How to Move a Mattress Without Professional Movers

Moving a mattress without professional help can seem like a daunting task. A mattress is large, heavy, and awkward to maneuver. However, with some planning and the right techniques, it is possible to move a mattress across town or even across country safely and efficiently without movers. Follow these tips to make moving mattresses a breeze.

Assess the Mattress

First, take a good look at the mattress you need to move. Consider the following:

Size – Is it a twin, full, queen, or king? The larger the mattress, the heavier and more cumbersome it will be to move.
Type – Is it an innerspring, memory foam, latex, or air mattress? Memory foam and latex are heavier than other types.
Weight – Heft the mattress to get a feel for how heavy it is. Look up the specs online if you don’t have them. The average queen mattress weighs between 60-80 lbs.
Shape – Is the mattress easy to roll up or does it resist bending? A flexible mattress will be easier to maneuver.
Condition – Check for any damage or wear and tear that could cause issues while moving. A compromised mattress may fall apart in transit.

Knowing this information will allow you to plan the best way to move the mattress based on its size, weight, and flexibility.

Gather Your Supplies

Moving a mattress solo requires some equipment to make the process smoother. Gather the following supplies before moving day:

Moving dolly – This has wheels and a flat platform to roll the mattress instead of carrying it. Choose one rated for the mattress weight.
Furniture sliders – These go under the mattress to make sliding it over floors easier. Get heavy duty ones rated for the mattress weight.
Moving straps – Use these to cinch and secure the mattress to the dolly. Get at least 2 heavy duty straps.
Box cutter – To open sealed mattresses or cut away excess packaging.
Packing tape – Use this to secure any loose parts of the mattress like handles or vents.
Blankets or padding – To protect the mattress from scuffs and tears during transport.
Rope – If you need to tie the mattress to your vehicle when moving, rope ensures it stays secure.

Getting the right equipment vastly simplifies moving a mattress solo. Invest in quality products that can handle the size and weight.

Remove Bedding and Mattress Toppers

Before moving the actual mattress, strip it down to make it lighter and more flexible. Follow these steps:

Take off all bed sheets, mattress pads, protectors and toppers. Set these aside to move separately.
For platform beds, unscrew any hooks or fasteners securing the mattress to the frame.
If you have a box spring as the mattress base, separate it from the mattress and move each piece individually.
Disassemble the headboard, footboard and bed frame if possible to move the mattress separately.
Vacuum the bare mattress thoroughly to remove dirt, debris and dust before wrapping it.

Removing all bedding and dismantling the bed frame lets you focus on moving just the mattress itself. This also keeps bedding clean during the move.

Prepare the Mattress

Before attempting to move the mattress, prepare it so it is easier to transport:

Stand the mattress upright and roll it tightly from top to bottom. This makes an elongated tube shape.
For added compression, use cargo or ratchet straps around the rolled mattress. Cinch them down tight.
Wrap the mattress in plastic or a mattress bag for protection. Furniture pads or moving blankets also work.
Tape down any loose corners, handles or vents so they don’t catch on doorways or tear during transport.
If you purchased a new mattress, carefully open the plastic packaging and compression wrap fully before moving it.

Preparing the mattress properly before moving ensures no damage occurs and makes maneuvering the rolled mattress much simpler.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Lifting and carrying a heavy, ungainly mattress takes proper body mechanics. Follow these tips:

Get a helper to move the mattress with you, if possible. Coordinate movements.
Bend knees and keep back straight while lifting. Avoid twisting at the waist.
Let your leg muscles do the heavy lifting, not your back.
Grip the mattress tightly with hands and arms as close to your body as possible.
Shift the weight as close to your body’s core as you can. Keep it centered between hips and shoulders.
Take small steps when carrying the mattress. Avoid sudden movements.
Pivot using your feet to change directions, not by twisting your body.
Use walls, banisters or other supports to rest and re-grip the mattress when needed.

