A Bed Moves in Three Pieces
A bed is a frame, a mattress, and (sometimes) a box spring. Each moves differently. Here's the breakdown.
Disassemble the Frame
Unscrew the frame's bolts. A queen frame breaks into the headboard, footboard, two side rails, and the slats. Bag every bolt and label the bag "bed frame." A frame carried assembled won't fit the door.
Bag the Hardware
Every screw, bolt, and slat goes in one zip-top bag, taped to the headboard. A bag of bed hardware lost on moving day means a bed that can't be reassembled.
The Mattress On-End
A mattress moves on its long edge, in a plastic mattress bag. On-end it fits a van and stays rigid; flat it sags and the springs damage. Two people carry it — a mattress is floppy and heavy.
The Box Spring
A box spring moves flat or on-end. Check the corners — a torn corner snags. A box spring from a smoker's home holds smell; consider replacing it.
The Slats
Wooden slats bundle with a strap. Keep them together — a missing slat means a sagging mattress.
Load the Bed Last
The bed is reassembled first at the new place. Load it last on the truck (near the tail) so it comes off first. A bed reassembled on move day means you sleep that night.
Protect the Mattress
A plastic mattress bag ($10) keeps it clean in the van and protects from the van's walls. A stained mattress is a ruined mattress.
Ready to get your weekend back?
Skip the heavy lifting. Book local moving help by the hour in NYC today.