The Mattress in the Car: Transporting It Safely

There are times when relocation is simple. Sometimes, you need to drive with a mattress in the trunk. It's important to know the proper and incorrect methods for moving a mattress in a vehicle. If done correctly, this method of transporting a mattress from one location to another is actually quite effective. If you mess up, your bed, your car, or both could be ruined. And worst of all, you might end up causing an accident. It should come as no surprise, then, that it is well worth your time to learn about how to safely transport a mattress in a car, so that you can avoid any of the common problems that could arise.

An expensive mattress is a significant chunk of furniture. You'll need a strategy for moving equipment transportation whether you're driving or renting a truck. The following is a detailed guide on how to transport a mattress in a car without damaging it. More advice on how to transport a mattress is available on this page.

1. The last thing you want is an accident caused by trying to transport your mattress in a car that is too small for it.

   If you need to transport a mattress in a vehicle, a pick-up truck is your best bet. A pick-up truck can be rented from any truck rental company if you don't own one and don't want to hire a large moving truck. It's also possible that a cargo van or minivan would be suitable for transporting your mattress, though this would necessitate a separate trip. An SUV of decent size (large or moderate) should be able to accommodate you and your air mattress. Small air mattresses can fit in sedans and coups. Don't even think about attempting to move a mattress in a vehicle that isn't big enough. If you don't have a vehicle large enough for the trip, you can either borrow one from a friend or family member or look into renting a van.

2. It's not difficult to fit a mattress into a car, but you will need a few things.

   To prevent your mattress from getting dirty while in transit, you should invest in a mattress bag. Use plastic wrap and packing tape in place of a mattress bag if you must. You could also use packing tape to secure some old sheets (that you don't mind getting dirty) around the mattress.

   Think about the equipment you'll need to transport the mattress to the vehicle. A furniture dolly or moving straps are necessities if you plan to move your heavy furniture without help.

   Intent on relocating the bed to the roof of the vehicle You'll also need some sturdy rope made of nylon or polyester. You'll need enough to encircle the mattress twice, once along its length and once across its width, with some extra to tie it all together. Buy more rope than you think you'll need, and tell the salesperson why you need it so they can help you choose the right kind of rope.

   Keep in mind that the thickness of your rope needs to be just right to securely hold your mattress atop your car without making it too difficult to tie down. Choose a ratcheting strap with a buckle instead of a trucker's knot if you're not confident in your knot-tying skills.

   If your car doesn't have a side rail or crossbars the mattress can rest on, you may want to bring a large towel or blanket to lay down in the space.

3. Prepare to relocate your mattress by securing 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. Sleeping on a mattress with air bubbles could cause leaks or tears if the plastic were to be punctured during transport.

4. Mattresses can be cumbersome to move, but if your car is big enough, you should definitely give it a try. Keep in mind that you might have to lower (or eliminate) some of the seats to get it in there.

   Place your mattress flat and avoid folding it at any time. By doing so, you'll be helping the bed's shape and inner springs stay intact, ensuring that it's ready for use once you reassemble it. You should also be careful not to obstruct your own or another driver's line of sight with the mattress. You can stack boxes and other items on top of your bed, but don't go crazy. Nothing too heavy, and nothing with sharp edges, should be placed atop it.

5. Next to making sure your mattress fits on top of your car, placement is the most crucial consideration. Maintaining a centered mattress is essential. This will help immensely with stability, and it will also eliminate any potential blind spots caused by overhanging vegetation. It may be necessary to secure your mattress in multiple places, or to rent a larger vehicle, if overhang is present. It's not only dangerous to drive with excessive overhang, but it's also against the law in the majority of states.

   Find the most appropriate spot for your mattress, and then set about securing it. While rails of some description are preferable, you won't be completely screwed if you don't have any. To anchor your vehicle, simply toss a length of rope or your ratchet straps under the vehicle. In at least two spots across the length of your vehicle, do the same. We recommend securing the ropes through all but the driver's side window.

Driving Safely with a Mattress on Your Car's Roof

In the interest of everyone's safety on the road, please consider the following advice.

Pre-trip test drives are highly recommended. 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.

Stay off the main road. It's best to take it easy when you have a mattress on the roof of your car. Use secondary roads whenever possible, even if doing so lengthens your route. As reported by AAA, between 2011 and 2014, road debris was responsible for over 500 deaths and 39,000 injuries. Of those fatalities, 37% were the result of vehicles swerving to avoid the debris. Your mattress is much less likely to fly around and cause an accident if you're traveling slowly and on a less crowded road.

Lie down and inspect your bed. The rope or straps holding your mattress in place may become undone as you travel due to wind or other environmental factors. Make sure your mattress is still in place at regular intervals while you're driving.

Can't bring myself to move a mattress in a car. Instead, it's best to hire expert moving services. To locate reliable local movers, use our no-cost online database.