--- title: How to Pack a Mattress for a Move: Covers and Bags url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack and move a mattress # How to pack and move a mattress A mattress travels in a plastic cover or a telescoping mattress box and is carried flat or on its long edge, never folded. Pick the cover size by the bed size, from twin up to king, and tape the seams before it goes on the truck. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A mattress is large but light, which makes it easy to damage by dragging. The bag keeps out dirt and moisture, the carry keeps the springs from bending and the right sequence keeps the cover from tearing. A new or clean mattress deserves the same care as a used one. ## Cover it before it moves Slide the mattress into a mattress bag or a full-size plastic cover and seal the opening with tape. A box-style mattress carton, a telescoping cardboard sleeve, does the same job and adds rigidity. Sizes matter. A twin, full, queen, king and California king each have a matching bag, so check the label on the mattress and match the cover. Your estimator can note the bed sizes in the written estimate. - Strip the bed and wash the bedding. - Lift the mattress and slide it into the bag. - Squeeze out extra air and tape the opening shut. - Tape the seam again around the middle for handles. - Label the cover with the room and the word mattress. ## Carry it flat or on its side Never fold a mattress. Folding bends the springs in an innerspring bed and cracks the foam in a memory-foam bed, and the damage does not come back out. Two people can carry a queen or king on its long edge, one at each end. Heavy mattresses often need a third pair of hands or a mover who has the right straps. ## Box springs, frames and headboards Box springs go in their own cover or box, and bed frames come apart with a screwdriver or a wrench. Put every bolt in a labeled bag taped to the headboard. For the frame, see [how to take apart a bed frame for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/). Wrap headboards and rails in moving pads so the finish does not scuff. ## Bed bugs and storage A sealed mattress cover helps keep a mattress clean in storage and in transit. The U.S. EPA explains how bed bugs spread and what to check for, and a covered mattress is one simple precaution when a bed goes into a vault or a new home. For a stored mattress, set it on a pallet or flat on the vault floor, covered, and leave it dry. See [how vault storage works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/full-service-storage/vault-storage/). ## On the truck and at delivery Mattresses ride on top of or against a wall of furniture, never under a heavy piece. At delivery, remove the bag in the room where the bed goes, then check the corners and the label. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [U.S. EPA, Bed Bugs](https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to take apart a bed frame for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/) - [Vault storage: how 7 x 7 x 5 ft wooden vaults work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/full-service-storage/vault-storage/) - [Moving boxes and packing supplies at our Sparks counter](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack a kitchen](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-kitchen/) - [How to pack a garage and tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-garage/) - [How to pack a bathroom](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-bathroom/) - [How to pack a home office and electronics](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-home-office/) - [How to pack a closet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-closet/) - [How to pack kids' rooms](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-kids-rooms/) - [How to pack patio and outdoor furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-patio-furniture/) - [What to do with food and the pantry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-pantry/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can I move a mattress without a bag? You can, but the bag keeps dirt and moisture off the sleeping surface. Ask your estimator which cover suits your bed size. ### Can I stand a mattress on its side? Yes, on its long edge, supported along the wall of the truck. Avoid standing it for a long time, because some foam and pillow-top layers sag. ### Do I need a separate cover for the box spring? Yes. It travels the same way as the mattress and gets its own cover. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070