How to Ship a Mattress:
A Guide to Carriers, Costs, and Packaging

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While mattresses have never been easier to purchase online and ship directly to your home, there are various reasons why you may need to package and ship a mattress on your own. Whether you’re sending a mattress to a family member or moving cross-country, it’s helpful to know the costs and logistics if you’re intent on shipping rather than replacing your mattress.

Shipping a mattress is a considerable investment, with prices starting at around $300 and often costing much more. The final price will depend on variables such as shipping distance and mattress size. Should you decide to ship your mattress, it’s important to prepare it carefully to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged during the shipping process.

Shipping costs vary depending on factors such as mattress weight, destination, and shipping method. Standard shipping rates range anywhere from 50 cents to $3 per mile.

Shipping Options

Standard Shipping

For standard shipping, a courier will pick up the mattress and transport it. However, you will be responsible for packing the mattress and unpacking it at your destination.

White Glove Shipping

With White Glove shipping, the courier will typically pack the mattress, ship it, and unpack it at your destination.

Shipping Costs

The final shipping cost for your mattress depends on a variety of factors.

• Mattress Size and Weight: Some couriers charge a flat rate, while others consider the dimensions and weight of your mattress in calculating the final shipping costs.
• Destination: If you pick a courier that charges by the mile, the shipping distance will greatly affect the final cost of shipment.
• Shipping Method: Expedited shipping costs considerably more than standard shipping. You can also expect to pay more for additional services, such as White Glove shipping.
• Courier: In addition to FedEx and UPS, there are a number of other companies that offer mattress shipping services, such as TSI Shipping, UShip, GoShip, and Freight Pros.
• Additional Items: Bed frames, mattress foundations, and other accessories will increase your shipping cost.

Before shipping your mattress, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly packaged to prevent any damage during shipment.

Packaging a Mattress

While some couriers offer services that include packaging your mattress, others may leave the packing up to you. If that’s the case, follow these steps to prepare and protect your bed for shipping.

1. Strip all bedding from the mattress, as these items should be shipped separately. Wrap any larger bed accessories such as bed frames and headboards in bubble wrap and ship them separately as well.
2. Measure the mattress length, width, and height using a tape measure. You may need this information if you purchase a mattress box.
3. Wrap the mattress securely in heavy-duty plastic or a protective mattress bag. Press the air out of the bag to reduce air pockets, which can rupture during transport. Seal the bag securely with packing tape.
4. Pack the mattress in a cardboard mattress box. If there’s room to spare, fill it with packing materials for some added protection. Make sure that the mattress fits entirely into the box without any corners or edges protruding, then seal the box thoroughly with packing tape.

Shipping a Mattress

In addition to packaging, you’ll want to follow these steps to find a courier and arrange your mattress delivery.

1. Shop around for couriers that can deliver your mattress in a time frame and budget that suits you. You can get quotes online, over the phone, or in person. Popular couriers include UPS, FedEx, DHL, and UShip.
2. Schedule a date for mattress pickup at your home. Be sure to clear a path to carry the mattress to the pickup vehicle. You may also drop it off at the courier’s facility. In this case, be sure you have a proper vehicle to transport the mattress.
3. Pack up the mattress to prepare it for shipping as described in the previous section.

About The Author

David Rubin

Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing

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David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.

• POSITION: Side Sleeper
• TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
• CHRONOTYPE: Lion

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