Moving from one place to another is already as difficult as it is, since there are a lot of factors involved when it comes to moving bulky furniture, and a mattress happens to be one of them.
Moving a mattress is a tricky process thanks to its heavy and floppy nature, and at times it can be a real pain to move it from one place to another. Hence, a lot of the people end up leaving their mattresses behind and they buy a new one.
However, there is no need to spend that extra money on a new mattress when you can move your perfectly good old one by following the proper instructions and guidelines. In this article, you will learn how you can efficiently move your mattress from one place to another.
Things To Consider Before Moving Your Mattress
Before you go ahead with the task of moving your mattress, there are a couple of factors that should be taken into consideration.
Is Your Mattress Worth Taking With You In The First Place?
You might want to think about the age of your mattress before you start to wrap it and load it into your vehicle. Is your mattress at least seven to ten years old, uncomfortable, or sagging?
If all this is true then you might want to get a new one. This is the perfect opportunity for you to replace your old and uncomfortable mattress since you’re moving to a new place. However, do not leave a perfectly good mattress behind, when you could easily take it with you.
Think About The Size Of The Mattress
It might seem like the bigger the mattress is, the harder it will be to move it. However, this is not always the case. For instance, take a queen size mattress and a split king size mattress. Even though the split king size mattress might be bigger when set up,it still splits into two different parts, whereas a queen size mattress does not.
Therefore, it will probably be more difficult to move a queen size mattress around corners and through narrow
hallways. You need to think about factors like this one prior to moving the mattress.
Moreover, it is always better to be prepared beforehand. Therefore, in order to avoid any unnecessary problems, it is best to measure your mattress way before you start to move it.
Trying to maneuver the mattress and attempting to move it out from your home is going to be a challenge if the mattress turns out to be longer than you anticipated, even if it is only by an inch.
Choosing The Appropriate Vehicle
Once you have figured out the size of the mattress, the next step requires you to choose the right vehicle in order to make the move. It is advised to not fold your mattress; therefore it is best to pick a vehicle that will be large enough to hold the mattress, while laying it flat.
Moreover, when thinking about how you are going to move the mattress, keep in mind that the standard king size mattress usually only fits inside a moving truck; however this does not apply to the split king size mattresses.
The ideal vehicle to transport a mattress safely is a DIY moving truck. It can fit any size of mattress in its back. But, make sure that nothing heavy is sitting on your mattress and it is resting on something flat. On the other hand, if you cannot get a moving truck, then worry not as there are other options available.
Another great vehicle option for moving a mattress would be a van. If you are wondering how that’s possible then here is an explanation for you. All you have to do is either fold down or remove the seats of the van and then simply slide the mattress inside. Another vehicle option to move your mattress is a pickup truck.
A pickup truck can fit in it most double, twin, and even some of the queen size mattresses. However, keep in mind that this option will leave your mattress all exposed, but it should be alright as long as your mattress is wrapped and secured properly.
On the other hand, if you cannot get a hold of a truck or a van, then this is where things get a bit tricky. If your mattress cannot fit inside your vehicle at all, then you can load it and secure it at the top of the vehicle. However, this last option is not recommended since a lot can go wrong when an individual transports their mattress this way.
There are chances of the mattress getting greatly damaged, other vehicles can get damaged, or worse, it can cause an accident. Therefore, it is not worth the risk, even if it is possible. You can always find a safer option for your mattress and for the safety of the people around you.
Get Help From Family Members Or Friends In Order To Move Your Mattress
Mattresses are, no doubt, a heavy piece of furniture and can be hard to handle when it comes to moving them from one place to another. The best way to move a mattress, without resulting in any back pain, is to get help from a family member or a friend.
Recruiting a few friends or family members at least a week or two prior to your move will help you easily move your mattress to your new place. Make sure you have food and refreshments available afterwards to thank them for helping you out.
Purchase The Essential Equipment To Move Your Mattress
When you don’t have the proper tools, even the easiest task can become a struggle. Therefore, when you decide to move your mattress, make sure that you pick the right equipment and keep it nearby for when you have to move. Listed below are all of the essential equipment you would need in order to make it less of a struggle to move your mattress.
- A mattress cover that is waterproof.
- Ratchet straps or moving straps.
- You can also use rope, but these straps are more secure.
- Bubble wrap.
