7 min read

How to Pack and Move Beds and Mattresses

Moving bulky items such as beds and mattresses, you need to ensure you’ll be doing it safely, not just for the item itself, but for the people doing the job.
By · Updated June 22, 2026
How to Pack and Move Beds and Mattresses

Furniture moving service

Budget-friendly moving service trusted by thousands of customers across New Zealand.
What are you moving?
Newshub Stuff NZ Herald

We all know that moving home can be a headache, so one must be very prepared. As your moving day is fast approaching, you’re getting all your stuff ready to be transported. You must have packed most of your belongings into your moving boxes. But what about the bulky items you own like your beds?

The easiest way must be to hire a moving company to do the job. However, we know that’s not the case for everyone so, if you are moving home without the help of home movers, here are some tips we can share with you on how to move beds and mattresses.

Weights & Sizes of your bed frames and mattresses

Here are the general weights and sizes for you to think about as you prepare to move so you know what size of transportation you need and who’s up for the job:

  • King size mattress - 1685 cm x 2030 cm and weights between 58kg to 82kg
  • Queen size mattress - 1525 cm x 2030 cm and weights between 54 to 72 kg
  • Single size mattress - 915 x 1900 and weights around 55kg

Remember that there are many different types of bed frames; ones with drawers and ones without, it’s hard to give an absolute weight but on average a bed frame can weigh anywhere around 17kg to 70 kg or more.

If you’ve got a sofa bed they are so much heavier than what they look!  Once again make sure whoever ever is doing the lifting and shifting is up for the job and you have the right transportation.

Moving supplies that you need

Moving bulky items such as beds and mattresses, you need to ensure you’ll be doing it safely, not just for the item itself, but for the people doing the job. To do so, you need to gather moving supplies that can make the move easier and safer. Here are some of the supplies that you will need:

  • Moving straps for heavy lifting
  • Moving dolly (you can rent this if you don’t own one)
  • Moving blankets
  • Bubble wrap
  • Mattress bag
  • Allen key or screwdriver for disassembling and assembling bedframes
  • A small bag or pouch to place screws/bolts and smaller parts of the bed
  • Packing tape

Moving a king-size mattress

King-size mattress: 1685 cm x 2030 cm and weights between 58kg to 82kg

The king-size box springs are composed of 2 box springs fitted side by side with the mattress placed right on top of it. Take away the pillows and the beddings from the king-size mattress and cover them separately. Remove all bedding and pillows from your mattress and wrap them separately. Pillows and linens make great fillers in boxes containing breakable objects.

Moving your king-size mattress would usually require the help of more than one person. To move, the first thing you need to do is place the mattress standing, typically on its side lengthwise. This would make carrying or pushing the mattress down the hallways a lot easier.

Although it is ideal for moving a memory foam mattress in this manner over a short distance, do not employ this technique if you are looking to move your mattress with the help of a moving van. This is because this your mattress in the van can cause the filling inside of the mattress to shift. The best option would be to lie your mattress flat inside of the van when moving or transporting it from one location to another.

Moving a queen-size mattress

Queen size mattress: 1525 cm x 2030 cm and weights between 54 to 72 kg

Typically the queen-size mattresses are usually more difficult to move than the king size. This is mainly due to the fact that the queen-size mattress has a box spring that is one piece. That said, moving the queen-size mattress can be done by two people without too much stress.

When transporting a queen-size mattress, the first step to take is to ensure you remove all linens and pillows from the bed. The second step would be to place the mattress inside a mattress bag. The next step is to carefully slide the mattress into the moving van. Ensure the mattress is placed on the side when you are sliding in. once inside the van, ensure the mattress especially if it is a memory foam mattress is laid flat so as to prevent the foam from shifting positions. For box springs and regular mattresses, this can be transported on its side.

In some situations, it could be tempting at times to tie your mattress on the top of your car, if you are moving across short distances. This is not generally a good idea as it could create a dangerous driving scenario for people around you. 

Moving a bed frame

Once you are done moving your box spring and mattress onto a moving van, the next task would be to take down your bed frame. It is important you keep a note of each step of how you are taking down your bed frame. You can accomplish this by either making a video or taking pictures. Place all the hardware removed from the bed frame inside a small bag and make sure it’s properly closed. Ensure you tape the bag onto the biggest bed frame piece.

The next step would be to wrap the bed frame parts inside bubble wrap, and moving blankets or bedsheets to protect the bed frame. This process doesn’t just protect the bed frame alone but also several other items inside the moving truck. Also ensure you lay down flat, the pieces of the bed frame inside the moving van.

Moving a captain's bed

A captain's bedFor those who do not know what a captain’s bed is, it is a bed that comes with drawers underneath the mattress. These drawers are mainly for storage purposes. Captain’s bed doesn’t need a box spring although it is a lot heavier than several other types of beds. To move a captain’s bed, the first thing you need to do is remove the drawers that come with the captain’s bed. You can decide to put several other items inside the drawers or simply place the empty drawers into the moving van.

