Your mattress is a very personal item. Whether it’s a brand new Memory Foam mattress that you recently splurged on or one you’ve slept on for a few years, it’s important to make sure this item is safely transported. Because of their size and soft exterior, mattresses can get dirty, torn, or damaged if they aren’t protected properly.
These four tips for moving a mattress will help you protect your investment and ensure you don’t have to undergo expensive cleaning once you arrive in your new home.
- Clean and Air It: Although you don’t have to air out your mattress before you move it, this can be an important step. Moisture in the home and in the air seeps into the fabrics. While this is fine if you only put a sheet and blankets on your mattress, the moisture can be damaging if the mattress is put in plastic for a long period of time. Strip the linens and put the mattress in a dry spot for a few hours to get the best amount of protection. Once it’s aired, vacuum with a brush attachment to remove excess dust, pet hair and dander.
- Wrap It: If you only do one thing to protect your mattress during a move, let it be to wrap it up in plastic. Because this is where you sleep every night, you want to make sure your mattress stays clean and dry in transit. Well-sealed plastic will also protect your mattress from insects. A specialty mattress storage bag is the best option because it’s designed to fit a mattress and has a tight adhesive seal. The storage bag will also serve as a moisture barrier for long-term storage. You can also use painter’s plastic and tape, but you risk having a leaky seal.
- Position It: Because they’re soft, many people use mattresses as a buffer for other items being moved (things like artwork, glass, and other flat items are often placed between wo mattresses). While this is probably fine for a short move, it’s not ideal when traveling long distances. Too many lumps and bumps can distort your mattress over a long period of time.
- Place It: Many movers opt to put mattresses in the truck on their sides, as they use up more vertical than horizontal space this way. Again this is great for shorter or direct moves. However, if you’ll be storing your mattresses for a longer period of time, it’s better to lay them flat. This way, the mattress won’t warp or bend.
It’s also important to carry mattresses carefully. Getting around tight corners and stairways with a heavy mattress can be tough, especially if you’re not used to moving bulky items. Hiring movers will make this part of the move much easier, as our movers are accustomed to getting mattresses in and out of homes safely and securely.