How to Ship Mattresses and Bed Frames

Moving to a new home but only need to transport your bedroom furniture? Shipping a mattress and bed frame separately from a full household move is more common than you might think—and it's often more cost-effective than you'd expect. Whether you're furnishing a college dorm, relocating for a temporary job, or downsizing to a smaller space, understanding how to ship these bulky items safely can save you time, money, and stress.

Why Ship a Mattress and Bed Frame Instead of Buying New?

Before diving into the logistics, let's address the obvious question: why ship at all?

Quality mattresses are expensive. A good mattress can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 or more. If you've invested in a quality sleep system that still has years of life left, replacing it doesn't make financial sense.

Your bed frame may have sentimental value. Perhaps it's a family heirloom, a custom piece, or simply something you love that perfectly fits your style.

Environmental considerations matter. Shipping your existing furniture is more sustainable than buying new and contributing to landfill waste.

You're making a small move. If you're only relocating a bedroom's worth of items, professional furniture shipping services can handle just a few pieces efficiently.

Understanding the Challenges of Shipping Mattresses and Bed Frames

Mattresses and bed frames present unique shipping challenges that make them different from other furniture pieces:

Mattresses:

• Size and awkwardness – Even twin mattresses are bulky and difficult to maneuver
• Susceptibility to damage – Mattresses can tear, stain, or become compressed during transit
• Hygiene concerns – Proper protection is essential to keep your mattress clean
• Shipping restrictions – Some carriers have specific rules about mattress shipments

Bed Frames:

• Disassembly requirements – Most frames need to be taken apart for shipping
• Multiple components – Headboards, footboards, side rails, and slats all need individual protection
• Weight distribution – Metal frames ship differently than wooden ones
• Hardware management – Small screws and bolts can easily get lost

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Your Mattress

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your Mattress

Before shipping, thoroughly vacuum your mattress and spot-clean any stains. Allow it to air out and dry completely—shipping a damp mattress can lead to mold growth during transit.

Step 2: Get the Right Protective Materials

You'll need:

• A mattress bag or heavy-duty plastic sheeting (6-mil thickness minimum)
• Packing tape (heavy-duty)
• Cardboard corner protectors
• Moving blankets or furniture pads

Pro tip: Mattress bags designed for moving are available at most home improvement stores and are worth the $10-20 investment for proper protection.

Step 3: Wrap Your Mattress Properly

1. Slide the mattress into the mattress bag or wrap it completely in plastic sheeting
2. Seal all openings with packing tape—no gaps should remain
3. Add cardboard corner protectors to prevent punctures
4. Wrap moving blankets around the entire mattress for cushioning
5. Secure everything with tape or stretch wrap

The goal is creating multiple layers of protection. Similar to packing and shipping other valuable items, the more protection you add, the better your mattress will travel.

Step 4: Consider Mattress Size for Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are based on size and weight. Here's what to expect:

• Twin/Twin XL: 38-39" x 75-80", 45-60 lbs
• Full/Double: 54" x 75", 60-80 lbs
• Queen: 60" x 80", 80-110 lbs
• King: 76" x 80", 110-140 lbs
• California King: 72" x 84", 110-140 lbs

Larger mattresses will naturally cost more to ship, but the cost difference between a queen and king is usually modest with professional shipping services.

How to Ship Your Bed Frame Safely

Step 1: Disassemble the Frame

Take photos before you start disassembling—these will be invaluable when reassembling at your destination.

Remove:

• Headboard from the frame
• Footboard from the frame
• Side rails
• Support slats or box spring support
• Any decorative elements

Step 2: Organize and Label Hardware

Place all screws, bolts, and hardware in a labeled plastic bag. Tape this bag securely to one of the main frame pieces (preferably the headboard) so it doesn't get separated during shipping. Consider taking this tip from our guide on how to pack and ship furniture—label everything clearly with its location and purpose.

Step 3: Wrap Individual Components

For wooden frames:

• Wrap each piece in moving blankets or furniture pads
• Pay extra attention to corners and decorative details
• Use bubble wrap for any carved or ornate sections
• Secure with packing tape or stretch wrap

For metal frames:

• Wrap sharp corners and edges with bubble wrap
• Bundle long rails together with padding between them
• Protect any decorative metal elements from scratching

Step 4: Consider Crating for Valuable Frames

If you have an antique or high-value bed frame (like an heirloom sleigh bed or custom piece), consider professional crating. A custom wooden crate provides maximum protection during shipping. Learn more about crate shipping options and when they make sense for your valuable furniture.

Shipping Options: Which Method is Right for You?

Professional Furniture Shipping Services

For most people, using a professional furniture shipping service is the best option. These companies specialize in handling bulky items and typically offer:

• Door-to-door service – Pickup from your current location and delivery to your new address
• Professional packing – Many services include or offer packing assistance
• Insurance options – Protection for your valuable items during transit
• Tracking – Know where your items are throughout the journey
• Expertise – They've shipped thousands of mattresses and bed frames

Cost: Typically $200-600 depending on distance and whether you choose white glove service

Freight Shipping

For long-distance moves, freight shipping on a pallet can be economical:

• Requires you to do all packing and crating
• Usually requires you to drop off at a terminal and pick up at destination
• Best for people comfortable with DIY packing
• Can save money on very long distances

Cost: Generally $150-400, but doesn't include convenience services

Rental Truck Partial Space

Some moving truck rental companies allow you to rent partial space:

• You load your items into a shared truck
• Company handles transportation
• You must pack everything yourself
• Usually cheaper for short distances

Cost: $100-300 for regional moves

Special Considerations for Different Mattress Types

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam can be compressed and rolled for shipping, significantly reducing size and cost. However, only do this if:

• The manufacturer states the mattress can be re-compressed
• You have a proper compression bag and tools
• You're comfortable with the process

Many memory foam mattresses lose their warranty if improperly compressed.

