How To Transport A Mattress

How To Move A Mattress: A Complete Guide

Looking for how to transport a mattress to your new home? Moving can be challenging enough without having to worry about awkward, bulky items. And when it comes to difficult moving challenges, few household items rival the mattress. The size, weight, and flexibility of mattresses make them particularly tricky to manoeuvre through doorways, downstairs, and into vehicles.

While it might be tempting to leave your mattress behind or hire professional movers to handle it, with the right approach and preparation, you can successfully transport your mattress yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring your mattress arrives at your new home in perfect condition whilst saving you money and hassle.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Always take the necessary safety precautions when moving heavy or bulky items, as improper handling can lead to personal injury or damage to property. For complex moves or if you are unsure about the safest approach, we strongly recommend consulting with professional movers or removalists.

Why Proper Mattress Transportation Matters

Protecting Your Investment

Proper mattress transportation is crucial because mattresses represent a significant investment in your comfort and health. With quality models costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds, it’s an investment worth protecting. Improper handling during a move can lead to serious damage—tears in the fabric, stains from exposure to dirt and pollutants, structural damage to internal springs or foam, and moisture exposure that can cause mould growth. All these issues directly affect the comfort, support, and longevity of your mattress.

Furthermore, damage sustained during transportation may void your warranty, leaving you without protection for future issues. Taking proper care during your moving process ensures your mattress arrives in pristine condition, ready to provide the restful sleep you deserve in your new home. Remember, a well-maintained mattress can last 7-10 years, so the extra effort during transportation is well worth it.

Need a Hand? Let the Pros Handle Your Mattress

Don’t want to risk damaging your expensive mattress? Our experienced furniture removalists specialise in safely transporting mattresses of all sizes. Get a free quote today – 02 7201 9367

Essential Preparation Steps

Gather All Your Supplies

Before attempting to move a mattress, collect all your supplies to ensure a smooth, hitch-free experience:

• Mattress bag or thick plastic wrap: Purchase one specifically sized for your mattress (twin, full, queen, or king). A proper mattress bag provides essential protection against dirt, moisture, and tears. If you can’t find a suitable mattress bag, heavy-duty plastic wrap can serve as an alternative, though it requires more effort to secure properly.
• Packing tape: Strong, wide packing tape secures your mattress bag or plastic wrap. You’ll need several rolls to ensure complete coverage.
• Rope or ratchet straps: These are essential for securing the mattress to your transport vehicle. Ratchet straps are preferable as they allow for precise tensioning and are less likely to loosen during transit. You’ll need straps long enough to wrap around your mattress completely.
• Moving blankets or furniture pads: These provide extra protection, especially for premium mattresses.
• Scissors or a utility knife: This is used to open the mattress bag at your destination.
• Hand truck or furniture dolly: Whilst not essential, a dolly makes moving a heavy mattress through hallways much easier.
• Basic toolset: For disassembling and reassembling your bed frame.
• Work gloves: To protect your hands and improve grip.
• Tape measure: To confirm your mattress will fit through doorways and in your vehicle.
• Small sandwich bag: To keep bed frame screws and small parts organised.

Most of these supplies can be purchased at moving supply stores, hardware stores, or online retailers. The investment in these supplies is significantly less than replacing a damaged mattress or hiring professional movers.

Clean and Prepare Your Mattress

Taking time to clean your mattress before transportation is an essential but often overlooked step. Any moisture trapped inside a mattress bag can lead to mould and mildew during transit, which can ruin your mattress and potentially cause health issues.

Begin by removing all bedding and vacuuming the mattress thoroughly on both sides. For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Apply the solution with a clean cloth, gently dabbing at stains rather than rubbing, which can push stains deeper into the fabric. After cleaning, ensure your mattress is completely dry before wrapping—this may take 24-48 hours of air-drying in a well-ventilated room.

This cleaning process not only prepares your mattress for transportation but also ensures you’ll be sleeping on a fresh, clean surface in your new home. A mattress free of dust, allergens, and stains will provide better sleep quality and extend the lifespan of your investment.

Clear Your Path

Creating a safe working environment is crucial when moving mattresses. Begin by planning and clearing the path from your bedroom to your vehicle. Remove obstacles, secure open doorways, and measure narrow doors and tight spaces to ensure your mattress will fit through hallways, stairwells, and doorframes.

