How to Move a Mattress By Yourself in 5 Steps

Carrying a heavy mattress by yourself can be a difficult task. Moving a mattress with a friend or family member will make getting your bed around tight corners or staircases easier. However, if you cannot carry your mattress with a partner, you’ll want to stay as safe as possible.

Without the proper equipment, you could damage your bed or injure yourself. In this article, we’ll offer some tips on how to move your mattress safely and without ruining it.

Save $150 On Any Mattress

Plus free shipping

Get $150 OFF Mattresses

Helpful Equipment To Move A Mattress

Before you move your mattress, be sure you have the proper equipment to move it safely. Here we list a couple of moving essentials.

Mattress Bag

A mattress bag will keep your mattresses protected against dust, soil, and exposure to water during your move. The last is especially important as water can encourage mold to grow. Mattress bags come in different sizes to match the various dimensions of standard mattresses.

Dolly

You can buy or rent a dolly, a platform with wheels, to transport a mattress from your house to the vehicle. A dolly can keep you from straining your back as you move the mattress.

Bubble Wrap and Packing Tape

Bubble wrap will provide an extra layer of protection to your mattress. You can wrap it around an upright mattress, leaned against a wall. Be sure to secure your mattress with packing tape after wrapping it in plastic covering.

Tie Down Straps

You can use tie-down straps to make it easier to carry the bed out to the vehicle. Tie-down straps are usually available at local hardware stores. You should be able to get away with only using one or two straps to secure your mattress in place.

Cardboard

Cardboard can be helpful to reinforce your mattress. If you have a floppy mattress, packing your bed with cardboard will keep it from moving as you carry it on the dolly. Try flattening a few boxes so you have long pieces of cardboard to establish a supportive, relatively flat surface.

Place a Cover on Your Mattress

You’ll want to make sure your mattress stays clean during the moving process. The best way to do this is to cover your mattress. Mattress bags are plastic bags big enough to cover your bed and are available in all standard mattress sizes. You can easily find them in your local hardware store for about $5 to $15.

To put the mattress inside the bag:

• Start by standing your mattress on its side.
• Insert the mattress into the bag.
• Check if the bag has a zipper; if not, you may need to tape your mattress bag. You can also run tape all around your bag to secure the mattress.

If you cannot find a mattress bag, it’s best to wrap your bed in a lightweight, breathable covering, like bubble wrap.

Clear Your Path

Next, you’ll want to ensure you have a clear path to move your mattress. For instance, if you are transporting your mattress to a moving truck, plan your route. Move any boxes or furniture such as small tables, chairs, or floor lamps that may block doorways or stairs.

Also, check that all doors are propped open wide enough for the mattress to fit. It’s best to keep your area as clear as possible. Moving your bed in a cluttered room can make getting your mattress to your vehicle difficult. Plus, you could slip and fall on loose items, which could result in an injury.

Lift From the Knees

To protect yourself from a potential injury, you’ll want to lift your mattress with your knees. Lifting a heavy mattress can cause you to throw out your back and place strain on your joints. For this reason, avoid lifting your mattress by bending forward. Instead, lift with your knees and prop it upright.

You’ll want to bend your hips and knees to squat down. Then, pick up the mattress while keeping it as close to the body as possible. Finally, straighten your legs to lift.

Here are a few things to remember when your lifting from the knees:

• Spread your feet shoulder-width apart to have a broad base of support.
• Get as close as you can to the object you are lifting.
• Tighten your stomach muscles or core as you lift.
• Lift the object slowly, using the muscles in your hips and knees
• Do not bend forward as you stand up with the object.

Place the Mattress on a Hand Truck or Dolly

Some of the larger mattress sizes may be a little floppy. So, it may be a good idea to reinforce them with cardboard to make transporting your bed a bit easier. We recommend using cardboard boxes at least 30 inches by 30 inches.

You’ll want to flatten the boxes and place one on each side of the mattress. Then, tie the mattress and cardboard together using ropes or tie-down straps.

Next, stand your mattress upright on its sides and place it on the dolly. Do not attempt to use a dolly to roll your mattress downstairs.

If the path to your vehicle includes going downstairs, come to a complete stop at the top of the stairs. Then, lift the mattress off the dolly and carry it down the staircase.

Load the Mattress into Your Vehicle

​​Be sure to choose the right vehicle to transport your mattress. You should also select a moving truck with a cover to protect your mattress from inclement weather.

When transporting it, lie your mattress flat.  Avoid placing heavy objects on your mattress, as the excess weight could leave permanent indentations in your bed. This could ruin the support of your mattress and leave it unsalvageable.

You can also keep your mattress standing on its side, preferably leaning against a wall to save space in your vehicle. We do not recommend strapping your mattress to the top of your car. Doing so could result in a potential accident if your mattress were to fall off the vehicle.

Other Options

Moving your mattress by yourself can be a struggle, especially for those with limited mobility. Below, we recommend some alternatives to moving your bed without a partner.

Consider Shipping Your Mattress

Shipping your mattress is usually a better idea for those who are moving long distances. You can ship a packaged mattress anywhere across the country for around $300 to $700.

However, this does depend on the mattress size and distance. Some companies may even offer curbside shipping and pick your mattress up from your home.

Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers will eliminate the hassle of packaging and moving your mattress. Professional movers know how to move your things without damaging them. Plus, they are trained to move heavy items without injuring themselves. This is usually the best option for joint pain sufferers and individuals with conditions that limit movement.

Compressing Your Mattress at Home

If you’re moving and want to make your mattress more portable, you can try compressing your mattress at home. Essentially, you bag up your mattress, vacuum the air out, then roll the now flatter mattress up and slip it inside a moving box. This can work for short-term transportation, but we must warn that leaving the mattress rolled up for too long or improperly compressing it can damage the materials.

Buy a New Mattress

If your mattress is old enough, you may want to ask yourself if it’s time to replace your mattress. A mattress that feels saggy or unsupportive in spots, has stains or smells, or is otherwise uncomfortable may not be worth the effort of moving it.

Instead, spend some time shopping for the best mattress and have it sent to your new home. You don’t even have to leave your current home to purchase a new one, as many excellent mattresses are available online.

Conclusion

It is crucial to move your mattress with care if you are transporting it alone. Remember, it’s best to use a dolly because it will allow you to move heavy items quickly, with reduced strain on your body. Moreover, using a dolly provides more security than just your hands, and you are less likely to drop the item.

If you are someone with limited mobility, we do not recommend moving your mattress on your own.  Instead, try getting family members or friends to help you. You also have the option to hire professionals who will take care of all of your moving needs.