Pillow-Top and Euro-Top Mattresses

These require extra padding on top to prevent crushing during shipping. Never place anything heavy on top of a pillow-top mattress during transport.

Adjustable Bases

Adjustable bed bases have electrical components that need special attention:

• Disconnect and wrap all cords separately
• Protect the motor housing with extra padding
• Keep the remote control with the hardware bag
• Document settings with photos before disassembly

Bed Frames That Require Extra Care

Platform Beds with Storage

Remove all drawers and ship them separately. Wrap drawer fronts carefully to prevent scratching or denting.

Four-Poster and Canopy Beds

The posts are the most vulnerable part. Consider shipping them in cardboard tubes (like carpet tubes) for extra protection, or bundle them together with extensive padding between each post.

Antique Bed Frames

For irreplaceable antiques, invest in professional packing or custom crating. The cost of proper protection is minimal compared to the cost of restoration or replacement.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Ship a Mattress and Bed Frame?

Local/Regional (under 500 miles): 3-7 daysCross-country (500-2,500 miles): 7-14 days
Coast-to-coast: 10-21 days

These timelines assume you're using a consolidated freight or professional furniture shipping service. Dedicated truck transport is faster but more expensive.

Keep in mind that your items may sit in a warehouse briefly during transit, especially with less expensive consolidated shipping options. This is normal and expected—your items are being grouped with others heading in the same direction to keep costs down.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Here's a realistic cost breakdown for shipping a queen mattress and bed frame from New York to California:

DIY Packing + Freight Shipping: $250-400

• Mattress bag and supplies: $30-50
• Freight shipping on pallet: $220-350

Professional Small Move Service: $400-700

• Includes pickup, professional packing, transport, and delivery
• Basic insurance included
• Door-to-door service

White Glove Service: $700-1,200

• Everything in professional service PLUS
• Unpacking and debris removal
• Assembly at destination
• Room placement
• Premium insurance

For most people, the mid-tier professional service offers the best balance of cost and convenience. You can learn more about typical pricing in our guide on small move costs and pricing.

Insurance and Protection: Don't Skip This Step

Standard carrier liability typically covers only $0.60 per pound—meaning a 100-pound mattress has just $60 of coverage. For valuable mattresses or antique bed frames, this is nowhere near adequate.

Consider purchasing:

• Declared value coverage – You declare the item's value and pay a premium for coverage up to that amount
• Full replacement value protection – Covers the cost to replace the item new (most expensive but most comprehensive)
• Third-party insurance – Sometimes cheaper than carrier-provided options

For a $2,000 mattress set, expect to pay $30-100 for adequate insurance depending on the distance and coverage type.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not measuring doorways and hallways at the destination. A king mattress that fit in your old place might not navigate the stairs in your new apartment. Measure everything before shipping.

Forgetting about elevator or stair fees. Many shipping services charge extra for stairs or elevator buildings. Confirm these details when getting quotes.

Inadequate wrapping. One thin layer of plastic is not enough. Multiple layers of protection are essential.

Shipping a mattress that's past its prime. If your mattress is over 8-10 years old or shows significant wear, calculate whether shipping costs exceed replacement costs.

Not removing bedding. Ship your mattress without sheets, mattress protectors, or toppers. Pack these items separately.

Forgetting to check apartment building rules. Some buildings have specific delivery windows or requirements. Confirm these before scheduling delivery.

Alternatives to Shipping: When It Might Not Make Sense

Shipping isn't always the best option. Consider alternatives if:

• Your mattress is more than 7-8 years old – Most mattresses should be replaced at this point anyway
• Shipping costs exceed 50% of replacement value – Sometimes buying new makes more sense
• You're moving to a furnished situation temporarily – Storage might be cheaper than shipping
• The frame is particle board or low-quality materials – These don't ship well and often arrive damaged

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Ready to ship your mattress and bed frame? Here's what to do:

1. Measure everything – Length, width, and height of all components
2. Take photos – Document the current condition for insurance purposes
3. Get multiple quotes – Compare services and pricing
4. Ask about insurance options – Don't rely on standard carrier liability
5. Confirm delivery requirements – Ensure someone can be present to accept delivery

At ShipSmart, we specialize in small moves like bedroom furniture. Our furniture shipping services handle everything from single items to entire rooms, with flexible options to fit your budget and timeline. We understand that your bed is one of your most important possessions—we'll treat it with the care it deserves.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a mattress and bed frame doesn't have to be complicated. With proper preparation, adequate protection, and the right shipping partner, your bedroom furniture will arrive safely at your new home. The key is taking your time with packing, choosing a reputable shipper, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage.

Whether you're handling a cross-country move or just need to send furniture to a nearby city, professional shipping services take the stress out of transporting bulky, valuable items. Get a quote today and sleep easy knowing your bed is in good hands.