Updated 7/14/23
Moving is a difficult task in and of itself. Figuring out how to move something as heavy, and necessary for your REM cycle as your mattress presents an entirely new challenge. Stairs, pesky door frames, and tight corners may stand in the way of you and your restful night’s sleep at a new home. We broke down your options to help you move your mattress with ease, and get you ready to catch some ZZZs. Even though, we can’t help you make your bed.
There are two options to choose from when trying to move your mattress. You can either do it yourself or hire professional movers. There are some factors to consider when deciding what is best for you.
Table of Contents
Option One: Move It Yourself
This could be the easier, more economical way to move a mattress. If you have the supplies and don’t have the time to look up movers that will move a mattress, this may be for you. To move a mattress yourself, you will need three things: A mattress cover, a pickup truck, and some muscle.
Mattress Covers For The Move:
A mattress cover will provide protection for your mattress from any dirt and debris it may encounter during the move. Mattresses are essential for sleep. Keeping it clean when it’s exchanging hands and vehicles during transport is important. Mattress covers can be found at several places, from Ashley Furniture Store to Amazon. Most cost around $10 and come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to add these to your moving checklist!
The easiest way to put the mattress cover on is as follows:
Lean your mattress up against a wall. Slide your mattress cover over the top of the mattress, and pull it down over the rest. To get the mattress cover over the opposite end of the mattress, lay it on its side. Push the rest of the mattress into the bag. Fold over the excess. Now your mattress is ready to be moved!
Moving A Mattress In A Pickup Truck:
This is a necessity to move you and your mattress from point A to point B. If you’re lucky, you may own a pickup truck of your own, or have access to one through a helpful family member or friend. This would make your transportation cost $0.
If you don’t have access to a pickup truck to move your mattress, fear not. There are a few different ways to gain access to one. You can rent a truck for a period of time from places such as Enterprise Trucks, Home Depot, or Uhaul. Truck rentals at these outlets range from $19 to $129. Home Depot has the option to rent a truck for just 75 minutes at a flat rate of $19. They also require deposits for their vehicles, proof of insurance, and renters are responsible for refueling the truck. This is a good option for moving your mattress a short distance.
For longer moves, you may need to rent a pickup truck to move your mattress for the day. Different companies have different policies surrounding deposit payments and payment methods. Companies also vary on price per mile driven, proof of insurance, etc. Uhaul, for example, charges an additional $1.00 per mile if you exceed the allowed mileage for your move. These rates may vary on their site depending on the truck you rent and where you live. Looking into these specifics will help you find the best opportunity for you.
Muscle To Move The Mattress:
Mattresses can weigh up to 150 pounds. Even if you have been hitting the gym lately, this can be difficult to carry. It will take at least two people to move your mattress. It may take more depending on how much gains they have obtained from their workouts.
The size of your mattress and home layout should be taken into consideration by your mattress movers. Friends and family come in handy here. Now may be the time to knock on your neighbor’s door and get to know them. Maybe hang out with your co-workers outside of work. If you have the manpower to move your mattress, then your cost of muscle is an economical $0. The other option is to hire movers, which we will visit later.
DIY Tips
If you choose to move your mattress yourself, there are some tips that may come in handy. These aren’t a necessity but they can certainly take some stress off your shoulders.
Rent A Dolly:
Dollies are helpful if you have an especially heavy mattress. They will help you move your mattress with less strain on your body. They can be rented from places such as Home Depot for as little as $14 for 4 hours.
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
Plan The Path You Are Going To Take Beforehand:
Clearing items out of your way will help ensure your safety as you are moving your mattress. This will also allow you to plan the quickest route. Make sure you let your mattress movers know beforehand the route that you plan on taking. This gives them the ability to decide what angle and position they want the mattress at during the move.
Try Folding It In Half:
This is recommended for any mattress without springs. Folding a mattress filled with springs can damage it, and then you may have to replace your mattress altogether. If you fold the mattress, it will make it more compact, and easier to move throughout your house.
Come Prepared With Lots of Tape:
This is used to secure the mattress cover during the move. Depending on how many people you have to help, you may end up sliding your mattress across the carpet and other surfaces. Taping down your mattress cover well, and potentially using two mattress covers, will keep it protected during the move.
Option Two: Hire Professional Mattress Movers
Some of us are not natural-born DIYers. We would much rather leave the mattress moving to the professionals. This brings us to the second option for moving a mattress: hiring mattress movers.
You’re Paying For Less Work
One of the major cons is that hiring professional movers can be expensive. At least more than the $0 it costs for someone with access to a truck and friends. Some moving companies have flat rates for the task. Others charge by the hour with a 2-3 hour minimum. Costs may range between around $90-$150 per hour. Moving companies that provide transport for your mattress fair on the higher side.
However, you’re paying for the comfort of having less to do. If you have any physical injury or are prone to it, then this is your best option. You are possibly saving yourself more expenses from needing medical help by biting the bullet and paying the fee for mattress movers.
Labor-only moving companies may be your best bet for keeping costs low. Labor-only moving companies simply provide the service of moving your belongings from one place to the next. You will have to provide the truck and other supplies. This reduces your final bill with a labor-only moving company. For many, this is worth the reduction in stress, labor, and damage costs. It also reduces the phone calls made to friends and family to see if they are available that weekend.
You’re Ready To Move A Mattress
Either option will have you pressing snooze on your alarm clock the next morning from the comfort of your mattress. Depending on your choice of moving method, you may need to hit snooze a few more times.
FAQ’s
Of course, you can, but moving it alone may be more difficult and strenuous than hiring movers to do it for you.
It’s highly recommended! If you’re in a pinch you can use blankets to cover it, but they won’t keep it weather-protected.
Moving a mattress on top of a car exposes it to weather conditions and can be difficult to secure to the roof. Using a truck with a bed, or renting one is your best bet to keep your mattress secured and protected.