At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
Due to their size and weight, mattresses are extremely expensive and complicated to ship. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be done, however. With the right preparation and planning, mattress shipping doesn’t have to be a difficult process. This guide is designed to help you learn how to ship a mattress.
How much does it cost to ship a mattress?
Mattress shipping costs vary depending on how large and heavy your particular brand is. You can expect to pay between $300 and $750 to ship your mattress within the continental United States.
In addition to the actual shipping costs, there are a few other things you’ll need to pay for when shipping your mattress:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, moving blankets, etc.)
- Gas (if you’re driving your mattress to the shipping facility)
- Shipping insurance (optional)
Is it worth it to ship a mattress?
It really depends on which way you’re shipping the mattress. If it’s not too heavy, and you don’t have to go very far (within your state), then perhaps driving is a good option for you.
However, if there are any concerns about damage or theft during transit, or if the weight of your mattress requires specialized equipment like an over-sized truck – than yes! It will be worth it to ship your mattress with professional movers.
Once you do your research and determine the exact cost of shipping your mattress, you’ll need to ask yourself a few key questions when deciding whether or not it’s worth it in your specific situation.
How old is my mattress? – Remember that the average lifespan of a mattress is approximately ten years, depending on which brand you buy. Cheap mattresses like AmazonBasics and Mainstays will wear out quicker, while premium brands like TempurPedic will last longer. If you’ve had your mattress for several years already, it may not be worth it to spend hundreds of dollars on a shipping company. If this applies to you, we recommend throwing out your old mattress. Buying a new mattress after you move will be more cost-effective in the long run.
How heavy is my mattress? – If it’s too heavy or bulky, then mattress shipping might be worth it just for convenience sake alone! There may also be restrictions on what vehicles can transport certain sized mattresses though (check with your carrier).
How much did the mattress cost? – If you spent less than $200 on your mattress, it might not be worth paying the high cost of shipping a mattress. If you have an expensive luxury brand like Eight Sleep, then keeping your current mattress and paying the shipping quote may be worth it. Remember to think about what it would cost to replace your old mattress with a new bed compared to shipping it.
Would a new mattress be better for you? – If you think that a new mattress would make your sleep experience better, then maybe it’s worth investing in one. The best mattresses in the world are available at an affordable price and come with free shipping as well as a sleep trial.
Step-by-Step Mattress Shipping Guide
1. Get shipping quotes from different companies
The first step is to gather quotes from different shipping companies. Once you have an accurate quote, you’ll be able to determine whether it makes sense to ship your mattress or whether you’d be better served by going mattress shopping to get a new one.
You’ll need the following information handy when getting your shipping quote:
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Mattress size (length, width, and height)
- Mattress weight
- Pickup or drop-off date
- Delivery date
Instead of relying on online guides that list the dimensions of all standard mattress sizes, we recommend using a tape measure at home to get a more precise measurement. Even though all mattress sizes are standard (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, and California King), it doesn’t hurt to make sure.
We also recommend looking on the manufacturer’s website to determine the exact weight of your mattress. Memory foam mattresses are usually the lightest mattress type. Hybrids, innerspring mattresses, and latex mattresses are typically much heavier.
Remember that if you’re shipping your bed frame or box spring, you’ll have to account for the additional size and weight so that you get an accurate quote.
Make sure that you get a free quote from each shipping company. The following companies will ship your mattress safely:
- FedEx
- UPS
- TSI Shipping
- Freight Pros
- UShip
- GoShip
Once you decide which shipping company you’re going to go with, make sure that you ask them about any requirements on your end for the shipping process. For example, they may require you to put your mattress in a cardboard box and others may box it up for you.
2. Properly package your mattress
The first step is to remove bedding from your mattress. If you’re shipping bed frames, make sure to take it apart and store all of the small parts together in a plastic bag, if possible.
Before you place your mattress and box spring in a box, make sure you protect it with a mattress cover, mattress encasement, shrink wrap, or bubble wrap. Once your mattress is properly protected, you can place it in the cardboard box. Make sure that you fill up any open space with packing foam or packing peanuts for added protection.
Tape up the box and make sure that you secure any flaps and corners so shipping your mattress is as easy as possible for the moving company.
3. Schedule a pickup or drop-off
If you’re dropping your mattress off at a shipping service provider, make sure you use extreme caution when transporting it to the drop-off location. It’s important that the mattress lay flat in your vehicle so it doesn’t tip over and cause damage.
If you’ve arranged for curbside pickup, you’ll need to ensure that you’re home at the scheduled time. Make sure that there’s a clear path in your home so that the movers can safely transport your mattress from your bedroom to the moving truck.
Other ways to transport a mattress
If you decide that it’s not worth spending the money to ship mattresses, there are other alternatives.
You can rent a van or moving truck to ship a mattress on your own. This is a great option if you’re moving box springs, bedroom furniture, or other furniture alongside your mattress. The downside to this is that you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting, but it’s significantly cheaper than most other shipping options.
There are two main ways that people typically choose to properly package their mattresses: in a box or using a moving blanket inside another container such as a bed frame, dresser drawer, etc. The best method may depend on several factors including the shipping distance, weight, dimensions, and size of your mattress.
You can also use a shipping pod. This is a little-known service, but it’s very convenient if you aren’t interested in driving a moving truck to your destination. You place your mattress, box spring, and any other items that you’re transporting into the pod and leave it in your driveway or in front of your house. You’ll have to arrange a time for pickup, and most companies will ship it all the way to the front door of your new home.
Of course, the final option is to dispose of your old mattress and buy a new one when you arrive at your new destination. We recommend reading our guide to the best mattresses before making your decision. Online mattress companies have been lowering their prices in recent years, and many of them offer free shipping as well as a trial period so you can test it out without commitment. If it’s not the perfect mattress for you and it doesn’t help you sleep soundly, then you can return it free of charge.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helped you learn the details about how to ship a mattress. It might seem like a daunting task, but if you follow the simple steps we listed above then shipping a mattress won’t be any more difficult than shipping any other types of furniture.
Related product reviews:
He's been involved in the mattress industry for almost a decade and is dedicated to using his expertise to help you choose the right mattress.
Robert's main goal is to give you straightforward info on what works - and what doesn't - so you can spend less time stressing about sleep and more time living your life (that's what we're all here for, right?).
- Best Labor Day mattress sales (full list and holiday buying guide) - August 30, 2025
- 4th of July mattress sales (full deal list and holiday shopping guide) - July 3, 2025
- Memorial Day mattress sales 2025 (all brands) - May 23, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?