How to move a mattress

The bed is likely one of the last things you will pack before moving.

Moving this bulky, heavy and deeply personal item requires some planning to transport it safely without damaging it — or yourself. Even if you are just moving from one apartment to the next, you will need to make some preparations to ensure you will still have a place to sleep in your new home.

Here's a step-by-step guide to moving a mattress.

You will want to protect the mattress because they are very hard to clean, and moving can be messy.

There are bags specially made for moving mattresses. You can purchase a single-use plastic bag for a few dollars at most hardware or home retailers, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart and Target. These plastic sheets wrap around the mattress to protect it from wear and tear while being moved. Another option is to wrap the mattress in plastic wrap.

You can also purchase reusable mattress bags that have zipper closures and straps to aid in moving. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair sell this style of bag. Reusable bags are likely more expensive, but can be saved and used again.

Pro tip: If you don't want to buy a bag, you can wrap the mattress in two fitted sheets.

Common mistake: Not having any protective layer on the mattress exposes it to getting dirty. The goal is to keep dirt off the mattress, so any layer is better than nothing.

Mattresses are large and heavy, so moving them can be a two-person job. Turn the mattress on its side and have one person in the back and one in the front. It’s not necessary to lift the mattress the whole time while inside, and you can try pushing it on towels or cardboard.

If you are alone, moving the mattress will be hard but not impossible. Use the wall for support and push the mattress along the ground with towels or cardboard.

If the mattress doesn’t fit through the doorway or elevator, then you might need to get creative moving it out. This can happen if you bought a foam mattress that comes in a box and expands once it is opened. The best thing to do is vacuum seal it.

Pro tip: You can use a vacuum seal bag and machine to suck the air out of the mattress. Once the air is removed, it will be easier to move in a small space or by one person.

Depending on where the mattress is, you may need to lower it down the stairs. In this case, have one or two people at the bottom to control the mattress’s descent and one at the top to keep it balanced. Slow and steady is best.

Once the mattress is outside, try to lift it off the ground to keep it clean and protected.

Mattresses should be stored standing up and leaning against a wall of the moving truck.

Common mistake: Stacking items on a mattress can damage it. You will also have to unload everything in order to move the mattress to its final destination.

Use a ramp to help get the mattress in the truck.

Pro tip: If you don't have a ramp, have one person stand in the truck while the other person tips it to lean on the edge of the truck. Then the person in the truck should pull and the person on the ground should push until the entire side is flat on the bed of the truck.

Once the mattress is in the truck, use straps or bungee cords to hold it in place.

Common mistake: Not securing a mattress in place could lead it to fall and crush other items in the moving truck.

Once you are at the new home, you will need to unload the whole truck. Move the mattress you need to sleep on directly into the bedroom and lay it down. This way, you don't move boxes into the space you need to rest that first night.

Try to prioritize building or setting up the bed frame so you can get the mattress all situated.

Pro tip: Keep your sheets, blankets and pillows accessible so you are able to sleep comfortably after moving.