How to Move Beds and Mattresses

What's the best way to move a mattress?

There's nothing like the feeling of crawling into a freshly made bed, and after a long day of unloading and unpacking, a good night's rest will be essential. If you want to get your bedroom set up right away in the new house, then the way you move your bed and mattress is super important. You'll want to make sure they're packed and loaded properly so there's no damage in transit. We'll show you the best way to move a mattress and bed including disassembly, packing, moving, loading and transport. And if you're trying to move these big items by yourself, we have tips to make that easier, too.

How to move a mattress and bed

These steps apply whether you're moving a twin or a king bed.

1. Measure the bed and mattress.

Measure the dimensions of both the mattress and the bed so you can determine the right-sized packing materials to get. It's also a good idea to cross-check the measurements with the moving equipment size and make sure everything will fit.

2. Gather supplies and help.

Order moving supplies online or get them from a hardware store. You'll need:

• A mattress bag
• Moving tape
• Paper padding
• Tools for disassembly (screwdriver or drill)
• Zip-top bag
• Rope or straps
• A moving dolly/cart or friend for help

3. Pack the bedding.

Remove the bedding, clean it (either wash at home or dry clean), and pack it into a medium or large moving box. Use these directions for packing linens.

4. Place the mattress in a bag.

Make sure the mattress is clean and dry (use a vacuum to remove any light dust), then pack it in a mattress bag. While the mattress is lying on the bed frame, slide the mattress bag on from the bottom, and shimmy it up to cover entirely. Then lift and tilt the mattress so you can easily zip or tape the bag closed at the top. Be careful to apply tape only to the box and not the mattress itself. Carefully lean the mattress against a wall to move it out of the way. Do the same for box springs.

Note: We recommend placing crib mattresses in a box for added protection.

5. Disassemble the bed.

Start by taking pictures of any connecting pieces to help with reassembly at your new home. Then, if necessary, use tools to disassemble the headboard, footboard and rails — depending on the bed's style, you may also need to remove drawers. Keep all screws, nuts, bolts and other small pieces together in a zip-top bag. If you're moving a crib, follow the instructions in the owner's manual for taking it apart, so it's done properly.

6. Wrap the bed.

Tape the zip-top bag to the frame, then wrap all the pieces in paper padding secured with tape (applied only to the paper, so it doesn't damage the finish).

7. Take everything to the moving equipment.

Start with the mattress. With your helper, carefully lift with your knees and carry it upright to the moving trailer. Watch for narrow doorways, sharp turns, other furniture or stairways — you might have to rotate it to get it through tight areas. Do the same with the box springs and bed frame. If the headboard or footboard are heavy, you may want to load them onto a dolly secured with rope or straps, so you can roll them to the moving equipment.

8. Load and secure the mattress for transport.

Always check with the manufacturer first, but most mattresses can be loaded on their side, leaned against a wall and secured with rope or straps. If you're moving multiple mattresses, you could slide the head- or footboard between them, then connect everything with one set of straps. If not, set the bed pieces against a wall for support, then tie down to keep them in place while traveling.

Moving memory foam or hybrid mattresses? Some specialty mattresses, like Tempur-Pedic® and memory foam, should lay flat during transport. Check with your manufacturer for recommendations.

Need to move a mattress by yourself?

There are a few things you can do if you're moving a bed by yourself:

• Hire moving help to lift heavy, bulky things.
• Use a flat cart dolly . Place the mattress on top and carefully wheel it through your home.
• Consider recycling or selling your mattress and having a new one shipped to your home. If your bed has seen better days, many online companies ship mattresses free in compact boxes. Check online for mattress recycling facilities or list it in an online marketplace to sell or give away. Many buyers are willing to come pick it up for a good deal.

Find out how to pack everything else

We have guides to help you prep belongings room-by-room. Check out all of our packing guides and tips to help you get ready for moving day.