Nobody tells you this before your first move, but mattress moving is surprisingly hard. You look at this big, soft thing and think it’ll be easy. Then you’re sideways in a doorway, your friend’s yelling directions that make no sense, and you’re pretty sure the mattress is fighting back. They’re heavy, awkward to grip, and somehow never fit through spaces that look perfectly fine.
The good news? Once you know how to move a mattress the right way, it’s actually manageable. You just need a little planning instead of brute force. Whether you’re relocating across town or just rearranging rooms, understanding the easiest way to move a mattress saves you from damage, stress, and potential back pain. Let’s break down how to do this without destroying your mattress—or yourself.
What to Do Before Moving a Mattress
Most people just grab their mattress and start dragging. Don’t be most people. A little prep work makes everything go smoother.
Clean It First
Your mattress is probably disgusting. I don’t mean that as an insult—all mattresses get gross over time. Dead skin, dust mites, sweat, all that fun stuff builds up. Before you start moving a mattress, take 10 minutes and vacuum both sides.
Why does this matter? Because you don’t want to spread that nastiness all over your car or new place. Plus, it’s just gross.
If you want to go the extra mile, dump some baking soda on it, let it sit for like 30 minutes, then vacuum that up. Gets rid of smells pretty well.
Know What Kind of Mattress You Have
This actually matters. Different mattresses handle differently when you’re moving them.
Memory foam ones are super heavy and they can bend a bit, but don’t go crazy with it. Hybrids have foam and springs mixed together, so they need to stay mostly flat or you’ll mess up the inside. Regular spring mattresses are lighter but they don’t really bend much without getting damaged.
Knowing what you’ve got helps you avoid doing something stupid that ruins it.
Measure Everything
I know measuring sounds boring, but just do it. Measure the mattress, then measure your doorways and stairs and hallways.
You know what’s worse than spending 5 minutes measuring? Getting a king-size mattress wedged in a stairwell and having to take it back up and try a different route. That’s the kind of thing that makes people lose their minds during a move.
Take All the Stuff Off
Sheets, blankets, pillows, mattress pad—all of it comes off. This seems obvious but people forget. And then halfway through moving, their pillow falls off and rolls down the stairs.
Once everything’s off, put it in a mattress bag if you have one. Or at least wrap it in some thick plastic. This keeps it from getting dirty or torn up while you’re hauling it around.
Choosing the Right Moving Supplies and Equipment
You can technically move a mattress with nothing but your hands, but that’s a terrible idea. Get some basic supplies and make your life easier.
Mattress Bags Are Worth It
Get a proper mattress bag or at least some heavy plastic to wrap it in. This protects it from dirt, rain, and anything else nasty. It’s especially important if you’re going outside or loading it into a truck where it could get dirty or wet.
Don’t cheap out and get the thin garbage bag type. Get something thick that won’t tear the second it touches a corner.
You Need Straps or Rope
Once it’s in the truck, you need to tie it down. Ratchet straps work best, but good strong rope works too. The whole point is to keep it from sliding around while you’re driving.
An unsecured mattress in a truck is just asking for problems.
Moving Blankets Help a Lot
If you want extra protection—and especially if you’ve got an expensive memory foam or hybrid—wrap it in moving blankets first. Then wrap plastic around that to keep the blankets in place.
This is extra helpful if the mattress is going to be sitting next to other furniture that could scratch it or if you’re storing it for a while.
Get a Dolly If You Can
If your mattress is heavy or you’ve got stairs, rent or borrow a dolly. They’re not expensive and they’ll save your back. Hand trucks work great too, especially for stairs.
Trying to carry a heavy mattress up two flights of stairs without equipment is how people end up hurt. Don’t be a hero.
You may read about How To Prepare Furniture For Long Distance Moving.
How to Move a Mattress: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, enough prep. Let’s get this mattress moved.
Step 1: Wrap It Up
Get that mattress bag or plastic on there. Make sure it’s covered completely so it doesn’t get dirty or damaged.
Step 2: Clear the Path
Before you pick it up, walk through your whole route. Move stuff out of the way, open all the doors, make sure there’s nothing to trip over.
This seems like overkill until you’re carrying a mattress and step on a shoe you forgot about.
