember, dollies are not for stairs! For stairs, unload the mattress from the dolly at the top and carry it down one step at a time.

If no dolly is available, create a makeshift path using cardboard to slide the mattress on the ground to the vehicle.

Secure the Mattress Inside Your Vehicle

For vans and trucks, things are easy! Just lift the mattress from the dolly and place it inside the cargo area.
If your only option is the roof of a car or SUV, using a mattress bag is essential to shield it from the elements. Be extra careful when placing the mattress on the roof rack, and check for any rips or tears before securing it.

Fasten the Mattress

Depending on what type of vehicle you’re using, secure your mattress using the instructions below:

• Moving Truck/Van: If space allows, lay the mattress flat. Avoid stacking it on other items. If standing up, lean against the support wall and secure it with ropes or straps against the rails. You can connect multiple straps if needed.
• Pickup Truck: Lay the mattress in the bed as flat as possible. Secure it using ropes or straps attached to the D-rings, wrapping them over the mattress and tightening. If the mattress is too big, open the tailgate and secure the back with a rope or strap in an “X” pattern.
• Car/SUV (with luggage rack): Lay the mattress flat on the rack and secure it with ropes or straps wrapped horizontally across the front, centre, and back. Use a sturdy knot like the “trucker’s hitch.”
• Car/SUV (without luggage rack): Lay the mattress flat on the roof and secure it with ropes or straps passed through the car (front passenger door jams, back windows) and tied on the roof.

How to Move a Mattress by Yourself

Can’t recruit any moving buddies? Don’t worry; you can still move your mattress by yourself, but be prepared to put in extra effort. Here’s how to move a mattress by yourself:

Warning: Moving a mattress alone is tough, so proceed cautiously!

• Fold It Up (if possible): If it’s a memory foam or latex mattress, you can likely fold it in half for easier handling. Spring mattresses shouldn’t be folded.
• Secure It Tight: Wrap the mattress in a ratchet strap to prevent it from unfolding (if you folded it) and compress it for easier carrying.
• Dolly Time: Rent or borrow a dolly to avoid back strain. Place the secured mattress on the dolly for transport.
• Walk It Out: Slowly and carefully walk the dolly with the mattress to your vehicle.
• Strap It Down: Secure the mattress to the top of your vehicle using additional ratchet straps. Make sure it’s stable before you drive off.

How to Move Mattress: Storing the Mattress

If you’re tucking your mattress away for a while, splurge for a climate-controlled storage unit. Moisture and temperature swings can lead to mould and mildew growth—not ideal! Mimic how your mattress sits on your bed frame—lay it flat in its bag. Don’t pile things on top, as this can damage the structure.

Storing a Mattress: What to Do & What Not to Do

We all take our mattresses for granted, but proper storage is key to keeping them comfy for years. Here’s what you should do:

• Clean It Up: Before storing your mattress, vacuum all sides, use an upholstery cleaner and let it air dry completely.
• Bag It Up: Repurpose that mattress bag you got when you bought it! It’ll protect your mattress from dust and other nasties in storage. Make sure the mattress is completely dry before covering it, and seal the bag tightly.

Here’s What Not To Do:

• Side-sleeping Your Mattress: This is a big no-no! Storing your mattress on its side can damage the internal structure, regardless of the type (spring, foam, etc.).
• Temperature Extremes: Avoid attics, basements, and garages – extreme temperatures and humidity can damage your mattress. Check the temperature and humidity control if you’re using a storage unit.
• Piling it On: Don’t store anything on top of your mattress. This can cause sagging and affect its overall structure.

Bonus Tip: Storing a mattress topper is easy! Just roll it up tightly, wrap it in plastic, and store it with your linens.

Moving a mattress might be a hassle, but following these storage tips will ensure your comfy sleep haven arrives at your new home in tip-top shape. No regrets, just a sweet dream.

Best Tips for on How to Move Mattress

When it comes time to move a mattress, it’s not as simple as lifting it and walking out the door. There’s no one best way to move a mattress, but there are certain things you can do to ensure the smoothest experience possible.

Consider Your Mattress Type

Moving a mattress isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type of mattress you have can impact how you handle the move:

• Latex Mattresses: Due to their bulk, these heavyweights might require a small army (up to four people!) to move safely.
• Hybrid and Innerspring Mattresses: While they hold their shape well, navigating tight corners and doorways can be tricky. These can also be heavy and require at least two people to lift.
• Memory Foam Mattresses: The good news! Memory foam is typically lighter and easier to manage. Sometimes, you can even fold it slightly for easier transport (be careful not to bend it for too long, though!).

No matter what type of mattress you have, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific moving and storage recommendations.

Other Essential Tips on How to Move a Mattress

• Shoe Up: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers when moving your mattress. This protects your feet from bumps or scrapes while carrying it.
• Plan Your Route: Before choosing a vehicle, consider the size of your mattress and the distance you’ll be travelling. While you can technically haul a king-size mattress on top of your car, a long or hilly journey in a small car might damage your mattress or vehicle.
• Hire Help When Needed: If you can’t find any helpers or feel unsure about tackling the move, don’t hesitate to hire professional movers. They have the experience and equipment to handle your mattress safely and efficiently.

Let Professionals Move Your Mattress

Let’s face it: a comfy mattress is essential, but moving it to a new home can be a headache. Its size requires some extra planning to safely get it from point A to point B.

While you can certainly tackle the move yourself (be sure to follow the tips in this article!), there’s another option: professional movers. These experts specialise in handling bulky items like mattresses, saving you time and hassle.

North Removals handles the lifting, loading, and unloading for you. We know how to move mattresses safely and efficiently whether you’re moving interstate, local, or relocating in regional Victoria.

Our other services include office moving, NDIS relocations, and last minute removals. So whether you go the DIY route or hire the pros, with some planning, your mattress will arrive at your new home safe and sound, ready for a good night’s sleep.