As an expert in moving and relocation, helping clients stick within their budget while moving a bed is a common task. Moving a bed, encompassing the mattress, box spring, and frame can without doubt seem like an expensive and intricate undertaking. However, rest assured there are economical ways to do so easily whether you’re moving across town or across the country.
Assessing Your Moving Needs
Before jumping into your move, it’s important to evaluate exactly what you’ll be moving and how to do effectively it:
What are you moving?
Do you need to transport your mattress, box spring and/or bed frame? The size and the weight factor is crucial in planning your move. You might also need to consider whether the bed frame will need disassembling before moving. Here’s a guide to help you pack your bed for moving in five easy steps.
How far are you moving?
The distance of your move will significantly impact your options. Local moves often have different considerations than long-distance ones. Interesting fact: The cost for local moves ranges from $400 to $1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment, while long-distance moves can cost between $700 to $3,000 for the same size apartment.
Other factors to consider:
For some individuals, professional help may be necessary for tasks such as heavy lifting. Weather conditions on your moving day should also play into your planning phase. For instance, a downpour could interfere both with efforts to keep items dry and safe but also affect road safety for driving a large, full van.
The Cheapest Ways to Move a Bed
1. DIY Moving: The Ultimate Cost-Saver
Renting a truck from companies such as U-Haul or Budget can be incredibly cost-effective initially. Costs can rise though when considering that fuel for long-distance trips and added extras can up the end price. Renting a truck can be the cheapest way to move a bed, offering complete control over your schedule. If you own or can borrow a pickup truck, it can be a particularly cost-effective option.
Tips for DIY Moving:
- Secure both mattress and bed frame with straps during transport.
- Protect all items with padding such as blankets, or plastic wrap.
- Memory foam mattresses can be folded for easier handling but avoid doing this with spring mattresses.
Here is a comparison table for local and long-distance truck rentals (rates may vary):
| Company | Local Moves | Long-Distance Moves |
| U-Haul | $19.95+ mileage and fees | $39.95+ mileage and fees |
| Budget | $19.99+ mileage and fees | $29.99+ mileage and fees |
2. Ask Friends or Family for Help
Coordinating a move with help from friends or family can be fun for everyone involved, especially when trucks or SUVs are available. A small incentive like snacks or drinks can turn what might feel like work into a social event. If you need assistance in moving heavy items, consider using local moving services like Lugg.
3. Labor-Only Moving Services
Opting for labor-only movers can be cheaper than hiring full-service movers as you only pay for the manual labor, not transportation. These services are significantly cost-effective, handling only the heavy lifting.
| Region | Cost per hour |
| West Coast | $60 – $80 |
| Midwest | $45 – $65 |
| East Coast | $70 – $90 |
4. Container Shipment Services
For storage units that will also transport to your destination, consider PODS or U-Pack services. They’re typically more economical for long distances but also serve as storage during a move.
Cost-Saving Tip:
Sharing the container with someone offering a similar service enables splitting of costs.
5. Local Movers for Short Distances
Local movers can offer affordable options for short moves involving large-item relocating such as beds. If you need help with this, companies like Lugg can provide assistance. Local movers typically charge by the hour, which can be advantageous for short distances.
Mattress-Specific Moving Tips
Packaging and Protection on a Budget
Mattress bags can usually be procured for $5-$10 at most hardware or moving stores. Alternatives include using plastic wrap, blankets, or furniture pads to keep the mattress clean and dry.
Handling the Mattress During the Move:
- When compact transport is needed, fold memory foam mattresses (but avoid folding spring mattresses).
- To move the mattress in tight staircases or doorways, it’s best to do it upright.
How to Move a Bed Frame Affordably
- Disassemble the Bed Frame: Use basic tools such as a screwdriver and wrench to take the frame apart and label parts for easy reassembling. Keep screws and smaller components in a labeled ziplock bag for safekeeping.
- Protect Components: For preventing scratches, wrap frame parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets, or tape them together for compact transport.
- Efficient Packing in the Moving Truck: Parts need to be tied securely together to avoid shifting during transport. Take advantage of any unused space by filling it with lightweight items such as pillows or bedding.
Best Options for Long-Distance Moves
- DIY Truck Rental: Rent a truck from companies like U-Haul to maintain cost-efficiency and control. However, fuel expenses along with planning the route carefully are vital aspects of this option.
- Container Services for Interstate Moves: PODS or U-Pack are often chosen due to being more economical than traditional movers. A perk is utilizing extra container space for other belongings to maximize value of the service.
- Optimize Your Move: Make sure to measure those doorways, hallways in your old and new place plus review the path between in order not to backtrack or cause unnecessary delays on moving day. For lower rates, do consider moving during non-peak times such as mid month or weekdays.
Cost-Saving Hacks and Creative Solutions
Flexibility Saves Money: It’s a known fact that avoiding peak moving seasons like summer and weekends will save you money. Planning your move during less busy days will enable you to negotiate better deals.
Bundle Items to Save Space: For saving space, pack lightweight items like bedding, pillows, or clothing around the mattress or frame. Memory foam mattresses that are foldable offer extra storage opportunities.
Compare Quotes & Shop Around: Call not just one but several truck rental companies, container services, and movers for quotes to make sure you’re getting the best price. Look also for discounts, promos, or loyalty programs for added savings.
Borrow Instead of Buying: Borrow tools from friends or family such as screwdrivers, straps, or dollies for moving. Old blankets, towels, or rugs can serve as padding instead of buying bubble wrap.
Additional Considerations: When You Should Spend More
If you own a special type of bed like an adjustable or canopy model it could be better in the long run to hire professional movers. For extreme distances or moving in bad weather, consider getting insurance for rented trucks or containers to avoid any unforeseen issues. If you’re short on time or lack muscle, the expense of hiring labor-only movers will save you headache and potentially backache too! Companies like GoShare can provide assistance for such scenarios.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you’re doing it yourself for short distances and opting for cost-effective services like PODS for long hauls — what is deemed as the cheapest way to move a bed largely depends on factors such as your available resources and distance you’re moving. With time spent in planning, adequate packing, a handful of inexpensive tools – you’re on a journey of successfully moving your bed without cashing out your savings and in return gaining priceless wisdom albeit stressful.
Pro Tip: The key to reducing stress is to start your planning early so there is ample time to compare prices between companies, get help where necessary from family or friends and secure any necessary rentals or supplies.