Step 3: Get Help
Don’t move a mattress by yourself unless you absolutely have to. They’re awkward and heavy, even the lighter ones. Two people minimum.
If you’re in the LA area and nobody’s around to help, you could call a Sherman Oaks moving company or someone similar. Sometimes it’s worth paying someone else to deal with it.
Step 4: Use Equipment If You Have It
Moving straps, dollies, whatever you’ve got—use it. These things are designed to make moving easier. There’s no prize for doing everything the hard way.
Step 5: Load It Carefully
Get it into your truck or van and strap it down properly. If you can keep it flat, do that, especially for memory foam. If you have to stand it up on its side, make sure it’s secured so it won’t fall over or slide around.
Getting It There Without Wrecking It
You’ve got it loaded. Now you just need to drive it to the new place without destroying it.
Use the Right Vehicle
A truck or van is best. If you’re using a car, make sure it actually fits and you can still see out your windows. Don’t block your view—that’s how accidents happen.
Flat or On Its Side?
Flat is better for memory foam and hybrids. Spring mattresses can go on their side for short trips if you strap them down well.
Don’t put heavy stuff on top of the mattress either way.
Tie It Down Right
Use straps or rope to keep it from moving. If it shifts around while you’re driving, it can get damaged or cause problems.
Don’t Fold Spring Mattresses
You’ll wreck the springs. Just don’t do it. Memory foam can bend a little bit if you really need it to, but even then, only for a short time.
If You Have to Move It Alone
Moving a mattress by yourself isn’t fun, but sometimes you don’t have a choice.
Don’t Hurt Your Back
Lift with your legs, not your back. Keep the mattress close to your body. Don’t twist while you’re carrying it. Take breaks.
Use Sliders
Furniture sliders let you push the mattress across the floor instead of carrying it. On carpet, put a tarp or plastic sheet under it so it slides easier.
Know When to Give Up
If there are stairs, or it’s a king-size mattress, or the path is really tight—don’t try to do it alone. You’ll either hurt yourself or damage the mattress. Get help.
Setting Up After You Move
You made it. Now let’s get this bed ready to sleep on.
Check It Over
Look for any damage or wet spots before you unwrap it. If something’s wrong, you want to know now.
Let It Air Out
Take off all the plastic and let it sit for a few hours. This gets rid of any smell or moisture from being wrapped up.
Rebuild the Bed Frame
If you took the frame apart, put it back together now. Make sure it’s solid before you put the mattress on it.
Give It Time
Memory foam especially needs time to expand if it got compressed. Give it a day or two to get back to normal shape.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to move a mattress safely can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. From prepping and lifting to transporting and unpacking, every step matters to protect your mattress and your health. But if the process feels overwhelming—or you simply want a hassle-free move—Chamomile Go is here to help. We specialize in local moves across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including mattress moving, packing, and full-service relocation.
Let our experienced team handle the heavy lifting while you relax. Contact Chamomile Go today for reliable, professional moving services tailored to your needs. Your smooth move starts with us.
FAQs
Q1: What Is The Easiest Way To Move A Mattress?
A: The easiest way to move a mattress is to use a mattress bag for protection, clear your path in advance, and use lifting straps or a dolly. If possible, have someone help you carry it, especially for stairs or heavy mattress types.
Q2: Can I Move A Mattress By Myself?
A: Yes, but it depends on the size and weight. Use furniture sliders, lifting straps, or a dolly to reduce strain. However, avoid solo moves for large or spring mattresses, especially if stairs are involved.
Q3: Should I Transport A Mattress Flat Or On Its Side?
A: Memory foam and hybrid mattresses should be transported flat to avoid damage. Spring mattresses can be moved on their side, but they must be secured tightly to prevent bending or sagging.
Q4: Can I Fold A Mattress To Fit It In My Car?
A: It’s not recommended to fold spring or hybrid mattresses. Folding can damage the internal coils or layers. If you have a memory foam mattress, only fold it slightly and temporarily, and never for long periods.
Q5: What Kind Of Vehicle Do I Need To Move A Mattress?
A: A pickup truck or cargo van is ideal. Smaller mattresses might fit in SUVs or large cars, but you should avoid tying mattresses to the roof due to safety risks.
