July 25, 2023 Posted in How-to
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

How to Move a Mattress Across the Country

Embarking on a cross-country relocation involves careful planning, especially when it comes to shipping large items like mattresses. This guide on how to move a mattress will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly pack, transport, and care for it during a long-distance relocation, ensuring it arrives at your new home in the best possible condition.

A person placing their hand on a mattress overlay
Stick around to learn how to pack a mattress for a cross-country relocation

If you’re wondering how to transport a mattress to another state, the first step would be evaluating if it is even worth relocating. Start planning the relocation well in advance to avoid last-minute issues and gather the necessary packing materials. You should clean the mattress before you proceed to wrap it up and secure it with straps or a rope. If you’re moving a memory foam mattress, consider additional padding or protection. Ultimately, the best answer to how to move mattresses is hiring cross-country movers who can provide excellent long-distance moving services and packing assistance.

Before Anything Else, Evaluate the Condition and Age of the Mattress

How to wrap a mattress for moving to a new state? A crucial first step before shipping them across the country to a new home is to evaluate their condition and age and decide if they’re worth keeping or if they should be on the list of things to get rid of before long-distance movers come to pick up your belongings. This decision will be influenced by several factors. If they are older, worn out, or uncomfortable, replacing them might be more cost-effective than moving.

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Firstly, consider the material and specific characteristics. Memory foam mattresses, for instance, are particularly susceptible to damage if not correctly handled during transport. They can be heavy and hard to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. Moreover, improper packing can damage the foam, reducing its lifespan and comfort.

Secondly, identify the size and dimensions. The larger the item is, the more challenging it will be to transport it. It can potentially be hard on your relocation budget as well. For instance, king and queen-size mattresses are bulkier and require more space, both for efficient packing and loading on the relocation truck. Evaluating these factors beforehand will help you decide whether shipping your current mattresses is the best decision or if it would be more beneficial to purchase a new one in your new city.

A bed that should be packed for cross-country moving overlay
What to do with a mattress when moving? Decide whether it's worth bringing along

Plan the Packing of Mattresses for Moving in Advance

Whether you want to know how to move a queen mattress or a king-size one, you’ll need significant planning and preparation for the relocation. Pre-move research about your new location’s space and layout is essential. Understanding the spatial constraints of your new home can help you prepare for the relocation efficiently. You want to ensure that your mattress, once transported thousands of miles, will fit comfortably into its designated space.

Measure doorways, staircases, and hallways at the new location to confirm the mattresses can fit. These measurements are particularly important for larger mattresses. There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving with king-size ones only to discover they won’t fit through the doors. Consider the disassembly of bed frames or removal of headboards, if necessary. These items often require additional packing and relocation efforts, so planning this ahead of time will save you potential headaches on a moving day.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies for the Move

The next step in your relocation planning is to gather all the necessary tools and supplies needed for packing. These packaging materials will ensure your mattress is well-protected during the long journey, reducing the risk of damage or soiling. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to transport a king-size mattress or a single one, here is a list of packing supplies you will need:

  • Mattress bags – These specially designed bags keep mattresses clean and protected from dust, dirt, and water during transit.
  • Packaging tape – Use packaging tape to seal the bags securely.
  • Rope or ratchet straps – These will help secure mattresses in the relocation truck and prevent movement during transit.
  • Moving blankets – These provide an additional layer of protection. They can also be used to protect your walls and floors from scratches and dents during the relocation process.
  • A dolly – This is essential for transporting your mattresses safely and efficiently, especially if you’re doing it on your own.
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Don't forget blankets as an important layer of protection

How to Move a Mattress – Know How to Pack and Protect It

How to pack a mattress for moving? Relocating this item across the country is a substantial task that requires planning, preparation, and the right materials. With careful attention to these steps, you can ensure the item arrives at your new house in the best possible condition, ready to provide you with many more nights of restful sleep.

Moving it cross-country requires careful packing to ensure it stays clean and protected during transit. Knowing how to pack and protect your mattress is crucial for preserving its quality and extending its life. The process involves several steps, including cleaning, using protective covers, and securing it for transport.

Cleaning the Mattress and Allowing It to Air Out Before Packing

Before packing your mattress, it’s a relocation essential to clean it thoroughly. Remove any bedding and use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and allergens. If there are stains, you can use an upholstery cleaner or a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Be sure to spot-test any cleaning solutions first to avoid discoloration. Once it has been cleaned, let it air out for a few hours to ensure it is completely dry before packing.

Using a Mattress Bag or Plastic Wrap for Protection

So, how to protect a mattress when moving? After cleaning, encase the mattress in a protective bag or plastic wrap. Mattress bags are designed to fit snugly around your mattress, protecting it from dust, dirt, and moisture. Make sure to seal the bag tightly with packing tape to prevent any contaminants from getting inside. You can also wrap in blankets or bubble wrap for added protection.

Securing the Mattress With Straps or Rope

Securing this crucial part of your bed correctly is vital to prevent movement during transit that could result in damage. Use ratchet straps or rope to secure the item to the truck. Ensure the mattress is positioned flat and is not bending or under stress, which could damage its structure.

A man lying in bed trying to sleep while looking at a clock overlay
It's important to know how to protect your mattress so that it can preserve its quality

Considering Additional Padding or Protection for Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses require extra care and attention during a relocation due to their unique material and design. These mattresses are especially sensitive to pressure and temperature changes, which means they can be damaged more easily during transit if not handled correctly. Therefore, it’s necessary to consider additional padding or protection when shipping a memory foam mattress.

