How to Move a Mattress Without Damaging It

Learning how to move a mattress properly keeps it clean, supportive and free from tears and creases. A mattress is large, floppy and heavier than it looks, and rough handling can bend coils, crush foam and split a cover. This guide covers bagging, carrying, stairs, loading a vehicle and airing it out at the other end. If you are replacing your mattress instead of moving it, take a look at our mattresses too.

Plan Before You Lift

Queen and king mattresses can weigh well over 50 pounds (23 kg), and hybrid or memory foam models are often heavier. Plan on two people for any adult mattress, and three for a king or a long stairway. Measure the doors, stairs and turns on your route, remove bedding and clear the path before the first lift.

Take the bed apart first if you need to. Our guide to taking apart and reassembling a bed frame shows how. If the mattress sits on an adjustable base, unplug and move the base separately, following its instructions. Check the mattress care label or manufacturer information too, since handling advice can vary by type and brand.

Use a Proper Mattress Bag

A heavy-duty mattress bag keeps out dust, dirt, moisture and snags. Buy one made for your size, because a queen bag will not stretch over a king. Choose a thick plastic over a thin one, which tears easily on a door frame.

1. Lay the mattress flat and open the bag fully.
2. With a helper, lift one end and slide the bag over it.
3. Work the bag down the length of the mattress, pulling it evenly.
4. Close the opening and seal it with packing tape, applied to the bag only, not to the mattress.
5. Patch any small tear right away so it does not grow.

Carry It the Right Way

Many mattresses have fabric handles on the sides. These are usually meant for adjusting the mattress on the bed, not for carrying its full weight, and they can tear. Instead, support the mattress from underneath and along the edges, or use carrying straps made for mattresses. Keep your back straight, bend your knees and hold the load close to your body.

For most moves, carry the mattress on its long edge through doorways and halls. This position takes less space and puts less strain on your arms. For longer trips, lay it flat in the vehicle. Whatever the position, never fold or bend an innerspring, hybrid, memory foam or latex mattress. Folding can break coils, crease foam and damage the cover. Some mattresses arrive compressed and rolled from the maker, but once opened they should not be rolled up again unless the manufacturer says so.

Stairs, Doors and Tight Corners

• Stand the mattress on its long edge with one person at each end, and agree on who leads.
• On stairs, the person lower down carries more of the weight, so put the strongest person there. Go slowly and rest on landings.
• Pivot at the corners in small steps. A mattress can flex a little, but forcing it around a tight bend can crease the layers inside.
• Do not lift it over a railing or through a window unless a professional is doing it.
• If it sticks, stop, back up and adjust, rather than pushing harder.

Loading a Truck or Van

A closed van or box truck is the best choice. Lay the mattress flat on a clean floor, or stand it on its long edge against a wall and strap it in place. Never stack furniture on top of a mattress, and keep the sharp corners and legs of other pieces away from the bag.

Avoid roof racks and open truck beds. A mattress on a car roof is hard to secure and can become a hazard in wind. If you have no other option, wrap it in a bag, cover it with a waterproof tarp and tie it down firmly at several points, and keep it out of rain, snow and road spray, which are common in a Calgary winter and can soak through a damaged bag. When you secure straps, make them tight enough to hold the mattress but not so tight that they dent it.

Unpack, Air It Out and Set It Up

Remove the bag as soon as the mattress is in the bedroom. A bag left on can trap moisture. Check the cover and seams for damage, then let the mattress breathe for a few hours with a window open or a fan on, if there is any damp or smell. Set it on a flat, fully supportive base that suits the type, and give it time to regain its shape. See how often to rotate and replace your mattress to set a care routine from day one.

When to Hire Professional Movers

Consider professional help if the route has a narrow stairwell, several flights or a tight turn, or if the mattress is a heavy model that two people cannot hold comfortably. Movers have padded covers, straps and trolleys, and they know how to handle a mattress without bending it. Hire help any time you cannot lift safely, since a strained back costs far more than a moving fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fold a mattress to move it?

It is best not to. Folding or bending an innerspring, hybrid, memory foam or latex mattress can break coils, crease the foam and damage the cover. Carry it flat or on its long edge instead. Some mattresses ship rolled from the maker, but follow the manufacturer's guidance before you roll one back up.

Do I need a mattress bag to move a mattress?

A heavy-duty bag is strongly recommended. It protects the mattress from dust, dirt, moisture and snags, and makes it easier to grip. Choose the right size and a thick plastic, and seal the opening with packing tape on the bag, not on the mattress. Remove the bag when you arrive.

Can I move a mattress on its side?

Yes, for short distances such as doorways, hallways and stairs, a mattress can be carried on its long edge with a person at each end. For longer trips, lay it flat in a closed van or truck, or strap it upright against a wall. Do not leave it unsupported on its edge for hours.

Should I leave the plastic on after moving a mattress?

No. Remove the bag once the mattress is in the bedroom, because plastic can trap moisture and odours. Check for damage, let it air out for a few hours if needed and set it on a suitable base. If you see a tear or a stain, read the manufacturer's warranty information.

See Mattresses in Person at Our Calgary Showroom

A mattress is easier to judge lying down than reading about it. Visit our showroom at Unit D200, 9737 Macleod Trail SW in Calgary to compare feels and sizes, or look through our beds to find a frame that suits the mattress you already own.