Pay particular attention to corners and stairwells, as these are often the trickiest parts of the journey. It may help to measure your mattress dimensions and compare them to the width of your narrowest passages. If you have a family member or friend available, ask them to help guide the mattress through tight spaces.

Planning your route in advance prevents unnecessary manoeuvring, reducing the risk of damage to both your property and the mattress. It also makes the entire moving process more efficient and less stressful. Remember to consider the exit path at your destination as well, and clear it before unloading your mattress.

Proper Packing Techniques

Best Tips to Protect With Your Mattress Bag

A quality mattress bag is your first line of defence during transportation. These purpose-made covers shield against dirt, dust, moisture, pollutants, and physical damage that could otherwise ruin your mattress. When selecting a mattress bag, ensure it matches your mattress size (twin, full, queen, or king) and is made of thick, durable plastic.

To properly bag your mattress:

1. Lay the mattress flat on the floor or bed frame.
2. Slide the mattress bag over one end, then work it down the length of the mattress.
3. Once covered, seal the open end securely with packing tape.
4. Press out as much air as possible before completely sealing the bag—excess air can cause the bag to balloon and tear during transport.
5. Reinforce the seams and any potential weak points with additional tape.
6. Carefully inspect for and repair any tears or holes in the bag with more packing tape.

If using plastic wrap instead of a dedicated mattress bag, wrap the mattress completely, overlapping each pass by half to ensure full coverage. Use packing tape to secure the ends and prevent the plastic from unwrapping during movement.

Add Extra Protection

For valuable mattresses or longer moves, consider adding extra protection beyond the basic mattress bag. Moving blankets or furniture pads can be wrapped around the bagged mattress to provide additional cushioning against impacts and prevent scratches or tears that might penetrate the plastic covering.

To apply this extra protection:

1. Wrap the bagged mattress with moving blankets, ensuring all sides are covered.
2. Secure the blankets with packing tape or straps, being careful not to compress the mattress too tightly.
3. Pay special attention to the corners, which are most vulnerable to damage during transport.

This additional layer acts as a buffer between your mattress and other objects in the transport vehicle and helps protect against unexpected bumps or shifts during transit. While it requires extra effort, this step can be particularly valuable for expensive memory foam or pillowtop mattresses, which may be more susceptible to damage than traditional spring mattresses.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Match Your Mattress to Your Transport

The size of your mattress will determine the most appropriate vehicle for transportation. Making the right choice ensures your mattress remains properly secured and undamaged throughout the journey:

• Pickup Truck: Ideal for most mattress sizes, particularly queen mattress models and smaller ones. Place the mattress flat in the truck bed and secure it with tie-down straps to prevent shifting. Ensure the entire mattress is supported by the truck bed—overhanging can cause damage due to a lack of support. If your mattress extends beyond the truck bed, use red flags to alert other drivers.
• Moving Van or Moving Truck: The best overall option, offering ample space and protection from the weather. In a moving van, you can position the mattress either flat on the floor (preferred) or upright against the side wall (secured with straps). Most moving vans have tie-down handles specifically designed for securing large items like mattresses and pianos.
• SUV or Large Car: May accommodate smaller mattresses (twin or full) inside with seats folded down. For larger mattresses like a queen mattress or king, roof transportation may be necessary. Remember that interior transportation is always preferable to roof transport when possible.

When choosing your transport vehicle, also consider the Australian climate—summer heat and sudden rainstorms can damage an exposed mattress, so enclosed transport provides better protection. If borrowing a vehicle from a family member or friend, ensure you keep the mattress clean and free of any sharp objects that could damage your mattress.

Transporting on a Car Roof

If you must transport your mattress on a car roof (perhaps you only have a small car available), follow these guidelines to do so safely:

1. Check weight capacity: Ensure your vehicle’s roof rack can support the weight. Most vehicles support up to 75kg on the roof, but check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.
2. Use a proper mattress bag: This is absolutely essential for roof transport, as the mattress will be exposed to road dirt, pollutants, and potentially rain.
3. Position properly: Centre the wrapped mattress on the roof, ensuring it’s balanced and stable.
4. Secure thoroughly: Use rope or ratchet straps to secure the mattress both lengthwise and across the middle. The mattress should be immobile even when you try to shift it by hand.
5. Window technique: For additional security, run the rope through the car windows (leaving the driver’s window free). This provides extra anchoring points, but remember you won’t be able to open doors secured this way.
6. Drive cautiously: Reduce your speed, especially on highways, and avoid sudden movements. Take back roads when possible to minimise wind resistance.
7. Use a spotter: If possible, have someone follow in another vehicle to alert you if the mattress begins to shift.

