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Moving a mattress is usually easier with friends, but what if you’re alone? At that point, you may find yourself wondering, “How to move a mattress by yourself?”
Well, here’s a simple answer: use protective covers, secure it with straps, and use a dolly to ride and slide (no lift) to make the process easier on your back and stress-free while moving the mattress all by yourself.
Now, let’s go into more detail about these tips to make moving the mattress smoother and stress-free.
Tips on How to Move a Mattress by Yourself
Before you move your mattress, make sure you have the right things to do it safely. Here are a couple of things you need:
Gather Your Supplies
Here are the necessary items you must gather first before starting the guide on how to transport a mattress.
Mattress Bag
Get a mattress bag to keep your mattress safe from dust, dirt, and water during the move. Water is a big deal because it can make mould grow. These bags come in different sizes for different types of mattresses.
Dolly
You can either buy or rent a dolly, which is like a platform with wheels. This helps you move the mattress from your house to the vehicle without hurting your back.
Bubble Wrap and Packing Tape
So, as per how to protect the mattress when moving, use bubble wrap to give your mattress extra protection. Wrap it around the mattress if it’s standing against a wall. After wrapping a mattress for moving, make sure to use packing tape to keep it secure.
Tie Down Straps
Before hitting the road, make sure to secure the mattress to the roof rack using reliable ratchet straps. For easier carry to the vehicle, use tie-down straps. You can find them at local hardware stores. Usually, one or two straps are enough to keep your mattress in place.
Cardboard
Cardboard can help make your mattress stronger. If your mattress is a bit floppy, use cardboard to support it. Flatten a few boxes to get long pieces of cardboard, and use them to create a stable surface for your mattress.
Place a Cover on Your Mattress
Put a cover on your mattress to keep it clean while moving. The best way is to use a mattress bag, a big plastic bag that fits your bed and comes in different sizes. You can find these at your local hardware store.
Here’s how to use the mattress bag:
- Stand your mattress on its side.
- Put the mattress inside the bag.
- Check if the bag has a zipper. If not, use tape to secure it. You can also tape all around the bag to make sure the mattress is safe.
If you can’t find a mattress bag, you can wrap your bed in a light and breathable covering, like bubble wrap.
Clear Your Path
Make sure the path is clear before you move your mattress. If you’re taking it to a moving truck, plan the way you’ll go. Take away any boxes or furniture, like small tables, chairs, or floor lamps, that might be in the way of doors or stairs.
Also, make sure all doors are open wide enough for the mattress to fit through. Keep your space as clear as you can. Moving your bed in a messy room can make it hard to get your mattress to the vehicle. Plus, you might slip and get hurt on things lying around.
Lift From the Knees
To avoid hurting yourself, lift your mattress using your knees. Lifting a heavy mattress can hurt your back and strain your joints if you bend forward. Instead, bend your hips and knees to squat down. Pick up the mattress while keeping it close to your body, then straighten your legs to lift it.
Remember these things when lifting with your knees:
- Stand with your feet apart so you have good support.
- Get close to the thing you’re lifting.
- Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift.
- Lift slowly, using the muscles in your hips and knees.
- Don’t bend forward when standing up with the object.
Do you know how to protect your floors on a moving day? Visit our insightful blog to find out about this topic.
Place the Mattress on a Hand Truck or Dolly
Put your mattress on a hand truck or dolly, especially if it’s a big one that might be a bit floppy. For extra support, use cardboard boxes that are at least 30 inches by 30 inches. Flatten the boxes and put one on each side of the mattress. Tie them together with ropes or tie-down straps.
Now, stand the mattress upright on its sides and place it on the dolly. But be careful—don’t try to roll the mattress downstairs using the dolly.
If your path to the vehicle involves going downstairs, stop at the top of the stairs. Then, lift the mattress off the dolly and carry it down the staircase.
Load the Mattress into Your Vehicle
Load your mattress into your vehicle carefully. Pick the right vehicle and, if possible, use a moving truck with a cover to protect the mattress from bad weather.
When you transport it, lay your mattress flat. Don’t put heavy things on top of it because that can make permanent dents in your bed. These dents might ruin the mattress’s support, making it hard to use.
You can also keep the mattress standing on its side, leaning against a wall to save space in your vehicle. But don’t strap it to the top of your car—it’s not safe and could cause an accident if the mattress falls off.
No matter if it’s for an office or home move, there’s no denying that hiring a professional mover and packers can greatly simplify your moving journey.
Other Options
If moving your mattress alone feels tough, especially if you can’t move around easily, here are some other options to consider:
Ship Your Mattress
If you’re moving far away, shipping your mattress could be a good choice. Some companies might even pick up your mattress from your home.
Hire Professional Movers
This is the easiest way to move a mattress. Professional mattress movers can take away the hassle of packing and moving your mattress. They know how to move heavy things without causing damage and are trained to do it safely. This is a great option, especially for those with joint pain or movement limitations.
Compress Your Mattress at Home
To make your mattress more portable, you can try compressing it at home. Bag it up, vacuum the air out, roll it up, and put it in a moving box. This is good for short-distance moves, but be cautious—leaving the mattress rolled up for too long or not compressing it properly can damage the materials.
Buy a New Mattress
If your mattress is old and not in great shape, think about getting a new one instead of moving the old one. A mattress that feels saggy, or has stains, or smells might not be worth the effort to move. Many excellent mattresses are available online, and you can have them delivered to your new home without leaving your current one.
If moving your mattress alone feels too hard or unsafe, think about hiring professionals like Easy Way Removals. We offer safe and affordable Man and Van services in Lewisham, making moving easy and budget-friendly. Our process is simple, prices are fair, and we customise solutions for your needs. With insured and licensed removal services, we prioritise your safety and peace of mind. Choose Easy Way Removals for a stress-free and professional move in Lewisham.
Wrapping Up
As per “How to Move a Mattress by Yourself,” be extra careful; it’s important to use a dolly because it helps you move heavy things faster and with less strain on your body. Using a dolly is safer than just using your hands, and it reduces the chance of dropping the mattress.
If you have trouble moving around, it’s not a good idea to move the mattress alone. Instead, ask family or friends for help. Another option is to hire professionals who can handle all your moving tasks.
FAQs
How many ratchet straps for the mattress should I use?
For optimal security, use at least two ratchet straps to secure your mattress during transportation. Ensure they are tightly fastened, crossing over the mattress for added stability. Regularly inspect the straps during the journey to maintain a secure hold.
Is it okay to fold my mattress during transportation?
No, folding your mattress is not recommended. It can damage the coils or foam layers, affecting the bed’s overall support. To keep your mattress in good condition during the move, place it flat in the moving truck.
Can I use a vacuum to make my mattress smaller for moving?
Yes, for easier moving, use a mattress bag with a valve. Some bags allow vacuum sealing. Look for bags with valves that fit your vacuum’s hose attachment.
How do I move box springs or foundations?
Mattress foundations often come with fold-down or have multiple pieces, making it easy to pack them into boxes without trouble. When moving a box spring, it’s a good idea to have a partner. If you must move it alone, do so carefully, and ensure the area is clear to avoid tripping over objects.
Is it okay to put my mattress on top of my car?
No, it’s not recommended. Weather can be unpredictable, and putting your mattress on your car exposes it to rain, snow, and hail, possibly damaging it. If not tied securely, the mattress may slide off, posing a risk to yourself and others.
