Austate Removals Blog

How to move a bed when moving: Expert tips from interstate movers

Written by Chris Cornish | 26 September, 2024

Moving house is a pretty big task, especially when it comes to large furniture items like beds. If you're wondering how to move a bed efficiently and safely, you've come to the right place.

As experienced interstate movers, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this challenge with ease. We also have the complete moving house packing guide to assist you in the task of packing up for the big move.

Why knowing how to move a bed matters

Understanding how to move a bed properly is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Prevent damage to your bed and other furniture
  2. Avoid personal injury during the moving process
  3. Ensure efficient use of space in your moving truck
  4. Save time and reduce stress on moving day
  5. Allow you to focus on the many other aspects of moving

Step-by-step guide: How to move a bed

1. Gather your tools and packing needs

  • You may need Allen keys and a set of screwdrivers
  • A set of sockets and handle or spanners
  • Mattress bag and bubble wrap
  • A roll of packing tape
  • A trolley or carrying straps
  • An able-bodied assistant or two

2. Prepare your bed

Before you start moving your bed, follow these preparatory steps:

  • Strip the bed of all linens, pillows, and mattress toppers
  • Pack these in a waterproof bag (after washing)
  • Clean the mattress and bed frame using a vacuum cleaner to avoid transferring dust or other contaminants to your new home
  • Disassemble the bed frame if possible (keep all hardware in a labelled bag)
  • Attach hardware to bed frame if possible to avoid getting parts mixed up with other frames
  • For adjustable beds, you need to take extra care protecting the motors and moving parts of the lift mechanisms
  • Ensure that your adjustable bed is in its flat and level mode
  • For beds with storage drawers separate the drawers and wrap them with bubble wrap separately
  • Wrap your bed frame in bubble wrap, shrink wrap or moving blankets

3. Protect your mattress

Properly protecting your mattress is essential:

  • Use a mattress bag or plastic wrap to keep it clean and dry
  • Secure the covering with tape, ensuring all edges are sealed
  • Isolate it from any potential source of moisture

4. Moving the mattress

When it comes to actually moving the mattress:

  • Use a dolly or hand trolley if available
  • If carrying by hand, have at least two people – one on each end
  • Keep the mattress upright to manoeuvre through doorways more easily
  • Stack mattress upright in truck to save cubic space
  • Mattresses are excellent when used as buffers for larger furniture to stop movement in transit

5. Transporting the bed frame

For the bed frame:

  • Wrap disassembled parts in moving blankets or bubble wrap
  • Label each piece clearly to make reassembly easier
  • Stack frame pieces vertically in the moving truck to save space

Beware of difficult angles, tight stairs, and narrow doorways 

It’s worthwhile having a careful look at your pathways through the house firstly, so that you don’t get into difficulty getting jammed in a tight space. Awareness of tight spots helps you prepare beforehand so that the move happens more easily. Stairs, tight doorways and right angles or sharper turns are all difficult pinch points that may need extra hands to help negotiate. 

Tips from professional interstate movers

As experienced interstate movers, we've learned a few tricks of the trade:

  1. Plan ahead: Measure doorways and stairwells to ensure your bed will fit through
  2. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury keeping your back straight and lifting using your leg strength
  3. Consider hiring professionals for large or heavy beds and other furniture, especially for long-distance moves
  4. If moving interstate, check out our moving house checklist

Consider reducing waste

Moving doesn't have to be wasteful. Think about using eco-friendly packing, and donating or recycling old bed components you no longer have a need for. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces the number of items you need to have transported thereby saving you money. 

Consider the convenience of having your entire household furniture walking out the door without you lifting a finger. That's what reliable quality interstate movers can do for you from packing, loading and transporting to unloading, reassembly, and unpacking.

Reassembling your bed in your new home

Once you've arrived at your destination:

  1. Clean the area where the bed will be placed
  2. Reassemble the bed frame, referring to your labelled parts
  3. Place the mattress on the frame
  4. Allow the mattress to air out before making the bed
  5. Arrange for the packing to be handed on to others in need, for their moving project

To sum up

By following these guidelines, you'll master how to move a bed like a pro. Whether you're tackling the move yourself or enlisting the help of interstate movers, these tips will ensure your bed arrives at your new home safely and ready for a good night's sleep which you will probably be very thankful for.

Remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to professional interstate movers. We're here to help make your move as seamless and smooth as possible, from bed to bedside table and everything in between and beyond.

Happy Moving!