- Mattress shipping box.
- Plastic mattress bag.
- Moving blankets.
How To Move A Mattress
Now that you have all of your supplies, it is time to move your mattress. By following the steps listed below, you should have no trouble moving your mattress.
- Purchase a cover for your mattress and a bag.
- Place your mattress inside the cover and pack it in your plastic mattress bag.
- Make sure your exit route is clear. Move all furniture, open all doors, and make space inside your moving vehicle.
- With the help of your friends or family members, carry the mattress out to your vehicle.
- Load the mattress and secure it using the moving straps.
How To Move A Memory Foam Mattress
Every mattress is created differently and not all of them are the same. When it comes to memory foam mattresses,they need to be moved extra carefully so they won’t get damaged. These mattresses do not keep their form like the standard mattresses; hence they can be hard to move.
Therefore, the key is to stabilize the foam mattress before you move it. There are a couple of extra steps that you need to take in order to move your foam mattress the right way, so be ready to put in the extra effort. Listed below are all of the steps that you need to take in order to move your memory foam mattress without damaging it.
Firstly, measure your mattress.
- Purchase a mattress cover and place the mattress inside it.
- Order bubble wrap and a shipping box for your mattress.
- Wrap the mattress in the bubble wrap and use tape to secure it.
- Take the bubble-wrapped mattress and slip it into the box. Then use tape to close up the box.
- Next, carry the box carefully into the moving vehicle. You can either lay it on its side or lay it flat. Either way, make sure that nothing is on top of that box.
- Finally, use moving straps to secure the box. Make sure that you tighten the straps enough so that the box won’t budge. However, be careful and don’t tighten the straps too much because this might dent the box.
How To Unpack Your Mattress
Now that you have gotten your mattress over to your new place without any issue, you must think that the job is done. However, that is not the case since you still need to unload your mattress.
Firstly, you need to undo all of the moving straps and slide the mattress out of your vehicle. Again, you would need extra hands to help you with the unloading process as well, so you don’t accidentally drop the mattress or end up sliding it into your new place.
Carefully, carry your mattress inside your home and remove its plastic moving bag, while keeping your mattress on its side. It is recommended to do this close to an open window to air out the mattress as you unpack it.
How To Disinfect Your Mattress Once You Unpack It
When you move from one place to another, it is the best time to disinfect and deep clean your mattress once you have unpacked it. You can start by using a clean brush nozzle to vacuum the mattress in order to remove all the dust that might have gotten collected on the way over. Another thing you can do is stand the mattress outside on a moving blanket for about one to two hours.
After that, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the mattress and then vacuum it off after a couple of hours. A steam cleaner will do an even better job, if you have one. You can just run it over the mattress for several minutes. Finally, use a disinfectant and lightly spray it over your mattress, then use a clean cloth to wipe it off. Once your mattress has completely dried, you are then good to go.
On the other hand, if you don’t have time to do all this then at least make sure that you vacuum your mattress, place it close to an open window to air it out, and avoid putting the sheets on for as long as you can. You want your mattress to be clean since you are going to sleep on it; hence this step is highly important.
Additional Helpful Tips
These additional helpful tips will guide you when it comes to moving your mattress from one place to another and will help make the whole process a lot easier.
- As mentioned above, transporting your mattress on top of a smaller vehicle, like a car, has a higher chance of damaging your mattress since it’s exposed to the elements. Plus, you can seriously harm the people who are traveling beside you if the mattress isn’t secure enough. So, avoid using this method for transporting your mattress.
- In case of multiple mattresses, a great idea would be to label them either for you or the movers so they can be placed in the right location once you reach your place.
- Make sure that you are driving more cautiously and slowly than normal if you’re transporting the mattress out in the open. A speedy car will result in the wind getting under the mattress and causing it to lift, which can be hazardous for both you and the surrounding traffic, if any.
- If you are traveling a long distance, make sure that you are regularly checking your load since ropes and straps can start to feel like they are loosening up as the mattress begins to settle.
Conclusion
Moving a mattress is not at all difficult. Many people avoid the hassle of carrying their mattress with them, so either they leave them behind or sell their mattresses to someone else. However, mattresses can be expensive and you don’t have to leave your perfectly good mattress behind. With a little bit of patience, the right equipment, and some extra help, you can easily transport the mattress with you to your new place.