How to Protect Your Mattress When Moving

You know how to wrap up your dishes in newspaper to prevent cracks. You understand the importance of labeling your boxes to prevent mix-ups. Your house is filled with cardboard boxes, packing tape, and sharpies. But, do you know how to protect your mattress when moving? Unfortunately, a mattress can't be tucked neatly into a small box like your other belongings — well, unless you're purchasing a bed-in-a-box, that is! If you aren't sure how to prepare your mattress for a big move, scroll down to learn some tips and tricks.

How to Protect Your Mattress When Moving

First, consider whether you ought to move your mattress at all. If the mattress is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may find that the hassle of transporting such a large and heavy item isn't worth your while. Instead, you might wish to donate the mattress or discard it and then purchase a new one that can be delivered directly to your new home.

If you do wish to bring your mattress along for the ride, follow these steps:

Purchase a mattress bag.

First of all, you'll need to buy a protective bag for your mattress. You can purchase a mattress bag at a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe's as well as Amazon or U-Haul's online store. Be sure to choose the correct size. Typically, this is all you'll need to protect your mattress. Keep in mind, however, that you may need two mattress bags: one for the mattress and one for the box spring. In addition, you may wish to double-bag your mattress for added protection and peace of mind.

Strip the mattress and seal it in the bag.

Remove the sheets and the mattress protector, and pack them separately. Be sure that you label the box so that the sheets are easy to find when you reach your new home! Then, pull the mattress bag over the mattress, fold the excess material over the side, and seal it with tape. Tape around the top, middle, and bottom in both directions, creating a crisscross pattern. This may seem unnecessary, but it will help the plastic stay put during your move. Repeat all these steps with your box spring, if you have one.

Avoid transporting a mattress on the roof of a car.

While you might see people moving mattresses this way occasionally, it's typically not recommended as it's a safety issue. If the mattress isn't secured properly, it can fly off and cause a collision. Plus, it makes the mattress more susceptible to damage. Not to mention the fact that if the driver is concerned about the mattress flying off, they may be distracted while driving. Instead, we encourage you to use a truck, van, or SUV or hire a moving company.

Transport memory foam mattresses flat.

Most mattresses can be moved on their sides, but memory foam mattresses should usually be transported lying flat. Avoid resting other items on top of the mattress. Instead, try to load everything else first and then slide the mattress into the top of the truck or van, supporting it with the tops of a few rows of boxes.

If you'll be storing your mattress for a period of time, whether it's a memory foam mattress or not, it's always recommended to store it lying flat to avoid damaging the mattress's inner parts.

Air out your mattress upon arrival.

Once you arrive, remove the mattress from the packaging material and let it air out. You can do this by setting it in direct sunlight or near an open window. You might also wish to refresh it by sprinkling baking soda on the mattress, waiting a few hours, and then vacuuming it up. A spray disinfectant is another option. Wait for the mattress to dry completely before you add the linens.

Consult the manufacturer's website.

Finally, if you're wondering how to protect your mattress when moving, remember that it never hurts to check your manufacturer's website for specific tips about moving your particular mattress model.

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Moving can be stressful, so we wish you lots of luck with your upcoming move! With a little preparation, it should go swimmingly.

To explore top-quality mattresses for the whole family, stop by Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Stearns & Foster®. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.