Tips on Moving Foam Mattresses

Preparing Foam Mattresses

• Strip all mattresses of any fitted sheets, blankets, pillows, or other coverings prior to moving. Then, cover the entire mattress in a thick layer of plastic to prevent damage during moving. Due to the dense nature of many foam mattresses, you might need to enlist the help of a friend or loved one to help turn the mattress to ensure it is completely covered in plastic. Cover any overlapping edges of the plastic wrap with quality packing tape. If you wish, you can use a mattress bag instead of wrapping it in plastic. To do so, simply slip the mattress bag onto the edge of the mattress and work the bag up to the top, zipping it securely when the bag is completely over the mattress.

Proper Lifting

• Enlist the help of a friend or loved one to help with any lifting. Be sure to lift only one mattress at a time. When preparing to lift the mattress, be sure to space your feet apart and bend your knees. Lift each mattress close to your body and take extra care to lift with the legs and not the back. If anyone lifting the mattresses feels any pain, stop what you are doing and have another person attempt to lift the mattress. This technique is crucial in the prevention of potentially debilitating injuries often squired from lifting heavy objects.

Tying Foam Mattresses to a Car

• Have someone help place the mattress or mattresses carefully on top of the car and roll down all windows in the vehicle. Run a thick and sturdy rope over the top of the mattress and through the front driver and passenger side windows, making sure to crisscross the rope before leading it back out of the windows and knot it carefully. Repeat these steps with the back of the mattress through the rear side windows and secure the knots. Ensure that the mattress is secure and the knots are properly tied. Be sure to use hazard lights while transporting your mattress in this manner. This method is not recommended for long distances.

Moving Truck

• Depending on the number of mattresses being moved or the amount of other items needing transported, a moving truck might be the easiest method to employ. Have a partner help you lift and carry each mattress to the moving truck one at a time. Then, carefully lift each mattress into the vehicle. Usually, the most effective method of loading the mattresses into the truck is to lay them on their side. Carefully move each mattress toward the front of the truck, taking care not to catch the mattress on any other items in the vehicle. Be sure the latch of the truck is closed and locked securely before putting the vehicle in motion. Once your destination is reached, carefully remove each mattress from the truck, taking care not to damage either the mattress or the vehicle.