How to Move a King-Size Bed

Moving a king-size bed is like trying to fit a giraffe into a compact car—it's awkward, it's heavy, and there's a 50/50 chance you'll get stuck.

Maybe that’s a little dramatic. But moving a king-size bed isn't exactly a walk-in-the-park experience.

You've got a massive mattress that weighs 100 to 150 pounds, a heavy bed frame, and a box spring.

No wonder you’re sweating bullets just thinking about how to move a king-size bed safely!

Now, you’re probably wondering: "How do I get this beast out of my house without scratching up the walls, losing the screws, or damaging the mattress?"

Don't worry; we’ve got you covered.

Moving a king-size bed might sound like a nightmare, but if you break it down and follow the right steps, it’s actually a piece of cake.

Step 1: Assess the Bed and Your Space

First, you have to look at your bed and your surroundings.

Why?

Because you need to know if your king-size bed is even going to fit through the door.

Imagine you've spent hours packing and preparing everything, and then you try to get the bed through the front door… and it doesn't fit. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

Here's what you need to do:

• Measure Your Doorways and Hallways: You want to make sure the bed, or at least the frame, can get through. Double-check the height and width of the doors and hallways.
• Take a Quick Inventory of Your Bed: Is it just the mattress? Or is it a full king-size bed frame with a box spring? If it’s the whole setup, you’ll have more work ahead of you. 

Quick Tip:If your bed is older or you're moving into a smaller space, it might be worth considering relocating the king-size bed frame or just getting a new one. If your bed's been through a lot of years, it may not survive the move, and you'll just end up frustrated.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Imagine trying to carry a 200-pound mattress without the right tools. It’s like trying to bake a cake with no flour.

So, here’s what you’ll need to grab:

• Mattress Bags: Get one that’s large enough for your king-size mattress. This will keep it safe from dirt and dust during the move.
• Furniture Pads or Blankets are lifesavers when it comes to protecting your bed frame and mattress from scratches or scuffs.
• Moving Straps or Ropes help keep everything in place during the move and ensure that nothing slips out of your hands.
• A Dolly or Hand Truck: This is going to save your back. You can use it to move the heavy mattress and bed frame with ease.

Pro Tip:You can also grab a pair of furniture sliders to make the whole process smoother, especially if you're moving the frame across hardwood floors or carpets.

Step 3: Time to Disassemble

Now, if you want to make your life easier, you should disassemble the bed frame.

It'll save you so much time and stress. Plus, it's a lot easier to move the pieces than to carry a bulky frame as-is.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Take off the Mattress and Box Spring: Lay them flat somewhere safe and out of the way. Use your mattress bag to wrap up the mattress and keep it protected.
2. Unscrew the Bed Frame: Use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove the screws holding the bed frame together. Keep them organized in a bag so you don’t lose anything.
3. Remove the Headboard and Footboard: These might need a little extra help from a friend or family member, but once they’re off, you’re golden.

Fun Fact:Did you know that moving a king-size mattress can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds? So you definitely want to disassemble it if you can.

Step 4: Wrapping It Up

Once you’ve disassembled the bed, it’s time to wrap everything up and keep it safe for the journey.

If you’re thinking about just throwing the mattress in the back of the truck and calling it a day, think again.

Here's how to do it right:

1. Wrap the Mattress: Get that mattress bag on there as soon as possible. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can even throw a layer of plastic around it to prevent any moisture or dirt from getting in.
2. Wrap the Frame: Use furniture pads or moving blankets to wrap each part of the bed frame. You can tape them down or secure them with ropes.
3. Use Straps for Extra Security: Once everything is wrapped up, use your ratchet straps to tie it all down. You don’t want your bed frame bouncing around in the truck.

Step 5: Moving Day

Moving a king-size bed can be tricky, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be cruising along.

Moving the Mattress:

• If it’s a memory foam mattress, it’s a little more flexible, but don’t bend it too much! Memory foam mattresses can get damaged if you fold them, so make sure you keep them flat. If it's an innerspring mattress, be extra careful—those coils don't like being bent at all.

Moving the Frame:

• Use the dolly or hand truck for the bed frame. Don’t try to carry it yourself unless you have a spotter. Moving large furniture is always easier with a buddy.

Pro Tip:The essential tools needed to move a king-size bed are mostly about making the heavy lifting easier. Don't skip the dolly, the straps, or the furniture pads!

Step 6: Reassembling and Setting Up

Once you've moved into your new place and unpacked your king-size bed, it's time to put everything back together.

1. Start with the Bed Frame: Reassemble it piece by piece. Make sure everything is screwed in tightly.
2. Place the Mattress: Put the mattress on top of the frame. Let it sit for a few hours to let it “breathe” before you sleep on it (especially if it’s been rolled up for the move).
3. Tidy Up: Fluff your pillows, throw on your fresh sheets, and enjoy your bed in its new home.

Bonus Tips to Keep in Mind

• Preparation is Key: Moving a king-size bed without damaging it is all about preparation. You want to wrap it, protect it, and avoid bending or folding it.
• Don’t Overestimate Your Strength: If your bed is super heavy and you don’t have a moving crew, consider hiring movers. They’ve got the right tools, the muscle, and the expertise to handle the job.
• Use a Mattress Cover: Best practices for transporting a king-size mattress include using a mattress cover and keeping it upright during transport. This helps protect it from dirt, dust, and any potential moisture.
• Disassemble Before You Move: The bed frame will be a lot easier to move if you break it down. Not only will it save you space, but you’ll also prevent damage to the frame.
• Avoid Tight Corners and Small Spaces: When moving, make sure you have plenty of space to maneuver. Trying to fit a massive king-size bed through a narrow hallway or around tight corners can cause scratches on your walls or even damage to the bed.
• Use Furniture Sliders for Smooth Moves: If you are moving large bed components, you really need to use furniture sliders. They make it so much easier to glide heavy pieces across the floor.

Recommended Resources

• How Many Boxes Do You Need for Moving?

• Moving Timeline: Your Week-By-Week Moving Checklist

• Common Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving

• Moving Truck Sizes – How to Choose the Right One