How to Move a Mattress in New York City
Moving a mattress in NYC can be a daunting task. With the hustle and bustle of the city, navigating through busy streets, narrow staircases, and cramped elevators can be a real challenge.
However, with proper planning and techniques, moving your mattress in NYC can be a breeze! Let us show you a few tips and tricks that will take the stress out of this procedure!
Preparing your Mattress for Moving
Moving a mattress requires more than just carrying it to the new location. You need to take precautions to protect it during transportation.
Here’s how to prepare your mattress for a move:
Clean and Protect
- Clean it first: You don’t want to pack your mattress with any stains, dust or dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean the mattress surface.
- Cover the mattress: Cover the mattress with a mattress bag. You can get one from a local moving company or a store that sells packing materials.
- Add extra protection: Place a cardboard sheet on top and underneath the mattress to prevent scratches, scuffs, and any other damage.
Disassembling the Bed Frame
When you move, disassembling the bed frame makes transportation easier and saves space in the moving truck.
Here’s how to disassemble your bed frame:
- Remove the bedding: Strip the bedding off the mattress and pillows.
- Detach the headboard: Unscrew or remove any bolts that connect the headboard to the bed frame.
- Take apart the frame: Remove the side rails and slats.
- Store the hardware: Keep the screws, bolts, and other small hardware pieces in a labeled plastic bag.
With these simple steps, your mattress will be ready to move, and your bed frame will be easier to transport
Techniques for Moving a Mattress in NYC
Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can make the process much easier and more manageable. And don’t forget the proper handling and the safety part! Let’s see what options are out there.
Enlisting Professional Help
If you want to ensure that your mattress is moved safely and efficiently, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of professional movers. Professional mattress moving services are available in NYC and can offer a variety of benefits, such as specialized equipment, experience, and insurance.
Here are a few recommendations for reputable mattress moving services in the city:
- The Bedding Experts: This company specializes in mattress moving and offers white-glove service for delicate items. They provide free quotes and flexible scheduling.
- Imperial Moving and Storage: This company has over a decade of experience in the moving industry and offers affordable rates for mattress moving. They provide full packing and unpacking services as well.
- JP Urban Moving: This Brooklyn-based moving company offers custom services for all kinds of moves, including mattress moving. They have excellent reviews and offer competitive pricing.
DIY Methods
If you’re on a budget and want to move your mattress yourself, there are a few DIY methods you can try. First, make sure you have the proper tools and equipment, such as gloves, a mattress bag or plastic wrap, and a dolly or hand truck.
Here are a few tips for maneuvering the mattress through narrow hallways, doorways, and tight spaces:
- Use the “pivot and slide” method to move the mattress around corners. Place one end of the mattress on the ground and pivot it while sliding it along the floor.
- Consider removing doors or hinges to create more space. Just make sure you have the necessary tools and skills to do this safely.
- Use the stairs to your advantage. It’s often easier to move a mattress down a staircase than up.
Transporting in Different Modes
Transporting a mattress by car, taxi, or rideshare service is another option for those who want to move their mattress without professional help. Here are a few tips for securing the mattress properly during transportation:
- Make sure the mattress is wrapped in plastic or a moving blanket to prevent dirt, moisture, and potential damage.
- Use bungee cords or straps to secure the mattress to the vehicle. Make sure the straps are tight and the mattress isn’t sliding around.
- If you’re transporting the mattress in a taxi or rideshare service, make sure you check with the driver beforehand to ensure they can accommodate the size of your mattress.
Proper Handling and Safety Measures when Moving a Mattress
It’s essential to ensure that the process is safe and hassle-free by following specific techniques and safety measures. In this guide, we’ll highlight the appropriate lifting and carrying techniques and offer advice on protecting the mattress.
Lifting and Carrying Techniques
The first step to proper mattress handling is to know the appropriate lifting technique. The best way to lift the mattress is by bending your knees while keeping your back straight. Try to avoid bending at your waist or leaning forward as this can strain your back muscles.
When it comes to carrying the mattress, we suggest using mattress straps or handles. These will provide you with better grip and control while transporting it, making it less likely for the mattress to slip out of your grasp. Moreover, it will also reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and shoulders.
Protecting the Mattress
Once you have the right lifting and carrying technique down, it’s time to consider protecting the mattress. When you move a mattress, it’s vulnerable to damage from dust, dirt, and moisture, especially if it’s exposed to the elements. We advise you to wrap it with moving blankets or sheets to safeguard it against potential harm.
Disposal of Old Mattress in NYC
If your purpose is to replace an old mattress, the disposal process can be a hassle, but in New York City, it’s also important to do it in compliance with local regulations.
Luckily, there are several resources available to help residents of NYC get rid of their old mattresses. The first step to proper disposal of an old mattress is to contact your local sanitation department for guidance on bulk trash pickup services.
The Department of Sanitation in NYC offers a program that allows residents to schedule an appointment to have their large, bulky items, including mattresses, picked up directly from their homes. This service is free of charge for households with up to 10 units.
Alternatively, for a more eco-friendly approach, there are several mattress recycling centres in NYC that can handle your old mattress in an environmentally responsible way.
These recycling centres usually charge a fee for this service, but the cost is typically nominal compared to the price of buying a new mattress.
If you opt for recycling, there are several options in NYC, including the Lower East Side Ecology Center and Mattress Firm’s Dream Big recycling program. These services not only keep your old mattress out of landfills, but also repurpose the materials in a sustainable way, turning them into new products like carpet padding and insulation.
Our Customers Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fold a mattress for transport?
Yes, it is possible to fold a mattress for transport, but it depends on the type of mattress you have. Some mattresses, like memory foam and hybrid mattresses, cannot be folded as it can cause damage to the materials and affect the support it provides.
However, some mattresses like air mattresses, futons, and roll-up mattresses can be easily folded and transported. If you are planning to fold your mattress, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully.
Folding a mattress incorrectly can cause irreparable damage and void any warranty you may have.
How to move a bed in NYC?
The first step is to disassemble the bed frame, headboard, and footboard if possible. This will make it easier to maneuver through narrow doorways and hallways.
Next, wrap each piece in protective materials like bubble wrap, plastic wrap, or moving blankets to prevent scratches and damage during transit. You can rent a dolly or hand truck to move the larger pieces more easily.
Can I transport a king-size mattress without a truck in NYC?
Transporting a king-size mattress without a truck in NYC is possible, but it can be challenging. You can consider hiring a professional moving company that specializes in transporting mattresses or renting a van or trailer. You can also do it yourself, but make sure to remember all teh safety precautions.
How much does it cost to hire mattress movers in NYC?
The cost of hiring mattress movers in NYC varies depending on several factors, including the distance of the move, the size and weight of the mattress, and any additional services like disassembly and reassembly.
On average, you can expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a local move within NYC. If you are moving outside of the city, the cost may increase depending on the distance and the additional services required.
Conclusion
Now you know how to move a mattress in NYC. You can do it yourself, or you can hire someone. However, it’s crucial to select a reputable moving company or employ the appropriate techniques when moving a mattress. Failure to do so can result in damaged property or personal injury.
To ensure a successful move, it’s essential to plan ahead, prioritize safety, and consider professional assistance when needed. Whether you’re moving within the city or to a different state, taking the necessary precautions will help you to have a stress-free experience. Remember to take care of yourself and your belongings — and happy moving!
To ensure a successful move, it's essential to plan ahead, prioritize safety, and consider professional assistance when needed. Whether you're moving within the city or to a different state, taking the necessary precautions will help you to have a stress-free experience. Remember to take care of yourself and your belongings -- and happy moving!
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.