How to Transport a Mattress

The importance of learning how to transport a mattress correctly is often overlooked until you have to do it. Often, you can end up making costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided if you had done your homework ahead of time.

Anyone who has ever appreciated a good night’s sleep believes a good mattress is an investment worth making. On the other hand, some people may not have the extra funds to purchase a brand new bed. 

As a result, here are a few of our favourite tips on how to transport a mattress while keeping it safe from damage.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Moving a Mattress

To avoid any injuries, accidents, or damage when moving your mattress, follow these guidelines on how to transport a mattress. 

1. Check the Size of Your Mattress

The size and style of mattress you have will impact how easy it is to move it. Latex mattresses, like hybrid mattresses, can be fairly heavy, and memory foam mattresses can also be pretty heavy and difficult to move about.

It might be difficult to manoeuvre a large king or queen-size mattress around tight corners or up a flight of stairs. As a result, consider how far your mattress will have to travel from your current bedroom to your new bedroom.

mattress

2. Get the Right Vehicle

Even little twin beds are too huge to fit into most passenger vehicles, which you may not realize. People in this situation are prone to want to be a little too clever for their own good. For example, you may think it’s ok to tie your mattress to your car’s roof. (Spoiler Alert: It’s not).

You risk obstructing your eyesight on the road if you pack your mattress into a car that is too small. As a result, don’t put your mattress on the roof of your car because it’s dangerous. The best and safest choice for transporting mattresses is to use a moving truck.

3. Try to Get Some Help

Bulky products, such as fridges and mattresses, can be difficult to transport. They can be rather heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, which can easily add to your stress levels. This is when you begin to rush and risk blowing out your back or straining a muscle.

When carrying a mattress, even experienced movers employ more than one person. Instead, ask a friend, neighbour, or family member for assistance. If you want professionals to handle more heavy lifting, you should employ professional moving services.

4. Put Your Mattress in a Heavy-Duty Mattress Bag

A plastic mattress bag can keep your mattress safe while it is being transported. Standard mattress sizes are available in moving mattress packages. To ensure that the bag is large enough, you’ll need to determine the depth of your mattress.

Remember that moving trucks are filthy and dusty. You also know that if you need to pull your mattress over the floor, it won’t pick up any dirt. Before folding your mattress, lay it flat on the floor and place the mattress bag over it. You can also secure the bag by wrapping tape around it for further security and peace of mind.

5. Make a Path for the Mattress to be Moved

Remove any breakables you come across along the route. Lamps, hanging portraits, and anything else that could fall victim to a wobbly mattress falls into this category.

Plan your approach to the transfer vehicle and remove any objects or rubbish that could obstruct the walkway or stairwell. Make sure all doors are propped open and wide enough for the mattress to pass through when being transported or rolled on a dolly/hand truck.

6. Load the Mattress into Your Yehicle

If you’re using a moving van or pickup truck, just remove the mattress from the dolly and place it in the vehicle’s cargo hold. It is suggested that you turn the mattress on its side to make moving it simpler.

If you’re transporting your mattress on top of a car or SUV, a mattress bag is even more necessary to protect the fabric from the weather. When putting the mattress on the roof or luggage rack, use extreme caution and double-check for any potential tears.

moving truck

7. Make Sure the Mattress is Properly Secured

Here are some pointers on how to load and secure a mattress for various situations.

Cargo vans, moving trucks, and portable containers: Place the mattress on its side, lengthwise, in the vehicle, and support it with an inner wall. To keep the mattress in place, use rope or ratchet straps.

The built-in tie-down handles on PODS containers, most moving trucks, and cargo vans make this a breeze. For further support, you can place furniture or large boxes on the exposed side. Nothing should be placed on top of the mattress.

SUVs and Cars: Cars and SUVs with flat roofs and roof racks are the way to go if this is your only option. Place the mattress on top of the roof and tie it down to the roof racks. To really anchor the mattress to the top of the automobile, do this as many times as feasible.

Storage Unit or Container: If you’re going to store the mattress in a storage unit or container, make sure to keep it flat and avoid putting anything on top of it. Avoid storing your mattress for an extended amount of time on its side. This can compromise the mattress’s interior integrity and limit its lifespan.

8. Drive Slowly and Cautiously

Driving a car with a high load on top or in the back might be difficult. Maintain a steady speed to prevent the mattress from shifting when making corners, braking suddenly, or accelerating.

Stop and check on your mattress, especially if it’s tethered to your roof, on a regular basis to ensure that it’s still secure. When feasible, choose back roads and be mindful of any shifts.

The Bottom Line

It takes time and care to learn how to transport a mattress, but the effort is well worth it. Take the time to safeguard your investment and ensure that it arrives in one piece at its final destination.