Moving and storing a mattress properly is key to keeping it in good condition. An improperly moved or stored mattress can become damaged, grow mold, or lose its support and comfort. Follow these tips for safely moving a mattress to a new home or storing it when not in use.

Prepare the Mattress for Moving

Before moving day, taking a little time to prepare your mattress makes transporting it much easier.

Remove Bedding and Pillowtop

Strip the mattress down to the bare mattress. Take off all sheets, mattress pads, and pillowtops. Removing soft bedding prevents tearing or bunching during the move. Store bedding in boxes or bags.

Vacuum the Mattress

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean all sides of the mattress. This picks up dust, dirt, and debris that could rub off on furniture or walls during the move.

Wrap the Mattress

For extra protection, cover the mattress in a mattress bag or plastic wrap. This keeps the mattress clean and contained. Wrap mattress and box spring separately.

Tape Loose Parts

Check for any loose fabric, tags, or weakened seams and tape them down with masking tape. This stops pieces from flapping around and ripping during transit.

Stand It Upright

Set the mattress upright and lean it against a wall for 24 hours before moving day. Letting it stand eliminates body impressions so it doesn’t bend awkwardly when carried.

Choose the Right Moving Method

How you move a mattress depends on the size of mattress and type of transportation:

Station Wagon, SUV, or Truck

Measure your vehicle and mattress to ensure a good fit. Angle the mattress to fit more easily through doors. Never bend a mattress to fit forcefully.

Moving Truck Rental

Rent a truck or trailer big enough to lay the mattress flat during transit. Prevent sliding by laying blankets or furniture pads underneath.

Professional Movers

Let pros handle the hard work. Ensure movers have mattress bags, straps, and equipment to move safely. Communicate special instructions.

Delivery Service

Schedule a mattress delivery service when buying a new one. Old mattress removal can often be added for an extra fee.

Recruit Help for Moving

Carrying mattresses requires two to four people depending on size. Bending and heavy lifting increases injury risk.

Full/Double: 2 People

Carry one on each end or side. Coordinate steps. Keep back straight and lift with legs.

Queen: 2+ People

Carry like a double mattress. A third helper improves comfort and control.

King/California King: 4+ People

Assign one person to each corner. Raise, keep level, and lower in unison.

Adjustable Beds: 3+ People

Disassemble the bed frame according to manufacturer instructions. Assign one person per mattress section and frame piece.

Professional Movers

Let a moving company handle ultra heavy or unwieldy mattress sets. Validate they are insured and experienced.

Transport Safely in a Vehicle

Follow these tips to prevent mattress damage in transit:

Lay Flat When Possible

Ideally set the mattress flat on the truck bed or floor of the van. This prevents sagging and misshaping.

Avoid Bending

Never fold or bend a mattress to make it fit. Bending can crack coils and permanently dent foam.

Secure in Place

Use straps or rope to tie down the mattress in the vehicle so it cannot slide around on the drive.

Avoid Overstacking

Don’t stack anything heavy on top of the mattress during transport. This can compress soft materials.

Check for Damage

Inspect for rips, cracks, or impressions before and after transit. File a damage claim with movers if needed.

Carry Properly Up Stairs

When no elevator is available, have three or four helpers to maneuver the mattress up and down stairs:

Measure Width

Make sure the mattress can fit angle-wise around landings. Never force or overbend the mattress.

Assign Helpers

One person takes the bottom holding underside handles. Two people grasp upper side handles. Optional fourth person stabilizes from behind.

Coordinate Movement

Decide on vocabulary like “ready, up, turn, through” to maintain coordination. Take slow, careful steps.

Pivot on Landings

Frequently rotate the mattress as you move upwards so the same side doesn’t get all the weight pressure.

Don’t Let Go

Helpers should maintain a solid hold until the mattress is fully placed in the new bedroom to prevent toppling accidents.

Place Mattress in New Bedroom

Once in the new home or room, follow these tips when setting up the mattress:

Air Out Off-Gassing Odors

New mattresses may have an off-gassing odor. Let it air out in a room with open windows before putting on sheets.

Use a Mattress Protector

Putting a waterproof protector over the mattress keeps it pristine. Select a breathable, non-crinkly style.

Reinstall Pillowtop

If using a separate pillowtop, carefully retape or rezip back onto the mattress per manufacturer instructions.

Check for Bed Bugs

Inspect secondhand or rented mattresses thoroughly for any signs of bed bug infestation. Treat professionally if found.

Give it Time to Recover

New mattresses can get dented and compressed during shipping. Allow 48 hours for recovery before judging comfort.