If the captain bed comes with a headboard or bed shelves that can easily be taken down, it is highly recommended you take them down to minimize the weight of the bed and make it easier to move each item out separately. If this procedure is not followed, you might require more hands to help with movement.

Moving a four-poster bed

A four-poster bedWhen you are looking to move a four-poster bed, the first step would be to take down the posts from the footboard and the headboard and the footboard and transport each part of the bed separately. In situations whereby there are no instructions on how to assemble the bed, ensure you take note of the steps you used in transporting the bed either by making a video or simply taking pictures. Put all the hardware inside a plastic sandwich bag and tape the bag to the back of the headboard by making use of packing tape. To disassemble most beds you would have to make use of an Allen key or a screwdriver to unscrew the bolts and nuts on the bed. 

Now you have an idea of what you are about to face on the day of your moving day. Be prepared and always ensure the safety of your belongings, and above all, you and the people helping you with your home move. 

But if you don’t want to risk damage or injury, book professional movers to move your beds and mattresses safely. With Wise Move, book the best moving teams for careful lifting, safe transport, and reliable delivery, helping you move your beds and mattresses with less stress from start to finish.

Furniture moving service

Budget-friendly moving service trusted by thousands of customers across New Zealand.
What are you moving?
Newshub Stuff NZ Herald

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
$825
Motorcycle Triumph Thunderbird
Waitakere, Auckland
Oamaru
10
Steve
Reviewed 9 hours ago
Will definitely use this company again. Very happy.
$225
Tauranga
Johnsonville, Wellington
10
Chris
Reviewed 12 hours ago
Right on time as suggested, impressive.
$849
Birkenhead, Auckland
Mangawhai
10
Ricky
Reviewed 16 hours ago
Amazing guys, Really professional and fast, I misjudged (by a whole truck) how much stuff we had, and they helped make sure we got everything moved. Thanks guys
$1,550
Ōtara, Auckland
Rolleston
10
Calata
Reviewed 22 hours ago
For reliable, efficient, and exceptionally friendly service in handling your belongings, I wholeheartedly recommend Lewis. From our initial interaction, I was confident in choosing him. He demonstrated punctuality, arriving precisely as scheduled, and maintained outstanding communication throughout. Lewis consistently kept us informed and even went above and beyond by arriving ahead of the required time. My sincere thanks to Lewis for his invaluable assistance and accommodating nature with my parents' move; his efforts were truly appreciated.
$1,995
Port Whangārei, Whangārei
Wainoni, Christchurch
10
Atama
Reviewed 23 hours ago
Forget the rest!!! Easy Tow Towing Ltd is your #1 go to vehicle moving company. It was the reviews that inspired us to go with these guys and others reviews didn’t disappoint us. Quality service, great experience, flexible and easy to work with. We’d definitely consider this company again most definitely. Big thank you Easy Tow Towing for getting our vehicle quickly and safely transported from the far North Island to the Island. We’ve appreciated your service and won’t hesitate to recommend you to others. Thank you.
$400
Smaller Bentley Upright piano
Cambridge
Maungatautari
10
Anna
Reviewed 1 day ago
Great communication and easy delivery. Highly recommend these professionals.
$200
Ōtaki
Milford, Auckland
10
Clay
Reviewed 1 day ago
Pleasure to deal with and good operators
$330
Motorcycle Suzuki gn 125
Lower Hutt
Half Moon Bay, Auckland
10
Anna
Reviewed 1 day ago
Harley did a fantastic job, super quickly and at a great price. Absolutely no complaints.

For every (wise)move

Car transport nz
Car Transport
Expert car transport specialists committed to moving your vehicle securely, smoothly, and right on time.
Learn more
TradeMe purchase pickup and delivery service across NZ
Trade Me Delivery
Our teams handle heavy and large Trade Me purchases with ease, delivering them swiftly and safely anywhere in NZ.
Learn more
Motorbike transport nz
Motorcycle Transport
Our pros ensure your bike is transported with exceptional care, unmatched attention, and precise handling.
Learn more
Piano transport
Piano Move
Skilled piano movers who bring the strength, precision, and dedication needed to protect your instrument every step of the way.
Learn more
Furniture removals
Furniture Removals
Our teams treat every piece of furniture with extraordinary care, from careful packing to safe and seamless delivery.
Learn more
Pet transport nz
Pet Transport
Our pet transport specialists provide gentle, attentive, and compassionate care so your pets travel safe, comfortable, and happy.
Learn more
Boat transport nz
Boat Transport
Boats are transported nationwide with expert precision, reliable efficiency, and complete peace of mind.
Learn more