It’s essential to remember that memory foam mattresses should never be folded or bent. This can cause permanent damage to their structure. Instead, it’s best to transport these mattresses flat, either on their side or laid flat in the back of a large truck. Using a high-quality, durable mattress bag is crucial for protecting the memory foam. These specially designed bags offer excellent protection against dirt, moisture, and accidental scratches or tears. Remember to seal the bag tightly to prevent any dirt or moisture from getting in.

In addition to the bag, consider using moving blankets or foam padding for extra protection. These can be wrapped around the bag to add another layer of protection against impact or sharp edges. Secure the blankets or padding using packing tape or straps. Lastly, be sure to handle the mattress with care when lifting it. Memory foam is heavier than traditional innerspring mattresses, so it’s often best to have at least two people lift them.

Man wrapping sofa in plastic overlay
Careful packing and additional padding will ensure that your mattresses stay intact

Hiring Cross-Country Movers Will Ensure Your Items Arrive Safely at Their New Location

Relocating to a new place brings on plenty of anxiety about relocating, and ensuring the safety of your belongings, especially larger items like mattresses can add to the pressure. Hiring professional movers can alleviate much of this relocation stress. As experts in the field, movers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to ensure your stuff arrives safely at its new location.

Professional movers, such as Cross Country Moving Company, understand the best packing tips and tricks, and they know how to handle loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. They have experience dealing with all kinds of hurdles that might come up during the relocation, from navigating narrow staircases to handling adverse weather conditions. Plus, they have access to the right kind of vehicle for transporting large items like mattresses and know how to secure them properly to avoid any damage during transit.

Benefits of Hiring Movers

While it’s possible to ship mattresses across the country by yourself, hiring professionals to do it ensures safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Their expertise can be instrumental in ensuring that your mattresses remain in excellent condition throughout the journey. There are several benefits of relocating with movers, and we’ve listed the most important ones down below:

  • Movers have the skills and experience to pack and transport your belongings efficiently. They’ll get the job done quicker than you likely would on your own.
  • Professional movers are trained to handle large and heavy items safely, reducing the risk of personal injury or damage to your belongings.
  • With movers handling the heavy lifting, you can focus on other aspects of your relocation. This makes the entire process less stressful.
  • Most cross-country moving companies offer insurance. This means that if your items get damaged during shipping, you’ll be covered.
Two professional movers overlay
Make this relocation easy on your nerves and hire professional movers

Sleep Soundly in Your Bed After the Move – Contact Cross Country Moving Company for Assistance

Relocating is rarely a stress-free process, but with Cross Country Moving Company, you can rest assured your belongings are in safe hands – especially when it comes to sensitive items like your mattresses. As a leading name in the industry, we specialize in making long-distance moves seamless and hassle-free thanks to our stellar cross-country moving services.

Our dedicated team prides itself on providing excellent customer service, taking great care of your possessions, and offering a timely, efficient cross-country moving service and packing assistance. We have comprehensive knowledge and years of experience in handling and transporting mattresses of all types, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition at your new home. Contact us as soon as possible to get your free estimate on our services.

FAQ

How Do I Pack and Transport Memory Foam Mattresses?

If you want to know how to pack a memory foam mattress, know that it should be covered with a mattress bag for protection. Seal the bag tightly to keep out dirt and moisture. Transport mattresses flat – never fold or bend them. Ensure it’s lifted and carried by multiple people to prevent unnecessary strain on the material.

Can I Roll Up Memory Foam Mattresses for Easier Transportation?

If you’re wondering how to move a memory foam mattress, you’re probably asking yourself if you should roll it up. Rolling up memory foam mattresses isn’t recommended as it can damage the internal structure. It’s best to keep them flat during transportation to maintain their integrity and prevent any deformation.

How Do I Protect a Queen Size Mattress During the Move?

If you want to know how to move a queen-size mattress, you first need to protect it adequately. To protect queen-size mattresses, use a high-quality mattress bag that fits its dimensions. After sealing the bag, consider adding blankets or foam padding around it for extra protection. Use straps or ropes to secure the entire bundle, ensuring the mattress remains protected during transport.

What Is the Best Way to Move a King Size Mattress Across the Country?

If you’re wondering how to move a king-size mattress across the country, it is best done by professionals due to its size and weight. If you’re doing it yourself, invest in a durable mattress bag, secure it with ropes or straps, and transport it in a large enough vehicle. Keep the mattresses flat to prevent any damage.

Can I Use a Regular Plastic Cover, or Do I Need a Specific Bag for Mattresses?

While a regular plastic cover might provide some level of protection, it’s recommended to use a specific mattress bag. These are designed to fit snugly around mattresses, offering better protection from dust, moisture, and damage during transportation.

Should I Hire Professional Movers for Moving Large or Heavy Mattresses?

Professional movers from a long-distance moving company can significantly ease the process of shipping large or heavy mattresses. They have the required experience, equipment, and manpower to ensure your items are handled correctly, reducing the risk of damage during transit. If you’re moving cross country, hiring professionals is an advisable option.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Moving Memory Foam Mattresses?

Memory foam mattresses require special care when relocating. They should never be folded or rolled, as this can cause damage to the material. Instead, they should be transported flat. Remember to protect them with a high-quality bag and additional padding, if necessary.

How Can I Ensure My Mattresses Stay Clean and Free From Damage During the Move?

The key to keeping your mattresses clean and free from damage during transport is to protect them adequately. Use a mattress bag, padding, and secure them with straps or ropes. Avoid stacking heavy and large items on top of mattresses in the relocation truck, and try to keep them in a flat position throughout the journey.

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