How To Ship a Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’re wondering how to ship a mattress safely from one place to another, you’re not alone. Mattresses are bulky, awkward to handle, and easy to damage if they’re not packed correctly. This FAQ walks you through everything you need to know so your mattress arrives clean, protected, and ready to sleep on.

What’s the Best Way To Ship a Mattress?

The best way to ship a mattress is to protect it, pack it securely, and choose the right shipping method for its size and distance.

In simple terms, you’ll need to:

  1. Measure and clean the mattress
  2. Protect it with a mattress bag and padding
  3. Box it, if possible, or secure it tightly for transport
  4. Arrange shipping with a carrier or moving service

The exact steps depend on whether you’re shipping it a short distance or across the country, and whether you use a parcel carrier, freight service, or a moving company.

What Should I Do Before I Ship a Mattress?

1. Check the mattress condition

Before worrying about how to ship a mattress, ask yourself if it’s worth shipping:

  • Is it sagging or damaged?
  • Are there stains or odors?
  • Is it older than you’re comfortable keeping?

If the mattress is heavily worn or uncomfortable, shipping costs may not be worth it compared with replacing it later.

2. Measure and weigh the mattress

Carriers often base prices on size and weight, so measure:

  • Length
  • Width
  • Thickness

Estimate weight if you don’t know the exact number. Most standard mattresses fall within a fairly predictable weight range depending on size and material, but heavier hybrid and latex models may cost more to ship.

3. Clean and dry the mattress

Wipe the surface, vacuum if needed, and make sure the mattress is completely dry. Trapping moisture in the bag or box can lead to odors or mildew during transport.

What Packing Materials Do I Need?

Basic materials usually include:

  • Mattress bag (plastic, sized to your mattress)
  • Packing tape or shipping tape
  • Optional cardboard box or sheets to shield the mattress
  • Optional moving blankets or foam for extra protection
  • A marker for labeling size, “This Side Up,” or destination room

A properly sealed mattress bag is essential. It helps protect against dust, dirt, and minor spills during shipment.

How Do I Physically Pack and Prepare a Mattress for Shipping?

Step 1: Remove bedding and accessories

Take off all sheets, protectors, toppers, and pillows. These can be boxed separately.

Step 2: Bag the mattress

Slide the mattress into the mattress bag. If it’s tight, you may need two people to lift and guide it in. Tape the open end shut so it’s fully sealed.

Step 3: Add extra protection (optional but helpful)

If you’re especially concerned about damage:

  • Wrap the bagged mattress in a moving blanket
  • Add cardboard sheets on both large faces to protect edges and corners

Step 4: Box or secure the mattress

  • If you have a mattress shipping box, place the wrapped mattress inside and tape all seams.
  • If you don’t have a box, make sure the mattress is tightly wrapped and taped, with extra tape on corners and handles if present.

Avoid sharply bending or folding mattresses that are not designed for it, as this can damage internal materials.

Can I Fold or Roll a Mattress to Ship It?

Many consumers ask how to ship a mattress in a smaller shape to reduce cost.

  • Some all-foam mattresses can be gently bent or compressed for short periods.
  • Innerspring and many hybrid mattresses generally should not be folded sharply, as coils and internal layers may be harmed.

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to keep the mattress flat or only slightly flexed and avoid long-term compression beyond what it was designed for.

What Shipping Options Are Available?

1. Parcel or courier shipping

Smaller or more compressible mattresses might be shipped as large parcels. This usually requires:

  • A sturdy shipping box
  • Clear labeling with addresses and handling instructions

2. Freight or less‑than‑truckload (LTL) shipping

For full-size, queen, king, or heavier models, freight shipping is often more practical. The mattress may be:

  • Placed on a pallet
  • Wrapped and secured with straps
  • Loaded and unloaded with equipment

3. Moving company or transport service

If you’re already moving household items, adding the mattress to a moving truck can be efficient. Movers typically:

  • Stand mattresses on edge or lay them flat against a wall
  • Use straps and blankets to prevent shifting

When deciding how to ship a mattress, compare cost, distance, and convenience of each method.

How Should I Label and Handle the Mattress During Shipping?

  • Mark the size and orientation (“Queen,” “Top,” “This Side Up”).
  • Add FRAGILE or “Do Not Bend” if you’re worried about mishandling.
  • If standing the mattress on its side, make sure it is securely strapped so it doesn’t fall or bow.

Careful labeling doesn’t guarantee perfect handling, but it can help signal that the item needs extra care.

What Should I Do When the Mattress Arrives?

When your mattress reaches its destination:

  1. Inspect the outer packaging for tears, holes, or crushed areas.
  2. Carefully remove the bag and wrapping, avoiding cuts into the mattress.
  3. Check for stains, tears, or strong odors that weren’t present before.
  4. Allow the mattress to air out if it was tightly packed or compressed.

If the mattress was compressed, it may take some time to return near its original shape.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Ship a Mattress

  • Decide if it’s worth shipping: Heavily worn or uncomfortable mattresses may not justify shipping costs.
  • Measure and prepare: Accurate dimensions, a clean and dry surface, and a sealed mattress bag are basics.
  • Protect carefully: Use a mattress bag, padding, and (if available) a box or pallet to prevent tears and stains.
  • Avoid sharp folding: Many mattresses, especially innerspring and hybrids, shouldn’t be bent too much.
  • Choose the right method: Parcel, freight, or moving services can all work—pick based on size, distance, and budget.
  • Inspect on arrival: Check for visible damage and let the mattress air out before regular use.

Knowing how to ship a mattress the right way helps you preserve its comfort, cleanliness, and structure during the journey. With basic planning, good packing materials, and suitable transport, your mattress can arrive at your new space ready for many more nights of use.