How to Move a Mattress: 8 Steps to Do It Right

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.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, pull together everything you'll need:

• Mattress bag — heavy-duty plastic bags designed specifically for mattresses. Available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Don't skip this; it protects against dirt, moisture, and tearing.
• Packing tape — to seal the bag securely
• Moving straps — these distribute weight and give you better grip (and save your back)
• A helper — you can't safely move most mattresses alone. A queen or king requires two people minimum.
• A vehicle with enough space — more on this below

You can pick up mattress bags and moving accessories at LA Mattress Store if you need them.

Step 2: Strip and Clean the Mattress

Remove all bedding — sheets, mattress covers, pillows, everything. While you have clear access:

• Vacuum the surface on both sides to remove dust and debris
• Treat any stains with an upholstery cleaner and let it dry completely before bagging

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.

Step 3: Bag the Mattress

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.

Step 4: Plan Your Route

Walk through your home before you pick up the mattress:

• Measure doorway widths — a king mattress is 76" wide and may need to be angled through standard doorways
• Check stairwells for tight turns and overhead clearance
• Clear obstructions like furniture, rugs, or cords from the path
• Identify where you'll set the mattress down at each stage if you need to rest

A little planning here prevents a lot of frustration — and prevents damage to walls and doorframes.

Step 5: Attach Moving Straps

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.

Step 6: Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back

This sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget under the awkwardness of wrestling a king mattress. The basics:

• Stand close to the mattress, feet shoulder-width apart
• Bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep the mattress close to your body as you lift
• Avoid twisting — move your feet to change direction, don't pivot your torso
• Communicate with your helper — "ready, lift, move" rather than just going for it

If the mattress feels too heavy or awkward, stop. Get another person or use a hand truck. A back injury isn't worth it.

Step 7: Load the Moving Vehicle

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.

Step 8: Unpack and Set Up

At your destination:

1. Carry the mattress to its new room before unbagging it — it's easier to move while still protected
2. Cut or remove the bag carefully to avoid cutting the mattress fabric
3. Let the mattress air out for a few hours before making the bed — especially if it was compressed during the move
4. Set it up on a foundation or adjustable base as normal

Memory foam mattresses that were compressed may take a few hours to fully regain their shape. This is normal.

Extra Tips

• Check the warranty: Some mattress warranties are voided if the mattress is improperly transported. Check your documentation before the move.
• Consider professional movers: For a California king or a heavy hybrid mattress, the cost of hiring two movers for a few hours is often worth it compared to the risk of injury or damage.
• This might be a good time to upgrade: If your mattress is over 8 years old, moving it is a lot of effort for a mattress that may be on its way out. A new mattress delivered with white glove service may actually be the smarter call. LA Mattress Store offers delivery, setup, and old mattress removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move a mattress by myself?

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.

Can I fold a mattress to fit it in a car?

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.

How long does a mattress need to air out after moving?

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.

Do I need a mattress bag?

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.

What if I'm moving to a new home and want a new mattress?

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.

Need a New Mattress for Your New Home?

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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