How To Move A Bed To Your New House
With moving day fast approaching, it's essential to start planning and preparing everything in advance, including how you’ll move and pack your bed. As one of the largest and most awkward items to move, careful planning is key.
Moving your bed and mattress may seem daunting, and it’s something many people might want to put off until the last minute. However, with proper preparation and a clear plan, it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you're not getting assistance from a removal company, you’ll need to learn how to dismantle your bed and pack it up securely.
To help you with this task, Omni Removals has created the ultimate step-by-step guide on how to move and pack your bed in four simple steps. This guide will cover everything from how to pack your mattress to how to dismantle and pack your bed frame efficiently.
What to Know Before Moving the Bed
Before you begin moving your bed, the first step is to determine its size. King-size beds are often easier to move than queen-size beds because the box springs in king-size beds are typically divided into two parts, making them more manageable. Additionally, the mattress may be split, which further aids in manoeuvring. On the other hand, queen-size mattresses are usually one large piece, making them trickier to handle, especially in tight spaces. Knowing the size of your bed will help you plan the best way to pack and transport it.
If you're moving the bed without the aid of a removal company, you may need:
Mattress bags
Bubble wrap and strong tape
A screwdriver or wrench
Moving straps
Plastic bags to keep the bed's nuts and bolts
A Rented dolly
An appropriately sized van
How to Move a Bed in 4 Steps
Moving a bed without the help of a removal company doesn't have to be difficult. Follow these 4 simple steps to avoid any damage to your bed frame and the dismantled parts:
1. Packing The Mattress
To start moving your bed, the first task is to pack away your bedding. Be sure to handle your mattress with care, as it can easily get damaged during the move. To protect it, wrap your mattress in a protective cover. This will prevent any damage from other items surrounding it.
Most removal companies offer a mattress protector as part of their packing service, but you can also do this yourself using items you already have at home. If you don't have a mattress protector, simply use old bedsheets or tablecloths and secure them with tape. For added protection, consider wrapping it in plastic sheeting as well. A great tip when moving is to use a fitted sheet on both sides of the mattress as a first layer to keep it secure.
Avoid bending the mattress to fit it into a protective cover, as this could damage the springs and distort its shape. Keeping a moving checklist will help ensure you stay on track and follow a structured plan for your move.
2. Dismantling The Bed Frame
Most removal companies offer a furniture dismantling service, including for beds, but if you’re looking to keep costs down, you can dismantle the bed yourself. When requesting removal quotes, it's worth checking the cost for this service so you can plan your move accordingly. If you still have the original instructions for your bed, follow them to ensure proper dismantling.
To dismantle your bed, start by unscrewing the legs, footboard, and headboard. Place all the screws, nuts, and bolts into a plastic bag, and securely attach it to the bed to avoid losing them. To make the reassembly process smoother, use tape to attach the bag of screws to the corresponding leg or part of the bed.
Taking the time to do this will help reduce any moving stress and make reassembling your bed easier and more efficient. Additionally, consider taking pictures of how each part fits together—this will make the reassembly process much simpler once you’re in your new home.
3. Packing The Bed
Once you've dismantled the bed frame, make sure to keep track of where each part and screw goes, and attach them securely to the bed in the removal van. This will make the task of reassembling your bed much easier once you reach your new home.
Next, carefully pack each dismantled part. Start by wrapping each item in old sheets or protective covers for basic protection. To further safeguard the bed parts, use bubble wrap and extra protective covers.
If your bed is wooden, avoid wrapping the parts directly in bubble wrap, as it could potentially damage the surface of the wood. Instead, first cover the wooden parts with protective sheets before using bubble wrap. Once packed, be sure to label the boxes with the contents so that unpacking will be a smooth and organized process.
4. Moving The Bed
Your bed will be much easier to move once it’s been dismantled and properly packed. However, there may be situations where moving the bed out of the room or down the stairs could pose a challenge. If you anticipate that it might be tricky, it's important to give the removal company plenty of notice. They are trained professionals and have the experience needed to handle awkward items like beds.
To ensure a smooth moving process, prepare by giving the removal company easy access to the bed and its parts on moving day. Decluttering beforehand will help you stay organised and make the moving process more efficient. If you aren’t using a packing service, and it's safe to do so, consider carefully moving the bed parts one by one down the stairs to streamline the process.
Be sure to label the wooden parts of your bed clearly so the removal company knows not to stack anything on top that could potentially damage it.
For additional tips on how to move heavy furniture, check out: The Do's and Don'ts of Moving Heavy Furniture.
How to Move an Ottoman Bed
Ottoman beds provide significantly more storage space compared to traditional beds, which can make the moving process a bit different. When preparing for your move, it’s important to remember to declutter and empty your ottoman bed so that it’s ready to be moved. Since ottoman beds come in various styles and base types, it’s crucial to research and inspect the frame before you start dismantling it.
To begin dismantling an ottoman bed, start by removing the slats. Once the slats are detached, you can proceed to remove the hinges and other components. Taking these steps will ensure the bed is properly disassembled, making the move smoother and easier.
Can Removal Companies Move Beds?
Most reputable removal companies have experience moving large and awkward items, such as beds, with ease. While hiring a moving company may come at a higher cost, it ensures a much more efficient and safe moving process. They have the correct equipment to protect your items during transit, and their vans are the appropriate size to prevent any damage to your bed.
At Omni Removals, all partners undergo a strict verification process before joining our network. This ensures that they have the necessary insurance and experience to handle difficult items, such as beds and other large pieces of furniture, with care and professionalism.
