6 Tips on How to Move a Mattress the Easy Way

If you’ve ever moved before, you know how tricky it can be to get a mattress from point A to point B. They’re heavy, bulky, and often hard to grasp, especially if you have a California King or pillow top. It may be tempting to try and save time by dragging it across the floor, but there are good reasons to go the extra mile and take care of your mattress during your move. For one, a mattress is a pricey investment, so it pays to keep yours in good condition. It’s also where we spend nearly a third of our lives. Suffice it to say, your mattress should be one of the last things you overlook.

Luckily, moving your mattress doesn’t have to be difficult. This article will show you how to move a mattress the easy way so yours stays clean and comfortable for years to come.

1. Get a Mattress Bag and Some Other Moving Supplies

Mattress Bags with Handles in Four Sizes

Moving a mattress doesn’t require many supplies. But there are some items we recommend to make your move easier, starting with a plastic mattress bag.

Mattress bags slide over your mattress and protect it from pests, dirt, moisture, and germs throughout the moving process. You will need one bag for every mattress and box spring you’re moving.

We recommend using mattress bags with handles. These mattress bags are made with heavy-grade 2.25 mil polyethylene plastic for better protection for mattresses and box springs up to 14” thick. They also come with built-in handles for easier lifting and carrying.

In addition to mattress bags, we also recommend you get the following moving supplies:

• Packing tape for sealing your mattress bags.
• Utility dolly or Forearm Forklift for lifting and carrying your mattress.
• Tie-down rope or ratchet straps for securing your mattress in the moving truck.
• Moving boxes for storing your linens and pillows.

2. Prep Your Mattress and Clear a Walkway

Start by removing linens and packing them in an extra-large moving box. You should also prep your workspace by making sure you have a clear walkway from the bedroom to the moving truck. Move all small items out of the way and push furniture to the side if necessary. Your vision may be slightly obstructed while you’re carrying the mattress, so don’t leave anything to chance.

You’ll also want to measure your mattress and make sure it can fit through your doorways. If you moved it into your home before, then you should be able to skip this part. But if you bought a boxed foam mattress, getting it out will be a lot harder than getting it in. Better to find out before you get started. Exact dimensions can also help you decide which moving truck and mattress bags you need.

Handles Make Lifting and Carrying Easier!

3. Get Some Help

Mattresses are soft and squishy. But they can also be quite heavy, depending on the size and type of mattress. Some weigh over 100 pounds! It's always best to enlist some help to lift and carry your mattress. In most cases, having a second pair of hands is enough. That, and using a mattress bag with handles to make lifting even easier. But what if you're moving alone and don’t have anyone to lend a hand? In those instances, consider hiring local movers to do the heavy lifting for you. You can also use lifting tools, such as the Forearm Forklift or a utility dolly to ease the burden.

If you’re moving your mattress without movers, here are some tips:

• Carry the mattress on its side so it’s easier to maneuver
• Use stair rails for support as needed
• Lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury
• Lean the mattress against a wall on its side if you need to set it down

4. Rent a Moving Truck or Van

You’ve probably seen a mattress on the side of the highway before. That’s often the result of someone hauling a mattress on the roof of their car or bed of their truck without securely it properly. Not only is it a pain to lose your mattress, but it’s a major safety concern. That’s why we recommend renting a moving truck or van. These vehicles allow you to enclose your mattress and keep it safe during transport. U-Haul trucks and vans come with built-in side rails so you can secure your mattress to the wall in the back of truck using nylon rope or ratchet straps.

Keep in mind that some U-Haul equipment will be better for your mattress(es) based on the size. For example, the cargo van can haul up to a single queen size mattress and box spring, but you’ll need a 15-foot moving truck or larger to move a king size. For multiple mattresses, you’re better off renting a 20 or 26-foot truck. Review our truck size guide to find the right size for your needs.

5. How to Transport Your Mattress in a Moving Truck

How you transport your mattress depends on the type. If you still have the manufacturer’s manual, check to see if there are special moving instructions. If not, these general moving tips should be enough to keep your mattress in good condition during your trip.

Spring and coil mattress – Best moved on its side lengthwise. Strap it to the side of the truck or van using the side rails and nylon rope or ratchet straps. Alternatively, you can position the mattress between two larger, heavy items, like a dresser and sofa.

Foam mattress – Best moved completely flat with nothing on top. This is where measuring your mattress is helpful. Be sure your moving truck has enough floor space to accommodate your mattress as it's lying completely flat. Use boxes and furniture to keep it in place.

Box spring – Best moved either on its side lengthwise or completely flat. If positioned flat, you can lay a foam mattress on top to save space. But avoid placing anything other than the mattress on top.

6. Unpack Your Mattress at Your New Home

Use the same mattress moving tips mentioned above to safely get your mattress moved into your new home. After the mattress and bed are in place, you can remove your mattress bags. Remember that U-Haul mattress bags are reusable and recyclable; if they are still in working condition, you can save them for your next move or for a separate use (protection while painting, home renovations, etc.). If you no longer need them, place them in the recycling bin to help cut down on plastic waste.

Mattress Storage at U-Haul

How to Store Your Mattress

Of course, you might be moving your mattress into a self-storage unit rather than a house. The good news is, mattress bags, particularly sealable mattress bags and mattress bags with handles, are perfect for storing a mattress long-term due to their heavy-grade plastic design. No matter the type of mattress, be sure to store it completely flat, and never on its side or with anything on top. This will ensure your mattress keeps its shape and integrity. You should also consider a climate-controlled storage unit to keep it protected from humidity and extreme temperatures.

Mattress Moving Made Easier

U-Haul has everything you need easily and safely move your mattress across town or across the country. Grab your mattress bags, as well as packing supplies and moving boxes, on uhaul.com and choose Same Day delivery or FREE in-store pick up at a U-Haul location near you.