Quick Answer: Moving a Mattress
Use a mattress bag (available at moving supply stores for $10-20) to protect from dirt, moisture, and tearing. A queen mattress fits in a pickup truck or cargo van. It will NOT fit safely in most sedans or SUVs (roof strapping is risky and illegal in some provinces). For a short local move, a rented pickup or cargo van ($40-80 for a few hours) is cheapest. For long-distance moves, include the mattress with your other items in the moving truck.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
5 min read
Preparing Your Mattress for Moving
- Mattress bag: Essential. Plastic mattress bags protect against rain, dirt, and scuffing during transport. Available at Home Depot, U-Haul, or moving supply stores. $10-20 for a quality bag. Seal with tape
- Strip the bed: Remove all bedding, protectors, and toppers. Pack these separately in boxes or bags
- Do not fold: Innerspring and hybrid mattresses should NEVER be folded. This damages the coils and internal structure permanently. Memory foam mattresses can be temporarily bent or rolled for transport (they will recover), but check your warranty as some brands void warranty if folded
- Carry flat: Always carry and transport a mattress flat (horizontal), not on its side. Standing a mattress on its side can shift internal materials and cause permanent indentations. Brief vertical positioning (through doorways) is fine
Transport Options
Vehicle Fit Guide
Pickup truck: Best option. All mattress sizes fit flat in a standard pickup bed. Strap down securely. Cover with mattress bag or tarp for weather protection.
Cargo van: All sizes fit. Most rental vans (U-Haul, Home Depot) accommodate queen and king mattresses. $40-80 for a few hours locally.
SUV: Twin and twin XL may fit with seats folded. Full/double can fit in larger SUVs with seats folded. Queen and king will not fit inside most SUVs.
Car rooftop: Not recommended. Mattresses act as a sail in wind, can fly off, and damage your car roof. If you must, use heavy-duty ratchet straps (not just rope or bungee cords) and drive slowly
on local roads only. Many provinces have unsecured load laws.
Moving truck: For long-distance moves, include the mattress in the truck with other items. Place it flat on top of other items or against the wall, protected in a mattress bag.
Protection During the Move
- Mattress bag: Keeps out moisture, dirt, and prevents surface damage. Cheap insurance for an expensive item
- Strap securely: In an open truck bed, use at least 2 ratchet straps. Wind will try to lift the mattress at highway speeds
- Avoid stacking heavy items: Do not place heavy boxes on top of the mattress. This can compress and damage the comfort layers
- Keep dry: Even brief rain exposure can saturate a mattress (especially foam) and lead to mould. If the forecast is uncertain, a mattress bag is mandatory
Move It or Buy New?
The Real Cost Calculation
Moving a mattress costs: mattress bag ($15), truck rental or delive
ry fee ($40-150), your time and effort (2+ hours). Total: $55-165. If your mattress is approaching the end of its lifespan (7+ years, visible sagging, discomfort), you are paying to transport something that will need replacing soon anyway. A new mattress delivered to your new home may be the better investment. At Mattress Miracle, we deliver free within the Brantford area and offer old mattress removal. For customers moving to Brantford or nearby, it can make more sense to buy here and have it waiting at your new home.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fold a mattress to fit in my car?
Memory foam and some thin mattresses can be temporarily folded or rolled. Spring mattresses cannot be folded without permanent damage. Check your warranty: some manufacturers void it if the mattress is bent or folded. If you must fold foam, do it for the shortest time possible and allow 24-48 hours to fully re-expand.
How much does it cost to ship a mattress?
Shipping a mattress across Canada costs $200-500+ depending on distance. Companies like UPS, FedEx, and specialized mattress shippers can handle it. The mattress must be boxed or bagged. For moves over 500 km, it is often cheaper to buy new at your destination than to ship.
Can a mattress get bed bugs during a move?
Unlikely during transport, but possible if stored in a shared space (moving truck used for multiple clients, storage unit). A sealed mattress bag prevents this. Do not unwrap the bag until the mattress is in your clean bedroom.
Should I let my mattress air out after moving?
Yes. Stand it in a well-ventilated room for a few hours before making the bed. This allows any moisture from the move to evaporate and helps foam mattresses return to their full shape if they were compressed during transport.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Sources
- Jacobson, B. H. et al. (2008). "Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal bedding systems." Applied Ergonomics, 39(2), 247-254. PubMed 17662962.
- Radwan, A. et al. (2015). "Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment." Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. PubMed 29073401.
- Kovacs, F. M. et al. (2003). "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet, 362(9396), 1599-1604. PubMed 14630439.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.