Will Your Mattress Fit?
Bringing a new mattress home is an exciting journey, but getting it upstairs can often be challenging. Join us as we share our expert guidance on how to move a mattress smoothly and safely, so you can enjoy that sweet moment of sleeping in your luxurious new bed as soon as possible.
Bringing a new mattress into your home is a moment of quiet anticipation, the promise of elevated comfort, improved sleep, and a beautifully refreshed bedroom. Yet before you can enjoy that first luxurious night’s rest, there’s a practical consideration to address: how to move your mattress safely and smoothly through your home.
From selecting the right size to navigating staircases and architectural quirks, this guide offers expert insight into getting your mattress upstairs with care and confidence, ensuring both your home and your mattress remain in pristine condition.
Before purchasing a new mattress, visualise the space
Envisioning how your chosen mattress and bed frame fit into the desired space can be a challenge. However, before making your selection, it’s essential to consider how your chosen mattress and bed frame will fit within your bedroom, and how they’ll get there.
One of the most effective ways to plan your space is to mark out the dimensions of your mattress and bed frame using masking tape. This allows you to see exactly how much floor space they’ll occupy and how much room will remain for movement and furniture placement.
Ensure there is ample room to move freely around either side of the bed, as well as enough space for any existing or new furniture pieces, such as charming bedside tables and elegant wardrobes. Consider the space needed to open wardrobe doors or access under-bed storage, particularly if you’re opting for a divan or ottoman frame. These practical details will also help when moving a mattress upstairs and into position with ease.
For further guidance on selecting the right mattress and sizing for your needs, explore our expert mattress sizing guide.
What to know before moving your new mattress
Beyond the proportions of your bedroom, it’s important to consider the journey your mattress will take from the front door to the bed frame.
The weight of a mattress can vary significantly, from approximately 35kg for a standard UK single bed to 75kg for a super king size. This crucial detail will help you determine how to carry a mattress safely and whether you can manage the task alone or if you’ll need a helping hand. By following our expert guidance, you can confidently learn how to move a mattress to its perfect position without damage.
Measure the route
Take time to measure the narrowest and lowest points along the way, including doorways, hallways, staircases, and ceiling clearances. Pay particular attention to stairwells with turns or bannisters, as these often present the greatest challenge.
Begin by checking the dimensions of the door frame in comparison to those of your chosen mattress. If the doorway is higher than the width of the mattress, it should fit through with relative ease. As a guide, the height of a standard door in the UK is approximately 200cm, while a standard UK king-size mattress is 150cm wide.
How to get a mattress upstairs
Once your mattress has arrived, the next step is to move it into place. This can be particularly challenging in period properties or homes with narrow staircases and low ceilings.
We recommend enlisting the help of at least one other person. Sharing the load not only makes the process more manageable but also ensures the mattress can be guided safely around corners and through tight spaces.
Before you begin, measure the ceiling height above the stairs, especially at the lowest point. This is not always a vertical measurement from the stair tread, but rather the distance from the lowest point of the ceiling above the stairs, measured at a right angle to the incline. With careful planning and a considered approach, you can carry your mattress upstairs without difficulty or damage.
Top tip: How to carry a mattress safely
If you’re unsure about how to carry a mattress, treat it as you would any heavy object. Begin by bending your knees, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs. Avoid twisting or bending your torso and carry the mattress at a low level to maintain control. Never attempt to lift it above shoulder height, as this can compromise both safety and stability.
If your mattress doesn’t have built-in handles, consider using a lifting harness or soft rope system to create temporary grips. This distributes weight more evenly and allows for greater control, particularly when navigating stairs or narrow corridors.
Can a mattress be folded or bent to fit?
When faced with a tight corner or narrow stairwell, it may be tempting to fold or bend your mattress. However, this is strongly discouraged. Mattresses are carefully constructed to provide balanced support and comfort. Compressing or distorting them can damage internal components such as pocket springs, foam layers, or natural fillings, ultimately compromising their structure and longevity.
Rather than forcing a mattress into a space it wasn’t designed to navigate, it’s far better to plan and use refined manoeuvring techniques that preserve both the mattress and your home.
How to protect your mattress when moving house
When relocating, it’s essential to protect your mattress during the move. Use a high-quality mattress bag or protective cover to shield it from dust, moisture, and accidental scuffs. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the mattress during transport, and ensure it is secured upright in the moving vehicle to prevent sagging or warping.
When unloading, follow the same careful lifting techniques as you would during a home delivery. Take your time, clear the route in advance, and avoid dragging the mattress across floors or door thresholds.
For long-term care advice, our mattress care guide offers expert tips on maintaining comfort and extending the life of your mattress.
Navigating tight spaces: Expert techniques
Staircases often present the most complex challenge when moving a mattress. In tight stairwells, it may be necessary to raise the mattress into a vertical position to pivot around corners. If space allows, gently lifting the mattress over a bannister can offer a smoother route, but only if the bannister is secure and the drop is safe.
Always move slowly and communicate clearly with your helper to ensure a smooth ascent. If considering the best way to move a mattress by yourself, use sliders or a protective blanket to glide it across floors, and take frequent breaks to avoid strain. However, for larger mattress sizes such as king, super king, or emperor, assistance is strongly recommended.
Use our recycling service to dispose of your old mattress
With your new mattress safely moved to its perfect position, you may need to dispose of your old one. We offer a fast, convenient, and environmentally responsible recycling service to all Feather & Black customers. For a small fee, we will collect your old bed or mattress from any room in your home when we deliver your new one. Each mattress is carefully disassembled, with every component responsibly repurposed or recycled.
Explore Feather & Black’s luxury mattress collection
With your route mapped out and your home prepared, you’re ready to welcome a new level of comfort into your life. Feather & Black’s collection of luxury mattresses is crafted to fit standard UK bed sizes, offering exquisite materials, considered design, and unparalleled support.