This isn’t just about strength; moving such large items through doorways and up staircases can present a real challenge. It’s a wise idea to assess the situation and perhaps enlist some extra hands to ensure a smooth and safe move.
After all, the goal is to transport your bed to its new location without a hitch—or a backache. Below is your comprehensive expert guide to moving any type of bed, whether you opt to hire professional movers or take the DIY route.
For a local move, most movers typically charge between $25 and $50 per hour. If you’re eyeing a long-distance haul, expect rates to increase to somewhere around $300 to $400.
1. Should You Hire Movers or DIY?
When it’s time to move a bed, bringing in professional movers with a moving van or truck might just be your best bet. This is particularly wise if you’re short on extra hands to help.
Professionals not only bring the right equipment, but they also bring the muscle, making your move smoother and less stressful.
2. What You’ll Need if You’re DIY
- A screwdriver or Allen key to disassemble the frame and headboard
- A mattress bag or plastic to cover the bed
- Packing tape or rope
- A plastic bag to store small hardware from the bed frame
- Move straps to help with lifting
- A friend or two to help with the heavy-duty lifting
- A good night’s sleep before you get to work
3. Start With Your Bed Frame and Box Spring
Before you dive straight into moving your bed, start by sliding it off the bed frame and propping it up against a wall. This simple step frees up a good amount of space, making the next part of your task a bit easier.
Box springs are usually pretty lightweight, so moving them aside shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. With those out of the way, you’ll have ample room to maneuver around your bed frame and tackle the headboard or footboard if you have them. It’s like solving a puzzle — clear some space, and suddenly, everything else starts to fit into place.
Disassembling your bed frame usually isn’t a Herculean task and can make the move from point A to point B much smoother. Start by breaking down the frame to ensure it’s easy and safe to transport. As you go, keep all screws, bolts, and other small hardware secured in a plastic bag—this will save you a headache later.
Once you’ve got the frame dismantled, carefully move the headboard and footboard out of the room and into your moving truck or designated staging area. After these are squared away, you can turn your attention to the mattress.
To give your bed parts the VIP treatment during transit, consider wrapping your headboard, footboard, and frame pieces in bubble wrap or protective plastic.
4. Moving a Mattress
Before you tackle moving the mattress, strip it down and pack away all the bed linens to shield them from stains, dirt, or any other potential mishaps. Once your mattress is bare, enlist some help to fit it into a mattress bag. This simple yet effective cover acts like a shield, guarding against the toughest debris and stains.
If you’re planning to use moving straps for the mattress, slide them under about a foot from each end. This setup lets you and another person lift the mattress horizontally, keeping it nice and level. It’s also a good idea to have an extra pair of hands on the sides to keep everything steady as you move.
Without straps? No problem—just remember to lift with your legs, not your back. Grab the mattress from underneath, lift it horizontally, and make sure you’ve got at least two people on the job to help guide it smoothly to its new location.
5. Moving Long Distances
If you’re gearing up for a big move to a new city, state, or even country, you might find yourself wrestling with the decision of whether to lug your mattress along for the journey.
Shipping your mattress, rather than moving it yourself, can often make a lot of sense. When you go this route, remember to wrap your mattress, headboard, and any other delicate bed components (especially those crafty wooden parts) in bubble wrap and other protective materials to shield them from damage while traveling.
Finding the right shipping company is key. Don’t rush this step. Take your time to sift through online reviews and compare services to ensure you find a reliable provider.
It’s crucial to hash out all the nitty-gritty details with them, particularly the delivery schedule, to make sure your bed arrives at your new home right when you need it. After all, there’s nothing like a good night’s sleep in your own bed to help you feel settled in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to ship my bed?
Shipping a bed, particularly a large one over a long distance, can get complicated and pricey. Often, shipping companies might charge you upwards of $500 to transport your bed from your old place to your new one.
So, it might not be worth shelling out that much cash just to ship your mattress—unless, of course, you’re planning to move it along with other belongings in a moving pod. In that case, bundling everything together could make more financial sense and streamline the process.
Will movers reassemble my bed?
When it comes to moving companies, services can vary, so it’s crucial to clarify the details upfront. You might find that there’s an extra charge if you want the movers to disassemble your bed and then put it back together at your new place.
Make sure to ask about these services before making any assumptions. Getting clear on what’s included and what costs extra can help you avoid any surprises and ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day.
What should I consider if I choose to move the bed on my own?
If you opt for a DIY bed move, you’ll need the right tools and materials. These include a screwdriver for disassembly, a mattress bag or plastic for protection, packing tape or rope to secure the pieces, and a plastic bag to keep small hardware organized. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help.
