Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to handling large, cumbersome items like a mattress. A mattress is not only one of the bulkiest furniture items to transport, but it’s also something you use daily, making it essential to keep it clean, safe, and damage-free throughout the moving process.
Whether you’re relocating across town or moving cross-country, knowing how to move a mattress properly can make a world of difference in keeping your mattress in top condition. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps for assessing your mattress, gathering supplies, packing it securely, and safely moving it to your new home.
Assess Your Mattress
The first step is to consider the mattress type and its condition before moving. The general rule is that if the mattress is more than 8 years old, it is nearing its end in terms of usability. You can discard or donate it and buy a new one. Also, you need to know the type to correctly wrap the mattress for moving. Some types are memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are heavier and more flexible, so pack them carefully to avoid their bending. Latex mattresses are also similar as they require sturdy support. A hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and foam and can be delicate. So, don’t put too much pressure on it or fold during a move.
Gather all your supplies
You need to know how to pack an apartment before making a move because unless you have the necessary packing supplies with you, things will become trickier. Gather a protective mattress bag, packing tapes, a dolly or hand truck, tie-down straps, scissors, cardboard, and furniture sliders. In addition, having a locking storage bag is a good idea to keep the nuts and bolts of the bag in the same place so that you can put it together easily.
Pack Mattress for Moving
You have gathered the necessary packing supplies. Next in the list of how to move a mattress is packing it appropriately. So, how to pack a mattress for moving? Here are some steps –
Clean the mattress
Thoroughly vacuum the mattress to get rid of dust, dirt, and any loose debris. When the vacuuming is done, wipe the surface with a clean and dry cloth to remove any remaining dust. If you notice any visible stains on your mattress, spot cleaning is the way to address them before packing. For spot cleaning, use a mixture of vinegar and water to apply on the stains and dry the mattress completely before drying it.
Use a mattress bag
Fold a mattress properly and use a mattress bag to place it. A mattress bag is used to shield the mattress from dust, dirt, and possible damage during transport.
Seal the bag
Seal the mattress bag to prevent any exposure to moisture during the move. Double-check every seam and corner to ensure the tape is secure.
Protect the mattress
Wrap mattress for moving to protect the surfaces from scratches and other damage. Use moving blankets for added protection. Need extra cushioning? You can consider using bubble wrap. But keep in mind that bubble wrap should be used outside of blanket wrapping.
Secure the Wrapping
To keep the mattress intact in a bag, use rope or ratchet straps. Ratchet straps are thick straps with hardware fasteners that are specially designed to secure things in place. For rope, use an industrial grade one and not those bungee cords, which can result in unsafe transportation.
Moving the Mattress
When it comes to transporting a mattress, the steps involved are –
Clearing the moving path
To move heavy things easily, like a mattress, clean the exitway from where you are going to take it out. Remove any breakables or furniture items like hanging pictures or lamps that may obstruct the way. You need enough space to move the mattress and take it out of the home before going forward with the next step.
Using a Moving Dolly
You can physically take the mattress out of your home, but if you want an easier option, you can also consider using a dolly. Take the corners of the mattress with the help of your friends and turn it upright on its side. If you find that the dolly is too floppy, strap flattened cardboard onto each side to reduce the movement. Now, move the dolly and take it to the moving vehicle.
Lifting and Carrying Techniques
You must follow certain techniques while lifting one of the most important parts of bedroom furniture while moving: the mattress. Bend your knees while lifting, and use your legs for strength. Don’t bend your back or twist the body, as it can lead to injuries. You must have someone by your side to help you with the lifting, as it makes the process much smoother.
Loading the Mattress into the Moving Vehicle
The next in the list of how to move a mattress in the process of residential moving is loading the mattress into the moving vehicle. Position and secure it properly so that it arrives at your new location in perfect condition. While loading it, either lay it flat or stand it up on its side. Laying it flat helps keep the bending or warping at bay but also takes up more space in the truck. The space-efficient option is to stand the mattress upright. But for this, you need additional support to avoid creasing. After positioning the mattress, secure it by using the rope or ratchet straps to the side of the truck. It helps prevent its shifting during transit.
Unpacking at Your New Location
Before unpacking, unload the mattress first and put it in the desired space so that there are no furniture items to obstruct the pathway. Place it flat on the floor. Use scissors to remove its wrapping. Once you bring the mattress out of the bag, inspect it for the new stains and then put it on your bed.
Wrapping Up
Packing and moving a mattress may seem daunting, but with the right steps, it can be done smoothly and without damage. Remember to assess your mattress type, gather all the necessary supplies, pack the mattress with care, and follow safe moving and loading techniques. Taking these precautions will ensure your mattress arrives at your new home clean, protected, and ready for use.
Don’t forget to get assistance from moving professionals to make your moving tasks easier to handle. Big Apple Moving is one such company, established in 1979, that provides a number of reasonably priced moving services to its customers. We promise to meet the highest standards of moving. Want to know more? Call us at (212) 365-0707 for more information.