In Australia, there are legal considerations for transporting oversized items. The mattress must not obscure your license plate or lights, extend more than 150mm beyond the sides of your vehicle or protrude dangerously. Police can issue fines for improperly secured loads that pose safety risks to other road users.

Moving Locally? We’ve Got Your Mattress Covered

Our local removalists use professional-grade materials and techniques to ensure your mattress arrives in perfect condition. Call us now – 02 7201 9367

Loading and Securing Your Mattress

Lifting Techniques Using a Furniture Dolly & Luggage Rack

Proper lifting technique prevents both personal injury and mattress damage when you move a mattress. Follow these guidelines:

1. Team positioning: Position one person at each end of the mattress. Never attempt to move a heavy mattress alone.
2. Proper body mechanics: Bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift.
3. Grip firmly: Hold the mattress at the corners with both hands, maintaining a secure grip throughout the move.
4. Coordinate efforts: Lift simultaneously using leg strength, communicating clearly with phrases like “lift on three” to ensure synchronisation.
5. Maintain control: Move slowly and deliberately, ensuring neither person bears too much weight.

For stairs and tight spaces, the person going backward (usually descending stairs) should be the stronger of the two. Take breaks if needed—setting the mattress down temporarily is better than risking injury or dropping it.

Using a furniture dolly for longer indoor transports can significantly reduce strain, but avoid using dollies on stairs. Instead, carry the mattress by hand, keeping it vertical to manoeuvre through tight spaces more easily.

Keep Your Mattress Flat for Best Results

How you position your mattress during transport can significantly impact its condition upon arrival. Whenever possible, transport your mattress flat to maintain its structural integrity. This horizontal position supports the internal components evenly and prevents sagging or distortion.

While some mattresses can handle being on their side for short periods, prolonged vertical positioning can cause internal components to shift, particularly in spring mattresses where coils may become misaligned. Box springs are especially vulnerable to damage when transported on their sides.

Never fold or bend your mattress during transportation. This can severely damage springs, foam, and internal structure, potentially creating permanent creases or weak spots. Different mattress types require specific handling:

• Spring mattresses: Keep flat if possible, as springs can shift and become damaged when positioned vertically for too long.
• Memory foam: It can be positioned on its side more safely than spring mattresses, but it should be returned to a flat position as soon as possible.
• Hybrid mattresses: Treat them with the same care as spring mattresses, keeping them flat whenever possible.

If vertical positioning is unavoidable due to vehicle constraints, try to minimise the time spent in this position and return the mattress to a flat surface as quickly as possible at your final destination.

Secure Your Mattress Properly for Transit

Whether in a moving truck, van or on a roof, properly securing your mattress is essential to prevent movement during transit:

1. Use quality restraints: Ratchet straps are ideal as they can be tightened precisely and are less likely to loosen. If using rope, choose strong nylon or polyester varieties and learn proper knots like the trucker’s hitch.
2. Secure from multiple angles: Attach straps both lengthwise and across the width of the mattress. For roof transport, create an X-pattern for maximum stability.
3. Use proper anchor points: In trucks, use the built-in tie-down handles. For roof transport, secure to roof racks or through windows.
4. Check tension periodically: During longer journeys, stop occasionally to check and readjust straps as they may loosen due to the mattress settling or road vibrations.
5. Avoid over-tightening: While the mattress must be secure, excessive compression can damage the internal structure. Straps should be tight enough to prevent movement but not so tight that they cause the mattress to bend or distort.

The goal is to keep the mattress completely immobile throughout the journey. A properly secured mattress shouldn’t shift at all when you push against it with moderate force. Remember that for longer journeys, materials inside the mattress may settle, potentially loosening your straps, so periodic checks are essential.

