How To Send a Mattress: Step‑By‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’re wondering how to send a mattress to a buyer, a friend, or a new home, you’re not alone. Mattresses are bulky, heavy, and awkward to move, so it helps to know your options and how to protect yours in transit. This guide answers the most common questions about how to send a mattress safely and efficiently.

What Are My Options for Sending a Mattress?

There are three main ways people send a mattress:

  • Professional mattress or furniture movers
  • Freight or shipping companies
  • DIY transport in a personal or rented vehicle

The right choice depends on the size and weight of your mattress, the distance, and how much effort you want to put in.

When is professional moving best?

Professional movers often make sense when:

  • You’re moving an entire household
  • You have a heavy or large mattress (like queen, king, or thicker hybrid models)
  • You want loading, transport, and unloading handled for you

This option typically offers the least physical work, but you still need to prepare and protect the mattress.

When can I use regular shipping or freight?

Freight or large-parcel services can be used when:

  • You’re sending a mattress a long distance
  • You sold or gifted a mattress and need door‑to‑door or terminal‑to‑terminal service
  • You’re comfortable with packing and labeling it yourself

Always check size and weight limits before booking; some services limit oversized packages.

How Do I Prepare a Mattress for Shipping?

Proper preparation is key to keeping your mattress clean and structurally sound in transit.

1. Clean and dry the mattress

  • Strip all bedding and accessories
  • Lightly vacuum the surface to remove dust or debris
  • Ensure the mattress is completely dry before covering it, to help avoid odor and moisture buildup

2. Use a mattress bag or cover

A heavy‑duty plastic mattress bag or zippered fabric cover helps protect against:

  • Dust and dirt
  • Minor spills and moisture
  • Scuffs and tears

Seal the bag tightly with packing tape, especially around any openings.

3. Add extra protection for long trips

For longer or rougher journeys, consider:

  • Cardboard sheets or a flat box around the mattress
  • Extra padding at corners and edges
  • Straps or rope to keep everything from shifting

Can I Fold or Roll a Mattress to Send It?

Many people search how to send a mattress hoping they can simply roll it up. Whether that’s safe depends on the type of mattress.

Is it safe to fold my mattress?

  • Innerspring and hybrid mattresses:
    These often include metal coils or multiple layers. Folding can bend coils or damage internal structure, especially if folded sharply or for a long time.
  • All‑foam mattresses:
    These are usually more flexible and may tolerate gentle folding or compressing for short periods, though not every model is designed for this.

If a mattress did not arrive compressed in a box, it may not be designed to be compressed again. When in doubt, keep it flat or only slightly bent and for as short a time as possible.

Should I vacuum‑compress my mattress?

Some people use vacuum bags to compress foam mattresses. While this can reduce bulk, it may:

  • Put stress on foam layers
  • Be difficult to reverse if over‑compressed
  • Not be suitable for all mattress types

If you try this, avoid keeping the mattress compressed for longer than necessary and do not force it into a shape that feels extreme or unnatural.

How Do I Package and Label a Mattress for Shipping?

Once it’s protected, you need to package and label the mattress so carriers can handle it properly.

Basic packing steps

  • Keep the mattress flat whenever possible during packing
  • Use strong packing tape to reinforce seams of the mattress bag
  • For freight, place it on a pallet if recommended, and strap it securely
  • Add “Fragile,” “Do Not Bend,” or “This Side Up” labels if the carrier allows

What information should the label include?

At minimum:

  • Full name, address, and phone number of the sender
  • Full name, address, and phone number of the receiver
  • Any order or reference numbers the carrier requires

Legible, waterproof labels (or clear tape over labels) help avoid delivery issues.

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Send a Mattress?

Costs can vary widely depending on:

  • Distance (local vs. cross‑country vs. international)
  • Size and weight (twin vs. king, foam vs. heavy hybrid)
  • Service type (economy freight, white‑glove delivery, or standard moving services)

In general, larger and heavier mattresses cost more to send. It’s common for shipping a queen or king across long distances to cost significantly more than sending a small parcel, simply because of the space it takes up.

Is It Worth Sending an Old Mattress?

Before deciding how to send a mattress, it’s reasonable to ask whether you should send it at all.

Sending a mattress may not be the best choice if:

  • The mattress is visibly sagging, lumpy, or heavily stained
  • You’ve already been considering a replacement
  • Shipping costs approach the value of a comparable new mattress

On the other hand, sending can make sense if:

  • The mattress is relatively new and in good condition
  • It fits a specific need (such as size or feel) for the recipient
  • You are moving and want to keep a mattress you already sleep well on

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Send a Mattress

  • Plan your method: Choose between professional movers, freight shipping, or DIY transport based on distance, weight, and effort.
  • Protect it properly: Use a mattress bag, seal it well, and consider extra padding, especially for long trips.
  • Be careful with folding: Foam mattresses may handle light, short‑term folding; innerspring and hybrid models are more at risk of damage.
  • Label clearly: Include full sender/receiver details and any handling instructions allowed by your carrier.
  • Weigh cost vs. condition: For older or heavily worn mattresses, the cost and effort of shipping may not be worthwhile.

Understanding how to send a mattress helps you avoid damage, unexpected costs, and delivery surprises. With the right preparation, packaging, and transport choice, you can give your mattress the best chance of arriving clean, intact, and ready for its next use.