If you’re planning a move, one of the trickiest items you’ll need to handle is your mattress. It’s bulky, heavy, and not designed to be carried through tight doorways or tied onto a roof. Yet, your mattress is one of your most important possessions — where you spend a third of your life resting and recharging.
Knowing how to move a mattress properly can save you money, prevent injury, and ensure a good night’s sleep when you settle into your new home. This complete guide will show you step by step how to move a mattress safely, keep it clean, and protect it from damage during transport.
Why It’s Important to Move Your Mattress Correctly
Before we dive into the steps, it helps to understand why moving your mattress carefully matters.
Mattresses are designed to support your body evenly. Folding them, dragging them across floors, or tying them loosely can damage the internal springs, memory foam, or structure. Even worse, mattresses can easily pick up dirt, moisture, and pests during a move if not properly protected.
That’s why learning how to move a mattress the right way is essential for maintaining its comfort and longevity.
What You Need to Move a Mattress
The first step to moving a mattress safely is gathering the right supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
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✅ Mattress bag – a heavy-duty, waterproof bag to protect your mattress from dirt and moisture.
- ✅ Shrink wrap – an extra layer of protection that keeps the mattress bag securely in place and prevents tears during the move.
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✅ Packing tape – to seal the mattress bag securely.
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✅ Straps or ropes – to secure the mattress during transport.
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✅ Moving blankets (optional) – for added protection.
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✅ Gloves – to protect your hands and improve grip.
Mattress bags come in sizes that fit all standard mattresses — twin, full, queen, and king — and are usually available at moving supply stores or online.
How to Move a Mattress: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Mattress
Before you move your mattress:
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Strip off all bedding, mattress toppers, and pillows.
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If possible, vacuum the mattress to remove dust and debris.
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Slide the mattress into the mattress bag.
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Use packing tape to completely seal the open end of the bag, making sure the mattress is fully covered.
This keeps your mattress clean and dry throughout the move.
2. Plan Your Route
Mattresses can be awkward to maneuver, so it’s important to plan ahead:
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Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure there’s enough clearance.
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Remove obstacles like rugs, furniture, or decor that could get in the way.
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Recruit a friend or family member to help you — moving a mattress alone is not recommended.
Pro tip: Tilt the mattress on its side to fit through narrow spaces, but try to keep it as flat and straight as possible to avoid damage.
3. Lift Safely
When you’re ready to lift the mattress:
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Bend at your knees, not your back, to avoid injury.
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Grip firmly and keep the mattress close to your body.
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Communicate with your helper to coordinate each step.
For larger sizes like king and queen, consider having two helpers — one on each side.
4. Load It Into Your Vehicle
The ideal way to move a mattress is flat in a moving truck or van.
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Place it flat in the cargo area to maintain its shape and avoid bending.
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Use straps to secure it against the wall or floor so it doesn’t slide during transit.
If you don’t have a truck or van:
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Use a pickup truck bed, laid flat if possible.
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As a last resort, you can place it on top of your car — but only for short distances and only if it’s secured properly with strong straps.
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Never fold or roll a mattress unless it’s specifically designed for that.
When tying a mattress to your car roof:
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Center it carefully.
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Use at least two straps in the front and back to keep it from catching wind and slipping.
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Drive slowly and avoid highways if possible.
5. Protect It During Transport
During the move, make sure your mattress isn’t pressed against sharp objects or exposed to moisture. If you expect it to be stored temporarily:
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Keep it flat and off the ground.
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Avoid leaning it against walls for long periods as this can cause sagging.
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Leave it in its protective bag until you’re ready to set it up.
6. Set It Up in Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new place:
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Carry the mattress carefully to its new room.
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Remove the protective bag only after it’s in position.
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Check for any tears, stains, or damage before placing it on the bed frame.
How to Store a Mattress Properly
If your mattress will be in storage for an extended time:
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Choose a climate-controlled storage unit to prevent mold and mildew.
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Keep it flat on a clean, raised surface.
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Leave it sealed in its bag for protection.
Should You Hire Professionals?
If you’re not confident about moving your mattress on your own, consider hiring professional movers. They have the right equipment, experience, and vehicles to move mattresses (and all your furniture) safely and efficiently. Many professional moving companies in LA like reliable movers in Koreatown also supply mattress bags and packing materials as part of their service.
Hiring movers can save you time, reduce stress, and help avoid injury or mattress damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Mattress
✅ Folding or bending your mattress unnecessarily.
✅ Leaving it unprotected and letting it get dirty or wet.
✅ Trying to move it alone and risking injury.
✅ Storing it on its side for long periods, which can cause sagging.
Also planning to move a couch?
Don’t miss our step-by-step guide: How to Pack and Move a Couch. Learn how to wrap, lift, and load your couch safely—especially useful for heavy sectionals, sofa beds, or tight hallways.
Final Thoughts
Moving a mattress might seem simple, but doing it wrong can ruin one of the most important pieces of furniture you own. Now that you know how to move a mattress properly — from prepping and packing to loading, transporting, and setting it up — you can protect your investment and enjoy a good night’s sleep in your new home.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle and ensure your mattress is handled with care, reach out to a trusted moving company in your area. Professional movers make moving day a lot easier — for you and your mattress.
