When moving, you can either choose to take your mattress with you or dispose of it. If you decide to bring it along to your new location, you must ensure it’s properly protected, possibly cleaned, and transported safely. Alternatively, if you wish to dispose of your mattress, you could donate it, recycle it, sell it, or if it’s no longer usable, dispose of it according to local regulations. Below, we’ll delve into these options and discuss how to effectively manage your mattress during a move, offering practical tips for each scenario.
Packing and Protecting Your Mattress for Moving
Cleaning Your Mattress before Moving
Before moving your mattress, give it a thorough clean. This will not only make it more pleasant to sleep on when you arrive at your new home but also helps to maintain its condition. Vacuum the surface to remove dust and debris. If there are any stains, spot-clean them with a mild detergent or an upholstery cleaner. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before you proceed to pack it.
Choosing Appropriate Mattress Packing Materials
Proper packing materials are essential to protect your mattress during the move. You’ll need a mattress bag, which is a heavy-duty plastic cover that will protect against water damage, dirt, and tears. Make sure you get one that fits your mattress size. Also, consider using packing tape to secure the cover and bubble wrap or moving blankets to add an extra layer of protection, especially for the corners.
Packing Your Mattress
Once your mattress is cleaned, it’s time to pack it. Slide the mattress into the bag, ensuring it’s completely enclosed. Seal the bag with packing tape to prevent it from opening. For added protection, wrap the mattress corners with bubble wrap or place moving blankets over the top before securing them with additional packing tape.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Loading and Transporting the Mattress Safely
When loading your mattress into a moving truck, it’s best to keep it in an upright position to save space and avoid placing heavy items on top, which can damage the springs or foam. If you’re using a moving van, secure the mattress against the sides to prevent it from sliding around. Make sure it’s among the last items to be loaded, so it can lean against other furniture or boxes, staying upright and protected.
Options For Disposing of a Mattress
Donating Your Mattress
If you’re not taking your mattress with you, consider donating it. Many non-profit organizations would appreciate a gently used mattress. Before donating, make sure your mattress is clean and in good condition—most organizations will not accept mattresses with stains, tears, or bedbugs. Calling ahead to schedule a donation time and verify acceptance criteria is advisable.
Recycling Your Mattress
Recycling is another excellent option for mattress disposal. Mattresses can be deconstructed, and their materials—such as foam, fibers, metal springs—can be recycled. Check with your local waste management services to find out if they offer mattress recycling or search online for nearby mattress recycling centers.
Selling Your Mattress
If your mattress is still in good condition, you could try selling it. Online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms where you can list your mattress for sale. Take clear photographs and provide detailed information about its condition, age, and brand to attract potential buyers.
Local Disposal Regulations
In cases where the mattress is not suitable for donation or reselling, you will need to dispose of it responsibly. Research local regulations for large waste disposal. Some areas provide scheduled bulky item pickup services, while others require you to take the item to a landfill or waste disposal facility.
Moving and Storing Your Mattress Temporarily
Short-Term Storage Solutions
If there’s a gap between moving out of your old home and into the new one, you might need to store your mattress temporarily. Climate-controlled storage units are the best option to protect your mattress from temperature extremes and humidity, which could lead to mold or mildew. Keep the mattress elevated off the floor and covered with a light, breathable sheet to keep dust at bay.
Long-Term Storage Tips
For long-term storage, ensure your mattress is properly supported and kept in a position that will not damage its structure. Do not store anything on top of the mattress, and check on it periodically to confirm that it’s holding up well and remaining dry and odor-free.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Move with Your Mattress
Whether you’re keeping or disposing of your mattress, a few additional tips can help make the overall moving process smoother.
– Measure doorways and staircases before moving day to ensure your mattress can fit through. This is especially important for bigger sizes like king or queen mattresses.
– If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask friends or hire professional movers, particularly for heavier or bulkier mattresses.
– Use mattress handles if available, but do not rely on them solely; they’re designed for positioning the mattress rather than carrying it.
– If storing the mattress for any length of time, periodically inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
Finishing Thoughts
Moving with a mattress might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a relatively straightforward process. Whether you choose to bring your mattress along to your new home, donate it, sell it, recycle it, or simply dispose of it, remember the importance of proper cleaning, packing, and transporting to maintain its condition. By following these tips and considering your options carefully, you ensure that either you can continue to enjoy a good night’s sleep on your beloved mattress or that it finds a new home where it can still be of good use.