Using proper lifting techniques minimizes strain on your back when moving a mattress. Get help whenever possible.

Transport the Mattress Safely

When moving day arrives, use these tips to safely transport the mattress:

Loading Into a Vehicle – Place the mattress upright inside a truck bed or cargo van. Secure it by tying rope through the handles around the chassis. For roof racks, use specially-designed mattress carriers.
Using a Dolly – Roll the compressed, wrapped mattress from its side onto the dolly platform. Secure it tightly with straps. Wheel it like a dolly suitcase.
With Furniture Sliders – Place these smoothly under the mattress edges. Push the mattress along the floor rather than lifting it.
Through Doorways – Angle the mattress diagonally to fit it through doors. Have one person push from behind as the other pulls from the front.
Around Corners – Again, angle the mattress to maneuver it around tight corners. Take wide swings with the back end to pivot it.
Down Stairs – Slowly pass the mattress down each step one at a time. Use multiple helpers if needed.

The key is to move deliberately and use caution. Having assistance makes a huge difference for safety.

Set Up the Mattress in the New Location

When you reach the new location, follow these steps to set up the mattress properly:

Carefully unload the mattress and bring it to the room where it will reside. Watch doorways and walls.
Unwrap the mattress and stand it on its side to allow any compressed areas to re-expand for 24-48 hours.
For box springs, line up the two pieces and secure them together with bolts or fasteners if needed.
Replace the bed frame, headboard, footboard and any support rails as they were before.
Reattach any hooks or fasteners to hold the mattress to the frame or bed base as needed.
Make up the bed with fresh, clean sheets, toppers and bedding.

Your mattress should now be successfully moved into its new home, ready for sleeping. Check for any lingering odors and let it air out if needed.

Alternatives to Moving a Mattress Yourself

If moving a mattress solo seems too difficult, consider these options:

Hire Professional Movers – Let the experts handle the heavy lifting! Movers have the right equipment and techniques.
Temporary Storage – Move your belongings to storage except the mattress, then move it separately.
Ship the Mattress – Mattress shipping services box up and transport the mattress to your new home.
Buy New – Consider getting a new mattress at your destination and saving the move hassle.
Rent a Truck – Rent a truck or cargo van specifically for mattress transport. Get moving pads and straps.

Getting help ensures the mattress moves safely. Weigh the costs against the benefits of doing it yourself.

Moving a mattress without professionals may seem intimidating, but breaking the process into simple steps makes it much more manageable. Assess the mattress, gather supplies, compress and wrap the mattress, use proper lifting techniques, transport it carefully, and set it up properly in the new room. Be sure to get a helper whenever possible. Follow these tips for a smooth mattress moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Mattress Without Movers

Moving a mattress on your own can certainly be challenging. Here are answers to some common questions about transporting mattresses without professional help.

How do you move a mattress by yourself?

Start by rolling the mattress tightly lengthwise and securing it with straps. Stand the rolled mattress upright and slide it onto a furniture dolly or transport it in a vehicle. Use proper lifting techniques like bending knees and keeping the mattress close to your body. Get helpers whenever possible.

How do you move a king size mattress?

Moving a king mattress follows the same process but requires extra precautions due to the larger size and weight. Be sure to get a sturdy dolly rated for heavier mattresses. Get at least two helpers and coordinate movements carefully around corners and through doorways.

How do you move a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam is very dense and resistant to bending. Roll the mattress tighter than a spring mattress to compress it. Transport the memory foam mattress upright and allow 2-3 days to fully decompress before using. If needed, place it in a warm room to speed re-expansion.

Can you move a mattress in a car?

With the right preparations, you can move a mattress in a car. Roll or fold the mattress to fit the cargo space. Secure it with rope or straps so it doesn’t shift during transport. Measure carefully to ensure your car can accommodate the mattress dimensions.

How do you secure a mattress to a car?

