Your mattress is one of the most valuable and essential items in your home — but it’s also one of the most awkward to move. Without the right preparation, you could end up with a damaged, moldy, or misshapen mattress that no longer gives you the comfort you paid for. Whether you’re moving across town, heading to a new duty station for a military PCS, or placing your items in long-term storage, following a few key do’s and don’ts will help protect your mattress for years to come.
---
❌ DON’T: Move or Store a Mattress While It’s Wet
Moisture is your mattress’s worst enemy. Moving or storing a mattress that’s damp from spills, cleaning sprays, or humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
✅ DO: If you’ve cleaned your mattress, let it fully air dry before wrapping and moving it. Give it several hours — or even overnight — to ensure it’s completely dry.
---
❌ DON’T: Leave Your Mattress Exposed to the Elements
Mattresses can easily absorb humidity and odors when left unprotected in a moving truck or storage unit. Exposure to rain, dust, or temperature swings can permanently damage the materials.
✅ DO: Always use a protective mattress bag. For spring mattresses, a heavy-duty plastic bag is ideal. For memory foam or hybrid mattresses, choose a breathable mattress bag or wrap in sheets to prevent trapped moisture.
---
❌ DON’T: Store Your Mattress on Its Side (or Stack Items on Top)
Storing a mattress upright or placing heavy objects on top may save space, but it can ruin the internal structure and cause lasting indentations.
✅ DO: Store your mattress flat and on top of everything else. Make sure nothing is stacked on it during storage, especially for long periods.
---
❌ DON’T: Assume Movers Will Handle It Correctly
Even professional movers don’t always treat mattresses with the extra care they need. If your belongings are transferred through a warehouse, there’s even more room for error.
✅ DO: Communicate clearly with your movers or move coordinator. Give specific instructions on how you want your mattress wrapped, loaded, and stored to ensure it’s protected.
---
❌ DON’T: Overlook Insurance Coverage
Accidents happen, and mattresses are expensive to replace. If your mover’s insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, you could be left with the bill.
✅ DO: Call your insurance agent before moving. Ask whether your renter’s, homeowner’s, or personal property policy covers loss or damage during transit. Ideally, use this as secondary coverage alongside your mover’s insurance.
---
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Sleep Investment
A mattress is more than just another piece of furniture — it’s an investment in your health and comfort. By keeping it dry, properly wrapped, stored flat, and insured, you’ll ensure it arrives at your new home in the same condition you left it.
If you’re planning a move, don’t forget to stock up on moving supplies like mattress bags, box labels, and moving kits to make the entire process smoother and more organized.
