Whether you are planning to transport or simply want to store your mattress, there’s no denying it can sometimes be a difficult thing to figure out. Mattresses are bulky and awkwardly shaped, making it incredibly difficult to transport or store them, so what is the best way to do it? Can you actually fold a mattress?
To fold a mattress, first, ensure it’s a type that can be safely folded, like a foam mattress. Remove all bedding and place the mattress on a flat surface. Fold it in half lengthwise, then secure the fold using heavy-duty straps to maintain its shape. Avoid bending spring mattresses as they can get damaged.
The key to folding a mattress is to do it gently and gradually. Start from one end of the mattress and slowly fold it towards the other end. If you feel any resistance or hear any cracking sounds, stop immediately as this could indicate the mattress is not meant to be folded. Once you have the mattress folded, it’s important to handle it carefully. The straps should be tight enough to keep the mattress folded but not so tight as to damage the foam. When transporting a folded mattress, keep it in its folded position for as short a time as possible to prevent any lasting damage or deformity. Once you reach your destination, remove the straps and allow the mattress to unfold and regain its original shape before using it again.
Best Way to Fold a Mattress
Now, folding a mattress can make moving quite easy for you. It makes it into a smaller, more compact object. You can use the straps you’ll wrap it in to carry it, or you can transport the mattress on a dolly. Either way, folding it will make things so much easier for you.
It’s also possible to keep your mattress cleaner when you use the method below. When you move your mattress, as soon as it’s out of the house, it’s at risk of getting dirty. Cleaning a mattress is almost as difficult as transporting one. So, you’ll want to avoid getting it dirty as much as possible.
You will need the following:
- Ratchet straps (tie-down straps) or rope
- Mattress bag or plastic sheet
- A friend or family member (optional)
Follow this step by step process:
- Place the mattress into the mattress bag. This is where it’ll be better to have someone to help you, although it is possible to do it without help.
- Fold the mattress in half. Again, this would be easier with help, but not impossible to do alone as long as you have something to keep the mattress folded.
- Tie the mattress closed. Use the ratchet straps if you are trying to do this by yourself. Simply slide the straps under the mattress and tighten them. These AUGO Ratchet Straps are perfect for the job.
- If you decide to use rope, using a taut-line hitch knot will do the trick. This is a great knot to use because the tension of the mattress will keep the rope tight. Check out the video below to learn how to make this knot:
- Seal off the mattress bag. You’ll want to make sure that the ends of the bag are tucked in, and the gap between the top and bottom of the mattress is as small as it can be. This will make it easier to transport. You can also seal it off by taping everything shut with packing tape.
Check out the link below for a video on how to move a mattress. This video gives you two options for folding and transporting a mattress. Both of them are beneficial options.
Can or Should You Fold a Memory Foam Mattress?
This can get confusing sometimes. Some (like those in the video above) state that folding a memory foam mattress is fine. They also stated that you could keep your memory foam mattress folded for a long time without damaging the foam.
However, some claim that using ropes or ratchet straps for too long on a memory foam mattress will damage them. This is because the memory foam isn’t as stable as a spring mattress system is.
The best thing to consider is that if you have to fold your memory foam mattress, don’t do it for long periods of time. It’s also recommended that you check out the warranty for your mattress just in case. You can use the same steps as the ones listed above to fold your mattress in half.
Other Options to Transport or Store
There are some who might be wondering if you can vacuum seal your memory foam mattress. This isn’t a good idea. While they typically do arrive this way, it’s not wise to attempt a vacuum seal on your mattress at home.
These mattresses are vacuum sealed using packing machinery that is designed to seal memory foam mattresses without causing damage to the foam. If you still want to try vacuum sealing the mattress, definitely check with your mattress warranty.
You will need the following:
- Mattress bag – make sure that you get the proper size bag. If the bag is too big, it’ll make things a little hard. Not impossible, just harder.
- Ratchet straps
- Vacuum – you’ll want to make sure that the hose attachment on the vacuum matches with the opening on the vacuum bag.
- Vacuum bag – you’re only really going to use the hose attachment part of this.
- Duct trap
Follow this step by step process:
- Put the mattress into the bag.
- Seal the bag using duct tape.
- Remove the valve from the vacuum bag and draw an outline of it on the mattress bag.
- Cut out the outline, making sure not to make it too big.
- Place the valve through the hole cutout and duct tape it in place to prevent air leakage.
- Attach the vacuum hose to the valve and suck out the air.
- Using the ratchet straps, begin rolling up the mattress.
That’s all it takes to compress your memory foam mattress. There are also sealable bags that you can purchase, such as this Storage Logic Vacuum Seal Mattress Bag.
Is It Possible for You to Fold a Spring Mattress?
It’s definitely possible to fold a spring mattress. However, it isn’t always recommended. They will be a little bit harder to fold by yourself because they will naturally want to spring back to a flat position.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 6, 2020.
The biggest problem with folding a spring mattress is that it can damage the spring coils inside and the border rod. On many (especially older) mattresses, there is a metal rod called a border rod that runs the borders of the mattress. This is meant to help the mattress keep its shape.
When this border rod is bent, there’s a chance it can’t go back to its original shape. This could potentially affect the warranty as well.
Other Options to Transport or Store
The best way to transport your spring mattress if you choose not to fold it is to use a covered moving van or vehicle. It’s not recommended that you strap the mattress to the roof of your vehicle. This is because of the risk it poses to other drivers, as well as the damage it could cause to the mattress itself.
Once your mattress is placed in a mattress bag, it’s safe to store it in a storage unit as well. When storing your mattress, you want to make sure you lay it flat. If stored on its side, as many might suggest, it could damage the mattress due to the strain the upright position causes the coils.
Should You Try Folding a Casper Mattress?
Folding your Casper mattress is the recommended method for moving these mattresses, as stated on the company’s frequently asked questions page. The company recommends you wrap it in plastic and tie it down temporarily with bungee cords during your move.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 6, 2020.
Other Options to Transport or Store
While the company of Casper mattresses recommends that you fold your mattress to transport it, you can also vacuum seal and roll your Casper mattress to fit it into a small vehicle. Casper insists the mattress won’t go back into the box it came in, though.
Is It Okay to Fold a Mattress Topper?
Folding a mattress topper isn’t recommended due to its thin construction. If you fold it, it’ll crease, and those are hard to get out. The best thing to do to move a mattress topper is to roll it up and move it that way.
Other Options to Transport or Store
You can store a mattress topper in a plastic bag. Make sure the location is temperature-controlled. Toppers are more susceptible to growing mold and other bacteria if stored in a humid climate.
Final Thoughts
Moving a mattress is hard work, especially by yourself. It doesn’t matter what kind of mattress it is. Their size and bulk make them difficult to transport. However, folding a mattress is possible and will make the move so much easier for you.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 6, 2020.
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