When it comes to big furniture, your bed is probably the most challenging thing to move. With a bulky mattress, a box spring, a heavy frame and sometimes a headboard it can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re doing it by yourself. But don’t worry! We’ve got some easy steps to help you move your bed and mattress, whether you’re just moving to the next street or relocating far away.
Here are some simple tips to get the job done right:
Benefits of Moving Your Bed Without Hiring Professionals
Moving your bed and mattress on your own comes with several advantages:
- Save Money: By not hiring a moving company, you can save a significant amount of money. Professional movers can charge thousands of dollars, depending on how far you’re moving and what you’re transporting.
- Full Control: Moving your bed yourself gives you complete control over the process. If your bed is an antique or has sentimental value, you can pack it and handle it with the care you feel it deserves, ensuring it arrives safely at your new home.
Things to Consider Before You Start
Before moving your bed, think about its size. A king-size bed might actually be easier to move than a queen-size bed. This is because king-size box springs often come in two pieces and sometimes the mattress is split as well. On the other hand most queen-size beds have a single box spring and mattress making them harder to handle, especially when navigating stairs, narrow hallways or tight spaces.
What You’ll Need to Move a Bed
Here’s a list of items you’ll need for moving your bed and mattress safely:
- Mattress Bags: These will protect your mattress and box spring from dust, water and any damage during the move.
- Helpers: Having a few friends to assist is crucial. You’ll need help carrying the mattress, box spring and frame down stairs, through doorways or onto the moving truck.
- Bubble Wrap & Tape: To protect fragile parts especially if your bed has a headboard or other delicate pieces.
- Moving Straps: If you need help lifting or securing items during the move.
- Dolly: Rent a dolly if your bed is especially heavy and hard to move by hand.
- Screwdriver or Wrench: To take apart the bed frame.
- Plastic Bag: To keep all the nuts and bolts in one place after disassembling the bed.
What Size Truck to Rent
If you’re moving a bed and mattress by yourself, you’ll need the right vehicle. If you don’t have a friend with a truck, you can easily rent one from companies like U-Haul, Penske, U-Pack or Budget. They offer various options to fit your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size:
- 8 ft. Pickup Truck: Ideal for a twin-size bed.
- Cargo Van: Can fit a queen mattress set.
- 10 ft. Enclosed Truck: Suitable for moving items from a one or two-bedroom home.
For more details or possible discounts, you can visit truck rental services like Chicago Movers Near Me.
How to Move the Bed
Moving a bed is simple if you follow these steps:
Pack Bedding: Start by washing and packing all your sheets, pillows, blankets and comforters. Once the bed is stripped, put the mattress and box spring in protective mattress bags.
Move the Mattress and Box Spring: With the help of a friend, carefully carry the mattress and box spring to the moving truck, holding them lengthwise for easier handling.
Disassemble the Bed Frame: Once the mattress is out of the way, use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to take apart the bed frame. Keep all screws and small parts in a secure bag so nothing gets lost.
Protect the Frame & Headboard: Wrap the bed frame and headboard in bubble wrap or moving blankets. This will protect both your walls and the bed from damage during the move.
Other Options for Moving Your Bed
There are a few different ways you can move your bed besides doing it all on your own. Here are some options:
1. Moving Container
If you need to store your bed temporarily during the move, using a moving container might be a good choice. You just pack the bed and mattress into the container and the company takes care of the transport. Some well-known companies that offer moving containers include PODS & Chicago Movers Near Me.
2. Shipping
If you need to get your bed to your new home quickly, shipping it could be the fastest option. Be sure to wrap and protect your mattress, box spring, bed frame and headboard to prevent damage during transit. Websites like uShip.com make it easy to find the right shipping service by letting you compare providers based on reviews and prices. Remember, special care may be needed for memory foam or extra-thick mattresses, so discuss packaging details with the shipper.
3. Hiring Professionals
If you prefer not to deal with the hassle of moving your bed yourself, hiring professional movers is always an option. Although it might cost more, professionals are experienced and can handle the move efficiently and safely. You can find reliable moving companies by checking reputable networks, where all movers are licensed and insured, ensuring your belongings are in good hands.
Good luck with your move!
FAQs
How to move a bed alone?
Moving a bed by yourself can be challenging. First, strip the bed and pack bedding separately. Then, disassemble the bed frame if possible and use a mattress bag to protect the mattress. Use sliders or a dolly to move the parts and take breaks to avoid injury.
How to move a bed frame by yourself?
Start by disassembling the bed frame with the right tools (screwdriver or wrench). Keep all screws and small parts in a labeled bag. Wrap the frame pieces in blankets or bubble wrap for protection and carefully move them one piece at a time to your new location.
How to move a bed across the room?
If you’re just moving a bed within the room, place furniture sliders under each leg of the bed frame. This will allow you to push it across the floor without lifting or causing damage to the floor.
How much does it cost to move a bed?
The cost to move a bed depends on the distance and whether you’re hiring professionals. For local moves, it could range from $100 to $300. Long-distance moves may cost $500 or more. DIY options are cheaper especially if you have a truck.
How to move a bed across the country?
For long-distance moves, consider renting a moving truck or using a moving container service. Make sure to protect the mattress with a cover and wrap the frame to prevent damage. You could also look into shipping the bed if you prefer not to transport it yourself.
How to move a bed around in a small room?
In a tight space, use furniture sliders to move the bed around without lifting. Disassemble the bed frame if needed and carefully slide or shift the mattress and frame to avoid bumping into walls or furniture.
How to move a bed into an apartment?
Moving a bed into an apartment might require navigating tight stairways or elevators. Disassemble the bed frame if possible and use a mattress bag for protection. Enlist help from a friend or use a dolly to maneuver the mattress and bed frame through small spaces.
How to move a bed without a truck?
If you don’t have a truck, you can rent a van or use a moving container service. Alternatively, you can break down the bed into smaller parts and transport it in a car with the seats down. If the bed is small enough, a pickup service like U-Haul can also be an option.
How to move a full-size bed?
Disassemble the bed frame and wrap each part for protection. Use a mattress bag for the mattress. For moving, use a dolly or ask for help to carry the pieces to your vehicle or moving truck. If the bed is large, it might be a good idea to have a friend assist you.
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