How To Move a Mattress by Yourself?

With the right steps, transporting a mattress alone doesn’t have to be an impossible task or the preserve of the Incredible Hulk.

Of course, mattresses are big and bulky. That doesn’t make them ideal for carrying around, even when you have some helping hands supporting you.

Still, we’ll explain the best approach to moving a mattress without breaking your break or seriously risking injury.  We’ll discuss how to prepare it for moving, mastering lifting techniques, and reinforcing it for easier transportation. 

Prepare Your Mattress for Moving

Before packing, you’ll need to get the mattress ready for its big move.

First, remove all bedding, such as sheets, pillows, and blankets, to lighten the load and prevent damage caused by loose items. 

Remember to pack bedding separately in moving boxes, labeling them clearly so you can easily find them at your new home.

To protect your mattress from dust, dirt, and damage, cover it with plastic wrapping or use a specialized mattress bag. 

Here are the benefits of both these products:

• Plastic wrapping: This is inexpensive and provides great protection against dirt and moisture. You can buy large rolls at most hardware stores or online retailers.
• Mattress bag: If you’re looking for something more durable, thicker material offers better protection against punctures and tears. These bags are available in various sizes.

Wrap your mattress carefully and tape the opening shut with duct tape to keep it dust and dirt free during transportation.

You should also consider how to move box springs and bed frames. That involves disassembling the bed frame (if you can) and using a protective covering. 

Correct Lifting Techniques for Mattresses

Moving a mattress can be difficult, but using the correct lifting methods protects you and your bed from injury or damage. 

Bending at your hips and knees instead of using only your back muscles involves doing the following:

1. Stand close to the mattress edge with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight.
3. Grip the mattress corners or sides firmly.
4. Lift it by pushing through your legs rather than pulling up with your arms or back muscles.

This technique helps distribute weight evenly across your muscles, reducing strain on any single area, like the lower back.

By minimizing what would otherwise be huge pressure, you’ll be protecting yourself from any injuries. 

Reinforce Your Mattress for Easier Transportation

Transporting a mattress can be difficult if you want to get it through tight spots like entryways or staircases. 

Reinforcing it with straps or ratchet tie-downs before lifting it off its frame can give it extra support, making it easier to maneuver when alone.

Use Straps or Ratchet Tie-Downs for Added Stability

To reinforce your mattress, you'll need straps or ratchet tie-downs. These tools will help secure the mattress’s width and prevent unwanted bending during transportation. 

To use them effectively:

1. Lay your wrapped mattress flat on the ground.
2. Place two or more straps across the mattress width at equal intervals.
3. Tighten each strap until snug but not overly tight (otherwise this could damage memory foam mattresses).
4. If using ratchet tie-downs, lock them securely after tightening them around the upright mattress.

Moving Through Doorways and Staircases Safely

Mattresses reinforced with straps or ratchet tie-downs are easier to move through narrow passages. 

However, you still need to take certain precautions to avoid mishaps or injury:

• Avoid dragging larger mattresses; instead, lift from one end while keeping it balanced against walls.
• When moving through doorways, tilt your mattress diagonally to make it easier to fit.
• If you're moving up or down stairs, maintain a firm grip on the reinforced straps and move slowly while keeping your back straight and bending forward at your hips.

Moving Bed-in-a-Box Type Mattresses

If you have a memory foam or latex bed-in-a-box type mattress, take extra care, as these can be surprisingly fragile when not handled properly.

To protect your memory foam mattress from damage, wrap it securely in bubble wrap. Cover every inch with bubble wrap and use packing tape to secure it tightly.

Once you’re done, consider attaching wheels (such as those found on dollies) underneath the mattress to make it easier to move around. 

You can rent a dolly from local hardware stores or buy one online inexpensively; just check its weight capacity suits your specific mattress size.

Transporting Larger Queen & King-sized Mattresses

Moving larger mattresses, such as queen and king sizes, can be risky if you don’t keep them stable. 

If you don’t reinforce your mattress, it can quickly become unwieldy - and a veritable moving hazard for you and your surroundings.

Cardboard is a surprisingly effective DIY solution for making mattresses easier to carry. 

Place a large piece, ensuring it covers its entire surface to prevent scratches and tears. 

Use ropes or tie-down straps to secure the mattress but check that there are no loose ends or slack in them; otherwise, they might come loose.

1. Lay out two long rope or tie-down straps parallel on a flat surface.
2. Carefully place your reinforced mattress (cardboard-side down) onto the ropes/straps so they run along its width evenly spaced apart.
3. Pull up both ends of each rope/strap over the top edge of your mattress and cross them underneath before bringing them back up again over the opposite edge.
4. Secure the ropes/straps by tying them tightly at each end of your mattress, ensuring they remain taut.

To make these steps more practical, keep the mattress standing upright on its side rather than laying it flat. 

That ensures you’ll be able to move it more easily through tight spaces like doorways and hallways. It also helps prevent it from bending forward under its own weight. 

For added stability, lean the mattress against a wall or inside the vehicle with other large items to provide support from behind.

Conclusion

While it’s easier to move a mattress with help, that’s not always an option. To transport your mattress safely, remove the bedding, choose the right wrapping materials, reinforce your mattress, and use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.

If you’re searching for a high-quality mattress, look no further than EGO Home. Our wide selection of mattresses are made in the USA and come with a 10-year warranty you can count on. So, find your dream mattress and get it delivered free to your door!