How to protect a mattress when moving
A mattress is one of the most expensive things you'll move, and one of the easiest to spoil: dust and dirt from the van, rain between the door and the van, and marks from other furniture. A polythene mattress bag costs a few pounds and keeps it clean and dry from one bed to the next.
Which mattress bag do I need?
| Mattress | Bag |
|---|---|
| Single (3 ft) or small single | mattress bag, single |
| Small double, double (4 ft 6 in) or king (5 ft) | mattress bag, double or king |
| Super king (6 ft) | mattress bag, super king |
Our complete moving kits include mattress bags for the beds you're likely to have.
How to bag a mattress
- Strip the bed and give the mattress a quick hoover. Make sure it's completely dry.
- Stand it on its side against a wall. It's much easier than trying to bag it flat.
- Slide the bag down over the top like a pillowcase, with someone on the other side, then tip the mattress and pull the bag down to the bottom.
- Seal the end. Fold the open end over and tape it closed so dust and rain can't get in.
Packing tip: Bag the mattress on the morning of the move, not days before. You can sleep on it the last night, and a bagged mattress against a wall gets in the way.
Carrying and loading
- Carry it on its side with two people. Polythene is slippery, so hold it by the sides, not the top edge.
- Don't fold or roll it unless it's a type the maker says can be folded. Most memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses shouldn't be bent.
- In the van, stand it on its side against the wall and use it as a soft barrier for mirrors and pictures. Don't stack heavy boxes on it.
Storing a mattress
If it's going into storage, the bag keeps dust off. Store it flat or on its side in a dry place, never in a damp garage or shed, and check on it now and then. Pillows, duvets and cushions go in bedding and cushion bag to keep them clean too.
Questions
Do I need a mattress bag to move house?
It isn't essential but it is worth it. A mattress bag keeps your mattress clean and dry in the van and between the house and the van, and costs far less than cleaning or replacing a mattress.
What size mattress bag for a king size bed?
A 5 ft bag fits double and king size mattresses. Super kings need a 6 ft bag.
Can I fold a mattress to move it?
Most memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses should not be folded. Check the maker's advice, and carry it flat on its side in a bag.