Do's and Don'ts for Moving Your Bed and Mattress

Moving can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to relocating large and essential items like your bed and mattress. A mishandled move can lead to damaged furniture, strenuous lifting, or even injury. To make sure your move is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to understand the best practices-- what you should and shouldn't do--when moving your bed and mattress. In this comprehensive article, we'll cover all the do's and don'ts, offer practical tips, and answer common questions to ensure your precious sleep sanctuary arrives at your new home safe and sound.

moving supplies boxes

Why Properly Moving Your Bed and Mattress Matters

Your bed and mattress aren't just pieces of furniture-- they are investments in your rest and health. Damaging these during the move can lead to extra expenses and sleeping discomfort. Additionally, improper moving techniques can result in personal injury or damage to surrounding walls and floors. Understanding the right approach ensures a smooth transition and prolongs the life of your bedding.

Common Challenges When Moving Beds and Mattresses

Bulky and awkward shapes make transport difficult.
Mattresses can fold or sag, causing damage.
Bed frames may have hidden hardware or delicate parts.
Risk of injury from improper lifting.
Potential for soiling or contaminating mattress fabric.

Do's: Essential Tips for Moving Your Bed and Mattress Safely

1. Disassemble Before Moving

Always disassemble your bed frame before an attempted move. Most modern frames-- especially platform or adjustable beds--are designed for easy takedown. Use screwdrivers or power drills if needed.

Keep all hardware: Store screws and bolts in a labeled zip-lock bag.
Take pictures: Before disassembly, take pictures to remind yourself how parts fit together.
Label the parts: Use masking tape to label bed rails, slats, and support legs, so reassembly is simple.

2. Protect Your Mattress with a Cover

Mattresses attract dust, dirt, and stains during a move. Use a high-quality mattress bag or plastic cover to protect against contamination, water, and tears. Many moving supply stores offer specialty mattress covers.

Seal the cover: Make sure the cover is securely sealed to keep out moisture and bugs.
Choose the right size: Select a cover that fits the type (twin, full, queen, king) and thickness of your mattress.

3. Prepare Your Pathway Ahead of Time

Clear hallways and stairs of any obstacles.
Measure doorways to ensure the bed frame and mattress will fit through easily.
Protect walls with corner guards or blankets to prevent dings and scrapes.

4. Get Help--Don't Do It Alone!

Maneuvering a mattress or bed frame typically requires at least two people.

Teamwork matters: Coordinate with your moving partner for proper lifting techniques.
Lift with your legs: Never lift heavy parts using your back alone.
Use moving straps or dollies: These tools dramatically reduce strain.

5. Load and Transport Correctly

Keep mattress flat: If possible, transport your mattress laying flat in the moving vehicle to avoid warping.
Secure the load: Use straps or ropes to prevent sliding.
Cushion with soft items: Place pillows or blankets around sharp corners or bed posts.
Stack smartly: Do not place heavy boxes on top of the mattress.

6. Re-assemble Carefully at Your New Place

Assemble the bed frame in the room where it will be used.
Compare to your labeled parts and reference photos.
Tighten all screws and bolts, but don't over-tighten-- this can strip the wood or damage threads.
Let the mattress air out for a few hours before making the bed, especially if it's been packed in plastic.

Don'ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Your Bed and Mattress

1. Don't Try to Move the Bed Frame Without Disassembly

Never attempt to move a fully assembled bed frame through staircases or narrow doors. This risks scratching walls, breaking the frame, and damaging joints or corners.

2. Don't Drag Your Mattress or Bed Frame

This can damage the mattress fabric or rip off covers and legs from the frame.
Dragging is a leading cause of accidents - it can catch and trip movers.

3. Don't Bend or Fold Your Mattress Unless It's a Foam Design

Traditional innerspring mattresses can be permanently damaged if bent or folded.
If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress, check manufacturer instructions before folding-- some allow gentle folding for a short time.

4. Don't Forget to Protect

Exposing your mattress during the move, even for a short time, can result in tough-to-remove stains or pests like bedbugs and dust mites.