Use thick rope or ratcheting straps to tie the mattress directly to your car’s chassis, threading through the mattress handles. Wrap corners with blankets or pads to prevent damage. Drive slowly and take corners gently.

Can you haul a mattress in a pickup truck?

Yes, pickup trucks are ideal for transporting mattresses. Stand the rolled mattress upright in the truck bed. Make sure the mattress is secured tightly using tie-downs attached to the truck bed or by roping through the mattress handles.

How do you move a mattress down stairs?

Carefully angle the mattress and pass it down one step at a time. Use multiple helpers to both guide the mattress and support the weight. Take it very slowly to prevent losing control and damaging the staircase or mattress.

How do you move a mattress across country?

For long distance moves, look into professional movers or mattress shipping services. If moving it yourself, use a mattress bag for protection and transport the rolled, upright mattress in a moving truck secured to the truck bed. Get help loading, unloading and maneuvering it.

What is the best way to move a mattress?

The best way is to use mattress-specific moving equipment like a dolly, and get at least two strong helpers to assist. Roll tightly, wrap in plastic or a mattress bag, and strap securely to the dolly or vehicle. Go slowly and carefully, using professional movers if feasible.

Top Tips for Moving Mattresses Without Movers

Moving a mattress without professional help takes preparation and physical effort. Keep these top tips in mind for the easiest DIY mattress move:

Check the mattress size, type, weight and flexibility before moving day. This informs how to transport it.
Disassemble the bed frame and remove mattress topper, sheets and bedding before moving day.
Roll the mattress very tightly lengthwise and secure with straps before transport.
Use a furniture dolly or hand truck designed for mattress weight and dimensions.
Get helpers! Coordinate movements and lifting with 1-2 additional people.
Wrap mattress in plastic or a mattress bag to protect from dirt and moisture.
Load the mattress vertically into a truck bed or cargo van securely tied to the chassis.
Move slowly and carefully, taking corners and doorways at wide angles.
Let compressed mattresses decompress for 1-2 days before using in the new location.

With the proper preparations and equipment, you can successfully move a mattress across town or across the country without the need for professional movers. Just be sure to use extreme care and get assistance whenever possible. Follow these tips for an eased mattress moving experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Mattress Yourself

Transporting a mattress without damage or injury takes caution and awareness. Be sure to avoid these common mistakes DIY movers make:

Trying to move the mattress alone without any help. Get at least one other person.
Not properly measuring doorways or stairwells to ensure the mattress fits through.
Dragging or sliding the mattress instead of carrying it properly. This can rip or tear the fabric.
Folding or bending the mattress to fit it into a too-small space. This can damage the inner support.
Securing the mattress improperly in a vehicle so it shifts and rubs against the vehicle sides.
Carrying the mattress flat or letting it droop. Always keep it upright and supported.
Lifting the mattress with your back and twisting your spine. Use your legs and keep your core engaged.
Attempting to maneuver around tight corners too quickly. Take it slowly.
Trying to angle the mattress through doorways by yourself. Get help coordinating the movement.
Taking stairs too fast. Move one step at a time with support at the mattress bottom.

Being aware of potential mistakes allows you to take steps to avoid them. Take your time, get help, and be cautious when moving a mattress yourself.

How to Move a Mattress Without Professional Movers – In Conclusion

Moving mattresses is tricky work, but breaking it down into a step-by-step process makes DIY moving feasible. Assess the mattress size, type, weight and shape first. Gather all the necessary equipment like a dolly, straps, and padding. Strip the bedding and compress the mattress tightly before wrapping it securely. Use proper lifting techniques and get ample assistance. Transport the mattress slowly and deliberately, being mindful of doorways and corners. Set up the mattress properly in the new room, allowing time for decompression. Avoid common mistakes like dragging the mattress or folding it. With adequate preparation and care, you can move a mattress yourself and avoid the cost of professional movers. Just remember to put safety first! Follow these tips for a smooth transition.