Moving a mattress is awkward, heavy, and easy to do wrong — which usually means a torn fabric, a bent frame, or a back injury. With a bit of preparation and the right approach, it's manageable even without professional movers.
Here's a practical, step-by-step guide for moving a mattress safely, whether you're relocating across town or just switching bedrooms.
Before you start, pull together everything you'll need:
You can pick up mattress bags and moving accessories at LA Mattress Store if you need them.
Remove all bedding — sheets, mattress covers, pillows, everything. While you have clear access:
Moving a dirty mattress seals in that dirt for the duration of the move. A few minutes of cleaning now saves you from unboxing a stained mattress at the other end.
Slide the mattress into the protective bag. For a tight fit, you may need to compress or flex the mattress slightly — this is fine for foam mattresses. For innerspring models, don't apply pressure that could damage the coils.
Once it's fully inside the bag, seal all openings with packing tape. Pay extra attention to the corners and seams — these are the spots most likely to tear during the move.
Important: Don't fold a mattress to fit it into a bag or vehicle unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe (some compressed foam-in-a-box mattresses can be briefly rolled). Folding a traditional innerspring or memory foam mattress can permanently damage it.
Walk through your home before you pick up the mattress:
A little planning here prevents a lot of frustration — and prevents damage to walls and doorframes.
Moving straps (also called furniture straps or shoulder dollies) loop around the mattress and over your shoulders, transferring the weight from your arms and lower back to your larger muscle groups. They make a real difference on stairs.
If you don't have straps, carry the mattress on its edge with one person on each side — avoid gripping just the fabric.
This sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget under the awkwardness of wrestling a king mattress. The basics:
If the mattress feels too heavy or awkward, stop. Get another person or use a hand truck. A back injury isn't worth it.
Flat is best. If you have a truck or large van, transport the mattress lying flat. This protects the internal layers from uneven pressure and prevents the edges from being crushed.
On its side is acceptable for shorter moves when space is limited. If you transport the mattress upright on its side, secure it so it can't shift or lean. Letting a heavy mattress fall over during transport can damage the edge support and internal structure.
Secure the mattress with straps or rope — don't rely on it staying put on its own.
Never transport a mattress on a car roof. Mattresses are not aerodynamic and can become a road hazard. Use a truck, van, or moving service.
At your destination:
Memory foam mattresses that were compressed may take a few hours to fully regain their shape. This is normal.
For a twin or full-size mattress, it's possible but still difficult. Queen, king, and California king mattresses really require two people. The awkward shape makes it easy to lose your grip, which puts you at risk of injury or damaging the mattress.
No — not a traditional innerspring or foam mattress. Folding can break internal coils, tear foam layers, and permanently damage the mattress. Some roll-up foam mattresses can be temporarily rolled, but only if the manufacturer specifies this. Use a truck, van, or cargo service.
A few hours is usually enough. Memory foam mattresses that were compressed may need 4–8 hours to fully expand. Innerspring mattresses don't require any expansion time.
Strongly recommended. Even a short move exposes the mattress to dirt, moisture, and potential tearing. Mattress bags are inexpensive and widely available — including at LA Mattress Store.
We can deliver directly to your new home, set everything up, and remove your old mattress. Browse our full mattress collection or visit one of our five LA showrooms to find the right fit for your new space.
Sometimes a move is the perfect opportunity to start fresh. Browse our full selection of mattresses in every size and style, or come into one of our Los Angeles showrooms where our team can help you find the right match. We handle delivery, setup, and haul away your old mattress — no heavy lifting required on your end.
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