A Mattress's Travel Instructions for the Automobile

Relocating can be simple at times. Sometimes, you need to drive with a mattress in the trunk. There's a proper and improper way to drive around with a mattress. When executed properly, this method of mattress transport is actually quite effective. There is a risk that you could tear up your mattress or scratch your car if you try to do this the wrong way. What's worse, you might actually end up causing an incident. It should come as no surprise, then, that it is well worth your time to read up on how to safely transport a mattress in a car, so that you can avoid the usual problems that might occur.

Mattresses are costly investments and substantial pieces of furniture. Planning ahead for the transportation of your belongings is essential, whether you're driving or renting a truck for your move. Here, we'll go over everything you need to know about how to transport a mattress in a car without damaging it. Extra mattress-related relocation advice is available on this page.

1. Make sure your vehicle is large enough to accommodate your mattress without having to resort to using a rope or securing the mattress to the roof.

   Mattresses are bulky and difficult to fit into most passenger cars, making a pick-up truck the vehicle of choice for transport. Most truck rental agencies will let you rent a pick-up truck if you don't own one and don't need or want to rent a large moving truck. It's possible that a cargo van or minivan will do the trick, though you'll have to plan an extra trip just for the mattress if it's too big. In terms of transporting your air mattress, a large or medium-sized sport utility vehicle should be adequate. Cars like sedans and coups can fit a twin-sized mattress. Avoid damaging your vehicle or yourself by attempting to move a mattress in a vehicle that is too small. Borrow a car from a friend or family member whose vehicle is larger than yours, or look into renting a van.

2. Not a lot of equipment is required to drive around with a mattress, but there is some.

   An initial necessity is a mattress bag to keep the bed clean and dry while on the road. You can use plastic wrap and packing tape in place of a mattress bag. To prevent the sheets from shifting, you can use packing tape to encase the mattress in old sheets you don't mind getting dirty.

   Think about what you'll need to get your mattress from your house to your car. Use a furniture dolly and moving straps if you're moving on your own, or if you just feel like you might need the help.

   I am preparing to transport the mattress on top of the vehicle. You will also require some sturdy rope made of nylon or polyester. Acquire enough to encircle the mattress lengthwise and girdle it in the middle, with some extra to tie it all together. Always get more rope than you think you'll need, and tell the salesperson what you intend to use it for so they can help you choose the right kind of rope.

   It's important to remember that the thickness of your rope needs to be just right so that your mattress doesn't move around on top of the car, but not so thick that you can't tie it. If you're not confident in your knot-tying abilities, a ratcheting strap with a buckle will hold your gear securely without the need for a trucker's knot.

   If your vehicle lacks a side rail or crossbars, a large towel or blanket can be placed between the mattress and the car's roof.

3. Prepare your mattress for transport by placing it in a mattress bag, plastic wrap, or old sheets. Make sure there are no air pockets if you're using a mattress bag or plastic. Your mattress could be damaged if any air bubbles in the plastic were to be punctured during transport.

4. It's your call whether or not the mattress goes in the car if it fits. Keep in mind that you might need to lower (or eliminate) some of the seats to accommodate it.

   Always put your mattress flat and avoid folding it. If you do this, your bed's shape and inner springs are more likely to remain intact, allowing you to use it normally once it's reassembled. Mattress placement should be considered so that it doesn't obstruct your or another driver's line of sight. To a reasonable extent, you may stack boxes or other items atop your mattress. You shouldn't put anything too heavy on top of it, and you should also keep sharp objects away from it.

5. After determining whether or not your mattress will fit on top of your car, the next most crucial consideration is where you will put it. Your mattress should be at the center of the room. As a bonus to helping you keep your bearings, this will also keep you safe by eliminating potential blind spots caused by overhanging vegetation. Overhang is a pain to deal with, but if you can't avoid it, you'll need to take extra precautions to keep your mattress safe in transit, or you can always rent a larger vehicle. Obstructive overhang is not only illegal in most states but also a safety hazard on the road.

   After you've decided where to put your mattress, you should start securing it there. Rails of some kind are preferable, but they are not required. Just sling some rope or ratchet straps under your car and secure it in place. Similarly, in at least two locations across the length of your vehicle, do the same. Fasten these ropes through the vehicle's windows, excluding the driver's side.

Suggestions for Secure Mattress Transportation in Your Vehicle

Take these precautions while driving to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

You should take a test drive before setting out on your journey. Put the mattress to the test by driving around the block with it slung over the top of your car. If you feel any movement, stop the vehicle and readjust the straps or ropes.

If you can, stay off the highway. The safer it is to drive with a mattress on the roof of your car if you do so at a slower speed. Don't take the direct route if you can help it, even if it'll lengthen your trip. According to AAA, there were 39,000 injuries and over 500 deaths due to road debris between 2011 and 2014. Of those fatalities, 37% occurred as a result of a vehicle swerving to avoid the debris. It's much more likely that your mattress will remain in place and not cause any accidents if you're going slowly and on an empty road.

Awaken and inspect your bed. As you travel, the rope or straps holding your mattress in place may become undone due to wind or other environmental factors. Be sure your mattress is still in place at regular intervals while you're driving.

Sorry, but I just can't bring myself to move a mattress in my car. Instead of doing it yourself, hire movers. We encourage you to take advantage of our free moving company directory to locate reliable movers in your area.