Bed frames and mattresses can be among the most difficult items to move from one house to another. Here are some tips to simplify the process and prevent damage and injuries.
Don’t Try to Go It Alone
A mattress, headboard and pieces of a bed frame can be heavy, bulky and difficult for one person to carry. Get someone to help so you don’t injure yourself and/or damage your bedding or your home.
Protect the Mattress
If you have a spring mattress, don’t fold it. That can make it uncomfortable to sleep on and can even ruin the mattress. If you fold a memory foam or latex mattress, it will return to its previous shape without damage.
Use a mattress bag to protect it from dirt, dust, scrapes and other sources of damage. Have one person hold the mattress and the other slide the bag over it. Tape the ends shut. If you find any holes or tears, tape those areas.
Move the Mattress Safely
Before you begin to transport the mattress to the moving truck, make sure you have a clear path. To lift a mattress and other heavy objects, brace your abdominal muscles and lift with your legs, not with your back.
If you have a hand truck or dolly, stand the mattress on it in an upright position. If necessary, brace it with cardboard. You can also place the mattress on top of a large piece of cardboard and slide it across the floor or turn it on its side so two people can carry it. If you have to go down a flight of stairs, carry the mattress.
If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress, lay it flat inside the moving truck. If you have a spring mattress, you can lean it against a wall and secure it with rope or ratchet straps. Don’t put a mattress on top of anything, and don’t put anything on top of the mattress.
Disassemble the Bed Frame
You should be able to take a bed frame apart by yourself. You can take photos or record a video on your cellphone to document the steps that you followed to disassemble the frame. Then, when you get to your new house, you’ll know exactly how to put the frame back together.
Keep all the screws and other components together. A good strategy is to put all the pieces into one or more plastic bags, label the bags so you know where the parts go and tape the bags to a piece of the frame so everything is in one place.
Protect the frame during the moving process. You can cover the pieces with bubble wrap, moving blankets or cardboard to prevent damage.
Move Bedding Safely
Transporting beds and mattresses can be challenging, but you can do it yourself, as long as you know how and you’re careful. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to sleep well your first night in your new home.
