The Best Way to Ship a Mattress

Update

In 2010, both UPS and FedEx raised their ground shipping rates by 4.9 percent. Considering shipping and packaging costs, it may be in your best economic interest to replace your mattress instead of shipping it. Shipping the foundation with the mattress will close to double the shipping cost.

Shipping a mattress is relativity expensive.

Things You Will Need

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  • Measuring tape
  • Mattress carton
  • Packing tape

If your mattress is new or uncommonly valuable, or if you are shipping the mattress to a location where shipping rates are unusually low, shipping your mattress may make sense.

  • Measure your mattress and estimate its weight. In general, twin mattresses weigh about 60lbs, double mattresses weigh about 90lbs, queen mattresses weigh about 105lbs and king mattresses weigh about 125lbs (mattress foundations and/or box springs weigh between 50-75lbs.)

  • Visit an online shipping rate comparison website (see Resources). You will be asked to enter the zip code you are shipping the mattress to, the zip code you are shipping the mattress from, and the approximate dimensions and weight of your mattress.

  • Decide whether or not to insure your mattress. If it is valuable enough to warrant the cost of shipping, the shipping company will recommend insurance.

  • Pack your mattress in an appropriate mattress carton (memory foam and extra-thick mattresses require special mattress cartons). Mattress cartons are available for purchase online or from any moving company.

  • Mark the mattress "Lay Flat — Memory Foam" if it is a memory foam mattress. If a memory foam mattress is stored in an upright position for more than several minutes, the layers will begin to separate.

  • Arrange for the shipper to pick up your mattress if you cannot transport it to the shipping counter on your own.

    • Warning

    Make sure to consider the cost of purchasing a mattress box as you weigh the pros and cons of shipping your mattress.

    The box springs and foundation of your mattress may cost more to ship than the mattress itself.

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