5. Don't Rush the Process--Safety First!

Hasty moves increase the chances of injury and costly mistakes.
Take your time to lift, transport, and secure every part properly.

6. Don't Use Old or Unsafe Moving Equipment

Worn-out straps or dollies can fail suddenly, dropping your mattress or frame.
If equipment looks damaged, replace it before you begin.

Packing Supplies Checklist for Your Bed and Mattress Move

Mattress bag or plastic cover (preferably with handles or zippered)
Blankets, moving pads, or bubble wrap for frame parts
Masking tape and permanent marker for labeling
Zip-lock bags for hardware (screws, bolts, nuts)
Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, or a power drill
Measuring tape
Moving straps or shoulder dollies
Cotton gloves for better grip and to protect hands
Corner protectors for walls and furniture

Mattress Moving--Special Considerations for Different Types

Innerspring Mattresses

Should always be moved flat, never bent.
Vulnerable to twisting and folding-- which can break springs.

Memory Foam & Latex Mattresses

Some can gently bend, but always consult manufacturer guidelines.
Requires careful handling to avoid permanent creasing.
Should ideally be carried upright or flat, not dragged.

Hybrid Mattresses

Move flat if possible, as they often contain springs.
Avoid folding unless specified as foldable.

Adjustable Beds

Follow manual for proper disassembly.
Disconnect all power sources before moving.
Pack remote controls and wires with care in a separate labeled bag.

Professional Movers vs. DIY: Which is Best For Your Bedroom Furniture?

While many people choose a DIY approach for moving beds and mattresses, hiring professional movers has distinct advantages, especially for large or delicate furniture. Here's what to consider:

Professional Movers: Bring experience, insurance, and the right tools to make the move safer and easier. This is especially true for king-size beds or if you have health/mobility limitations.
DIY Moving: Is often less expensive but requires physical strength, time, and proper planning. Enlist at least one capable helper and ensure you have all moving supplies on hand.

How To Store a Mattress Properly During Your Move

If you need to store your mattress for any length of time, keep these do's and don'ts in mind:

Store your mattress flat and in its original shape.
Use a breathable cover-- plastic traps moisture and may encourage mildew in humid areas.
Choose a climate-controlled storage unit, if possible.
Never place heavy items on top: This can compress or damage the mattress fibers/materials.
Avoid leaving the mattress standing on its side for long periods-- this may cause sagging or distortion.

moving supplies boxes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moving Beds and Mattresses

How do I move a king-size mattress?

Moving a king-size mattress may require more than two people and a vehicle with enough internal height, such as a moving van or box truck. Use ratchet straps to keep it firmly in place during transit and make sure hallways and doors at both locations are wide enough for easy passage.

Can you roll a memory foam mattress for a move?

Some memory foam mattresses are designed to roll and compress temporarily. Check your manufacturer's recommendations: rolling too tightly can crack or damage the foam.

What happens if you move a mattress on its side?

Most mattresses can be moved standing upright for short periods. However, storing it upright for a long time may cause internal shifting or sagging-- especially with older innerspring mattresses.

Should I clean my mattress before moving?

Absolutely! Vacuum the mattress surface, spot-clean stains, and ensure it's dry before wrapping. This prevents moving dirt and odors into your new home.

How do I reassemble my bed without instructions?

Use the labeled parts you created during disassembly and reference any photos you took. Most bed frames are intuitive to reassemble, but online manuals are often available from the manufacturer's website.

Final Thoughts: Moving Your Bed and Mattress the Right Way

Careful planning and the right techniques can take the hassle and risk out of moving beds and mattresses. Remember to disassemble your bed, protect your mattress with a cover, never drag large pieces, and enlist help for safe lifting. By following these do's and don'ts for moving your bed and mattress, you'll ensure your sleep essentials arrive safely--so you can rest easy, wherever your next home may be.

For more guidance and tips on tackling your next move, explore our other resources and make your relocation stress-free and efficient!