How to Move a Mattress – Best Way to Package, Transport, and Protect a Bed
Ever wanted to move a mattress but didn’t know how? You’ve come to the right place. It’s not as easy as it sounds, and there are plenty of tricks you can use. We’ll show you how to package, transport, and protect your mattress so that it arrives safely at its destination. And don’t forget about those pesky corners!
Moving day is coming up, and you’re freaking out about how to move a mattress. You want to wrap up your mattress so that dirt and water cannot get on it. The last thing you need is to damage it or insects on your mattress. Mattresses are hefty, and with this method, you may sometimes even move them on your own! This blog provides two ways for you to choose from.
Does this work on any mattress?
It would be best if you only used it on mattresses that are in a box. If you use it on a traditional spring mattress, it will be damaged. That said, moving company also uses this method to move mattresses without a problem.
There are many different types of mattresses, so you need to be careful, and we are not responsible if your mattress gets damaged.
Moving will involve a truck, car, or trailer, also dirt or water, let alone weather hazards. It is fair to say wrapping your mattress before moving is preferable.
Two methods in a nutshell
One way is with a mattress bag. If you do not have a mattress bag, there is another good way that I call the plastic sheet method. This method is for thicker mattresses that won’t fit in a regular mattress bag.
If you don’t have painter’s plastic and you don’t have a mattress cover, we’re going to tell you about a straightforward trick. It is helpful if you need to move your mattress when supplies are not available.
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Method 1: Mattress bag
What do you need?
- Two people
- A small dolly with wheels is essential whether you want to carry boxes or items to your car. Get one that folds up and can fit into the closet or garage, like this one.
- Mattress bag it’s 3.5 mils thick, so it’s a pretty durable, strong plastic. if unavailable, you can also purchase it here.
- Rope, if you have a single or twin mattress, 1 rope should do; you will need 2 or more ropes for any other sizes.
Step 1:
Lay the mattress on the floor and put the mattress inside the mattress bag.
Step 2:
Fold the mattress in half, put the rope underneath the mattress, and then tie the rope with a taut-line hitch knot. A taut-line hitch is a fastened knot with variable tension. It’s useful when the length of a line will need to be adjusted to maintain tension.
- Get both ends of the rope and do a regular half hitch,
- Loop it around again and go to the top of the knot and do one more half hitch
- Then you dress the knot by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part.
Step 3:
At this point, you can secure the mattress further and tape any openings that are left open so dirt or water cannot get inside.
Tips: to can use a tie-down strap instead of ropes and don’t have to use both rope and tie-down straps.
Methods 2: Painters Plastic
What do you need?
- Two people
- A small dolly with wheels is essential whether you want to carry boxes or items to your car. Get one that folds up and can fit into the closet or garage, like this one.
- Thick Painters Sheets 3.5 mil thickness
- Tape measure
- Scissors to cut the plastic
- Tie-down straps
- Packing tape with a tape gun
Step 1:
Get out of your roll of painter’s plastic. Do not unfold it! As a guide, you will require 7 feet for a twin or twin XL mattress and 8 feet for a full or queen-sized bed. You’ll need 9 feet for a king-sized bed to get two Queens and a king out of a 25-foot roll without waste. Use your tape measure and scissors to get the right length.
Step 2:
Put the plastic at the bottom of the mattress and undo half of it. Fold the mattress in half. Then take half the unfolded plastic and put it right under it. Tie the mattress with rope using the same taut-line hitch, so it stays folded.
Step 3:
That is where you are wrapping the mattress like a present. Make sure you have equal length on both sides.
Keep it tight while you tape, so it stays in place. You have to do a good job so it doesn’t come undone and expose part of the mattress if it rains when you are moving the mattress.
Step 4:
You will use your tie-down straps now that it is secured like a package and not going anywhere. If you don’t have a tie-down belt, you can use ropes instead.
Tips: if you use a tie-down strap, put buckles lined up at the top to avoid damaging your doors or furniture.
Other Option – Tarp
If you don’t have a mattress bag or painter’s plastic, you can use a clean tarp using method 2. It won’t tape as easily, and you might have to use duct tape or heavier-duty tape, but it’ll work.
When it comes to unwrapping it, cut any tape, and the wrap will just come apart on its own.
When moving a mattress, you have two primary options. You can use painter’s plastic or tarp and then tie it down with rope using the same taut-line hitch knot used in Method One. If your bed is king-sized, you’ll need 9 feet of painter’s plastic, so there are no wasted pieces when wrapping up the queen mattresses inside. It might seem like this process will take forever, but it shouldn’t take long if done correctly.
Let us know which one you do prefer or use the most!
