How to Move and Store a Latex Mattress

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Actually, it’s one of the top 3 most stressful things we do in life. So, when it comes to transporting large and bulky items like a mattress any advice is good. Latex mattresses are heavy, difficult to maneuver and awkward. Making sure you purchase a latex mattress that can be broken down into parts if you will, should be of upmost importance when considering buying a new latex mattress.

If you are planning to move or store your latex mattress, follow these tips to ensure you don’t break your back and it stays in good condition.

Before you Buy the Mattress

Maybe it’s too late but before you invest in a latex mattress it’s good to buy a latex mattress that can be broken down piece by piece. Look for a latex mattress with a removeable zip cover and 3-inch layers. This will allow you to break the mattress down and easily move it or store it! Here’s an example of a latex mattress that can be broken down into components. Click here.

Preparing to Move or Store a Latex Mattress

Before moving or storing your latex mattress, it is important to properly prepare it.  If and when you purchase the mattress and you know you will be moving or needing to store the mattress it’s not a bad idea to save the boxes that the mattress and the mattress components come it. Sometimes, the individual 3-inch layers are compressed so that getting the latex back into the original boxes would be nearly impossible. If that’s the case and you know it to be true you can discard of the original packaging.

Supplies for Storing and Moving Your Latex Mattress

To safely move and store your latex mattress, you will need some supplies. These may include a mattress bag, boxes, extra-large heavy duty trash bags, packing tape, moving blankets, and a dolly or hand truck. You can purchase these supplies at a local moving or storage supply store, or you can rent some of them from a moving company. U-Haul is great place to get boxes for your mattress components. Here’s a link to the different sized U-Haul boxes. Click here.

We recommend at least the large box for latex layers but if you have a king size you might just want to go the for the extra-large boxes. If you have room left over in the box you can put your pillows, sheets, comforters and other accessories in box after the latex. Bigger is better in this situation, especially if you don’t plan on shipping the box via UPS or FedEx.

If you do plan on shipping the boxes you will want to check the shipping rates with UPS and FedEx first. There rates are calculated based on box size. So, if you plan on shipping the mattress, it’s good to know what box size you need to keep the cost down because this can get pricey, quickly.

1. Mattress Bags

A mattress bag is a specially designed plastic cover that fits over your mattress and protects it from dirt, dust, and moisture during the moving and storage process. Place your mattress inside the bag and seal it tightly with packing tape. This will also help prevent any tears or damage to the mattress during transportation.

***Mattress bags are necessary and important if your latex mattress doesn’t break down into components.

You will need to bag the mattress and then tape it up. However, if your mattress does break down by removing the cover. Then place fold each latex layer in half long ways and then roll it up. Once it is rolled up place a it into an extra-large trash bag and tape the trash bag up. It’s best to go around the perimeter of the trash bag multiple times to make sure the mattress is secure. We have also seen some people use a couple bungee cords around the trash bag to help keep the bag tight and well-formed so it can fit more easily in the box if you are boxing it. However, this is not necessary as a good tape job will do the trick.

***Important! – Do not tape directly on the latex rubber as it will tear the latex when you take it off!

From here, the broke down latex mattress can be transported in the trash bags, or you can put the bagged latex into a box.

2. Reuse the Original Mattress Boxes

If you still have the original boxes for your latex mattress components, you can reuse it for moving and storage. Sometimes, the boxes are too small to use again but that’s not always the case.

3. Using a Moving Company to Transport your Latex Mattress

A quick note here about using a professional moving company to move your latex mattress. Again, the details here vary based on whether or not your mattress can be broken down. If it can be broken down, we always recommend breaking it down. This mitigates potential damage from moving it because they are so heavy!

Have the moving company bag and box the mattress if it can’t be broken down and has to be moved in one large piece. If it’s not boxed the movers will most likely tear or rip the plastic mattress bag and the mattress will either get dirty or damaged.

If the mattress can be broken down have the movers bag each component and box it.

***Whether your using professional movers or not it’s good to label the boxes so you know which firmness layer is in each bottom. For example, soft top layer 1.

4. Use a Dolly to Move the Mattress

Moving a latex mattress that can’t be broken down on your own can be a difficult and potentially dangerous task. To make it easier, use a dolly or hand truck to transport the mattress. Also, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. It can take up to 4 people to move a large heavy king size latex mattress.  The dolly is probably the best option here as you can put a dolly on each end of the latex mattress and roll it down the hallway and out of the house, lifting it to move it downstairs. This will help distribute the weight and prevent any strain on your back.

If the mattress has been broken down, then it nice to use the hand truck to move the boxes of latex to the moving vehicle.

Tips for Storing the Latex Mattress

1. Climate Controlled Building – If you are storing your latex mattress for an extended period of time, it is important to choose a climate-controlled storage unit. This is more important if you live in an area with extreme temperatures and humidity as this can damage the latex material and cause it to deteriorate. A climate-controlled unit will maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, ensuring your mattress stays in good condition.
2. Don’t Keep Latex Layers in the Boxes to Long – So you have to fold and roll the latex layers to get them into the box to move. This is great but only for a temporary amount of time. If the latex is folded for too long it can cause permanent indentations. Don’t store the folded and rolled latex in a box longer than 30 days. If you need to keep it in storage longer than 30 days take it out of the bottom and have the layers spread out like they would be when the mattress is normally constructed.
3. Avoid Direct Expose to Sunlight – make sure that when the mattress is stored that it is not in direct sunlight. Even if the mattress has a bag over it. Even if the mattress is completely assembled. This is also true for when the mattress is in your bedroom. The sunlight from a window can penetrate the cover and cause the latex to oxidize causing it to breakdown more quickly.

By following these tips, you can safely move and store your latex mattress without any damage. Remember to always handle the mattress with care and use proper equipment to avoid any injuries. With the right preparation and supplies, you can ensure your latex mattress stays in top condition during the moving and storage process.