Safe Driving Practices

Transporting Your Bed Safely on the Road

When driving with a mattress, adjust your driving style to accommodate your unusual cargo:

1. Reduce speed: Drive 10-15 km/h below the posted speed limits, especially on highways where wind resistance increases significantly.
2. Avoid sudden manoeuvres: Accelerate, brake, and turn gradually to prevent shifting your load.
3. Take wider turns: Allow extra space when cornering to account for the mattress’s size and weight.
4. Monitor frequently: Check your mirrors often for signs that the mattress is shifting. If you notice any movement, pull over immediately and re-secure it.
5. Weather awareness: Be particularly cautious in high winds, which can catch a mattress like a sail. Consider delaying your journey if severe weather is forecast.
6. Route planning: When possible, choose routes with less traffic and lower speed limits. Avoid narrow streets where manoeuvring may be difficult.
7. Maintain distance: Keep extra space between your vehicle and others to allow for safe stopping and manoeuvring.

In Australia, be mindful of sudden weather changes and the potential for strong crosswinds on open highways. If transporting during summer, try to avoid the hottest parts of the day, as extreme heat can affect certain mattress materials, particularly if they’re exposed on a roof rack.

Unpacking at Your Destination

Handle With Care for Bed Frame Setup

Once you’ve reached your destination, unloading and setting up your mattress requires the same care as loading:

1. Prepare the path: Before bringing in the mattress, clear the route to the bedroom, ensuring all doorways are open and obstacles are removed.
2. Unload carefully: Remove the mattress from the vehicle using proper lifting techniques, maintaining communication with your helper.
3. Use a dolly if available: For longer indoor transport, a furniture dolly can make the process easier and safer.
4. Remove the protective covering: Once in the bedroom, carefully cut open the mattress bag with scissors, being careful not to damage the mattress itself. Start at one corner and work your way around.
5. Allow the mattress to breathe: Let the mattress air out for a few hours before making the bed. This helps dissipate any moisture or odours that may have accumulated during transport.
6. Inspect thoroughly: Check for any damage that may have occurred during transport, focusing on seams, corners, and the overall shape.
7. Position correctly: Place the mattress on your bed frame, ensuring it’s centred and properly supported.
8. Dispose of materials properly: Recycle the mattress bag and other packing materials according to local guidelines.

If your mattress was compressed or on its side during transportation, it may need time to regain its original shape. This is particularly true for memory foam mattresses, which can take 24-48 hours to fully recover after being transported.

Don’t Want the Hassle? Consider Professional Help

When to Call the Experts

While DIY mattress transportation is feasible for many, there are scenarios where professional movers might be the better option:

1. Valuable or specialised mattresses: If you have an expensive luxury mattress or one with special features, professional handling may provide better protection.
2. Limited assistance: Moving a mattress safely requires at least two people. If you can’t find help, professionals are a safer alternative than attempting it alone.
3. Physical limitations: If you have back problems or other physical constraints, the risk of injury may outweigh the cost savings of DIY transport.
4. Long-distance moves: For interstate relocations, professional movers often provide better value when considering the full cost of truck rental, fuel, and your time.

Professional moving services in Australia charge variable rates for mattress transport, depending on distance and mattress size. While this represents an additional expense, it includes proper equipment, experienced handlers, and often insurance coverage.

When selecting a moving company, look for:

• Positive reviews specifically mention furniture or mattress handling
• Proper insurance coverage
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Experience with your specific mattress type

Many removalists offer mattress-only services at lower rates than full-home moves, making this a cost-effective compromise for those who want to handle most of their move themselves but outsource the mattress transportation.

See more reasons to hire professional movers.

Complete Moving Solution: Let Us Pack & Transport Everything

Save time and stress by letting our moving and packing specialists handle everything, from properly wrapping your mattress to securing all your belongings. Contact us today – 02 7201 9367

Rest Easy With Your Move

Moving a mattress doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With proper planning, equipment, and technique, you can move your mattress safely to its new home. The key is preparation—gathering the right supplies, protecting your mattress properly, choosing an appropriate vehicle, and securing the mattress correctly during transit.

Remember to keep your mattress inside whenever possible rather than on a roof rack. Use a quality mattress cover and remove all the air before sealing. For a big mattress, consider whether a large SUV or vehicle with a luggage rack might be better than a small car. Always use enough rope or duct tape to ensure everything is properly secured.

These tips will help you transport your bed safely and avoid damage to other furniture. With careful handling, you can easily slide the mattress onto your bed frame, ensuring easy access for setup. Follow this guide to avoid hauling a damaged new mattress home from the store shortly after your move.

By treating your mattress as the big investment it truly is, you’ll enjoy better rest in your new home from the very first night.