Moving can be a stressful situation and the mattress is often one of the hardest items to transport, especially if the only vehicle you have is a car. But how can you move your memory foam mattress without needing a truck or van?
Thankfully, you can use a do-it-yourself technique to effectively fold your memory foam mattress in half and get it into your car while still providing adequate protection for this valuable item. All you need is a ruler, tape measure, and some strong straps to secure it before loading up your car with all of your other valuables!
How to fold memory foam mattress?
Materials You’ll Need
Mattress Bag
Finding the right plastic bag to store your memory foam mattress can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort for peace of mind. Most stores and storage facilities will likely have plastic mattress bags in stock, however it’s important to pay attention to detail when choosing one. Aim for a heavy-duty plastic bag that is both recyclable and sealable for superior security.
Additionally, take careful note of size; the plastic mattress bag should fit the standard size of your memory foam mattress exactly. If you’re unable to find a sealable bag, some duct tape can be an effective alternative for creating an airtight seal.
Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps are the unsung heroes of moving day, providing invaluable support for securing large items like mattresses during a move. Made from resilient nylon, these tie-down fasteners ensure that your bed stays put – so you can rest easy knowing all your precious cargo is exactly where it needs to be!
Securing your mattress is a breeze with ratchet straps! These flexible, cost-effective ties can help keep your rolled up mattress tight and tidy – just fasten three along each end and the middle to ensure everything stays in place while on the move. Inexpensive but invaluable— you’ll be set for less than twenty bucks.
Tape
Reinforcing memory foam mattresses using plastic bags can prevent major damage during the moving process. However, you want to make sure packaging is secure enough to keep the mattress rolled and compressed while not sacrificing the durability of the bag itself. For this reason, duct tape and packing tape are two popular options.
When using either to reinforce your plastic bag, stickiness is a major factor; if it’s too sticky, you run the risk of tearing apart the mattress bag when bundled with other items or unpacked once at its destination. Finding a balance between strong bond and low stickiness will give your memory foam mattress an effective layer of protection without sacrificing the safety of its packaging.
Vacuum Bag
Maximize the power of your vacuum! Invest in a smaller, more affordable bag that provides just the valve— you won’t be using any other part. When selecting this item, make sure to double check its compatibility with your current hose; otherwise all attempts at compression will be futile.
Steps to Deflate Your Memory Foam Mattress
Remove Bedding
Get your mattress ready for storage by removing all bedding except the cover that came with it. This will make packing up easier and help you roll your mattress into a neat, compact bundle.
Slip Inside Bag
Make sure your mattress bag is the perfect size for a snug fit, or you’ll risk having to untangle and manage excess plastic when packing away other valuable items. As an added bonus, slipping a bare memory foam mattress inside of its protective plastic bag keeps it safe from unexpected spills and dust.
Seal It
Secure the valve in its perfect place – like a cork ready to uncork! Push it through an opening cut into the mattress bag, then wrap up those edges with tape for extra strength. Finally, make sure your work is airtight by taping down any gaps around that valuable valve. And voilà – you’re all set and ready to compress!
Vacuum
Compressing your mattress is easy with a vacuum or shop vac. Before you start, make sure to put your mattress in the right size plastic mattress bag. This will help you to make sure that no debris clogs the hose while your vacuum is on and creates a tight seal. It is also important to place mattress pads between your vacuum and the plastic mattress bag in order to prevent damage.
Once the plastic mattress bag is attached to the valve, turn on the vacuum and watch as your bed quickly compresses into a convenient size for storage or transportation. As it compresses, gently press down on the surface of your mattress as you vacuum so that it flattens evenly and all creases are removed. There’s no need to worry – simply following these steps guarantees a successful result!
Roll It
Rolling up a mattress in plastic or a vacuum-packed bag can be a challenge, especially with larger mattresses. It’s important to keep the mattress horizontal, and if it’s bigger than full size you may need an extra pair of hands. Having the right size mattress bag and the right vacuum power are both key elements to making sure your mattress is properly baffled and able to fit in its compressed form.
Don’t forget to slip any mattress pads into the plastic mattress bag before rolling it up or they won’t fit when done! Taking these precautions will ensure that there won’t be any air pockets left in the plastic mattress bag while rolling your mattress, affecting the overall quality and compressibility of your sleep.
Secure It
Secure your rolled up mattress and make sure it stays firmly together with the use of ratchet straps. Further reinforce these ties by adding a layer of strength from duct tape — choose an option that is powerful yet surprisingly easy to remove!
Extra Tips
- Avoid potential damage to your mattress during transportation by making sure it is laid horizontally after you roll it up.
- To ensure your mattress is securely rolled up for transport, why not reinforce it by wrapping some duct tape around the roll? Adding a few layers of extra protection can go a long way!
- Whatever size mattress you need, the DIY method has got it covered! From twin to California king – all bases are accounted for. Take control of your sleeping experience and try out this easy do-it-yourself approach today.
What If Compression Isn’t For Me?
Transporting a mattress is no easy feat! If you’re looking for ways to make this bulky process simpler, consider investing in a heavy-duty mattress bag with handles. Not only will it spare the hassle of compressing your bedding but come labelled as “perfect for moving”, so you know exactly where and how to use it. Take the stress out of transporting your sleeping arrangements – grab yourself one today!
What About Other Types of Mattresses?
Have you been pondering if there’s an alternative way to shrink your mattress? There is, but it depends on what type of bedding – all-foam such as polyfoam or latex mattresses can be compressed with ease. But for innerspring and hybrid beds the answer appears to be a bit more complex due to their inner coils – squishing might cause irreparable damage!
Can you fold a memory foam mattress?
Solid memory foam bed offer an ideal solution for those who need to move their mattress occasionally due to its convenience – it can be compressed and tightly rolled, making transport effortless.
When should I replace my memory foam mattress?
Has the age of your mattress caused you to be mo’ tired? After 7-10 years, those beds start showing their wear and tear. It’s time for a restful upgrade – say goodbye to that saggy mattress and get ready for sweet dreams.
Can an innerspring mattress be rolled up?
If you’re looking for a mattress that can be compressed and rolled up, steer clear of innerspring beds or traditional mattresses—they won’t stand the compression! For easy transportation and storage, however, we recommend considering mattresses without springs.
How do you shrink a memory foam mattress?
Need to move your mattress quickly and easily? Vacuum seal it in a specially designed mattress bag with an attached valve – perfect for packing away any size of bedding. Get ready to speed up the process of shifting homes.
Research Method
Our quest to craft a beautiful and believable piece of writing was arduous, consuming over seventeen hours that included extensive research alongside the reading of multiple reviews and articles.
Conclusion
Moving a mattress has never been simpler with this DIY guide. Perfect for solid memory foam or latex mattresses, you’ll be ready to go in no time! Hybrid owners should take extra care — contact the manufacturer before folding up your bed and make sure proper handling instructions are followed to avoid damage. At last, all that’s left is packing up your compressed mattress into the vehicle: easy-peasy!
Read more: How to keep split king mattresses together the easy way