Store a Mattress for Later Use

When storing a mattress for a future purpose, take steps to prevent damage:

Stand It Up

Always store the mattress standing vertically, not flat or leaning. This prevents sagging and deformation over time.

Use Mattress Cover

Keep the mattress encased in a waterproof, breathable cover to protect from moisture, stains, and pests.

Cool, Dry Place

Select a storage spot that is climate controlled and free from humidity and heat. Avoid external storage units.

Clean Thoroughly

Vacuum and sanitize the mattress before storing. Rodents and bugs are attracted to dirt and debris.

Freshening Options

Place cedar blocks, charcoal bags, or baking soda within the cover to keep odors neutralized while packed away.

Turn Periodically

Rotate the mattress orientation every few months to allow materials to recover and loft back up.

Avoid Mattress Damage While Moving

Moving mishaps can quickly degrade mattress quality and comfort. Be cautious of:

Overbending

Never fold a mattress or force it around narrow corners. Coils and foams crack.

Straps Too Tight

Securing straps should compress the mattress minimally. Over-tightening strains materials.

Dust and Dirt

Dirty truck beds or moving blankets can soil mattresses. Use a mattress bag for protection.

Rips and Gouges

Protruding springs or staples easily snag on furniture and tear fabric or foam.

Bed Bugs and Pests

Inspect used mattresses closely. Infestations spread quickly to new environments. Treat professionally.

Moisture Exposure

Leaks or condensation breed mold and mildew. Keep mattresses dry at all times.

Dispose of an Old Mattress Properly

When retiring a mattress, look for environmentally friendly disposal options:

Donate Usable Mattresses

Local charities, shelters, and churches often collect lightly used mattress donations to distribute to those in need.

Review Local Pickup Policies

Some municipalities offer bulk mattress collection days or pickup services. Fees may apply.

Sell or Give It Away

Advertise a free or low-cost mattress through classified ads, Facebook groups, or Buy Nothing networks.

Review Retailer Policies

Ask retailers about worn mattress removal or trade-in offers when purchasing a replacement.

Use a Recycling Center

Search for mattress recycling centers that dismantle materials like wood, foam, metal springs, and cloth. Fees apply.

Avoid Landfill Disposal

Mattresses take up scarce landfill space. Seek alternative disposal except as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving and Storing Mattresses

Get quick answers to common questions people have about transporting mattresses to new homes or keeping them in good condition during storage.

Can you bend a mattress to move it?

No, bending puts unhealthy strain on the inner materials. Always carry a mattress flat or on its side. Never fold it forcefully.

Can mattresses get bed bugs?

Yes, mattresses are vulnerable to bed bug infestations, especially if found secondhand. Inspect thoroughly inside seams, under tags, and under stitching before moving to a new home.

How long does it take a mattress to fully expand after unboxing?

Foam and hybrid mattresses usually fully expand within 2 days. Innerspring mattresses may take 1-2 weeks to settle into proper shape after heavy compression during shipping.

Do you stand a mattress on its side or flat when storing?

Always stand a mattress upright on its side rather than laying flat. Laying compresses materials over time. Standing allows the interior to maintain its designed structure.

Does moving a mattress void the warranty?

Only if damage occurs due to improper moving methods. Follow all manufacturer instructions for moving carefully. Normal compression from delivery truck transit does not void warranties.

Can you stack things on a mattress when moving in a truck?

Avoid stacking heavy items atop a mattress as weight can permanently dent or misshape it. Use the mattress as a top layer or place light bedding on top.

Can mattresses get mold or mildew?

Yes, mattresses stored in damp conditions can develop mold, mildew, and bacteria. Always keep mattresses clean and completely dry in climate controlled spaces. A waterproof cover helps prevent internal moisture.

How do you get rid of an old mattress you can’t use?

Review local municipality and retailer policies for worn mattress disposal or recycling. Otherwise donate, sell, or give it away if still usable. Only use a landfill as a last resort.

How do you clean a mattress before storing it?

Vacuum all sides with a brush attachment using sanitizing vacuum cleaner powder. Spot clean stains with an enzymatic cleaner. Let air out before covering with a mattress protector.

How often should you rotate a mattress in storage?

Turn a stored mattress to a different orientation every 2-3 months. Rotating helps it maintain shape rather than sagging. Mark the sides to remember which orientation to use next.

Conclusion

Moving an bulky mattress and box spring requires advance preparation and care to prevent rips, strains, indentations, and other damage. Proper storage helps mattresses retain their support and comfort over time when not in use. With mindful transport, setup, and storage practices, a quality mattress can last for years even through multiple moves and storage periods. Handle with care and your restful mattress will be ready when you need it.