Wondering whether to ship your mattress or start fresh with a new one?
With shipping costs ranging from $200 to $1,000, it’s not an easy decision.
Our comprehensive guide explains how to ship a mattress, outlines the costs, explores money-saving techniques, and helps you determine whether it’s worth the investment.
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
If you’re moving, it’s often more cost effective to sell, donate, or throw out your old mattress than ship it.
Memory foam mattresses can be vacuum-sealed and rolled, while spring mattresses require freight shipping.
Proper mattress packing requires vacuum bags, bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing peanuts.
Professional packing services through UPS or FedEx offer complete preparation solutions.
Is shipping a mattress worth it?
Mattresses are heavy and bulky, which often results in high shipping costs, sometimes approaching the value of the mattress itself.
Before you look into various shipping options, consider whether it makes financial sense to ship it in the first place. Ask yourself the following:
How old is the mattress?
Is your mattress expensive or particularly comfortable?
Could you buy a similar new mattress for close to the shipping cost ($200–$700)?
Are you shipping other furniture?
How far does it need to go?
A quality mattress can last around 7–10 years, so even if it’s an expensive model, it may not be worth shipping if it’s old.
Compare shipping expenses to your mattress’s original purchase price and current value. A $2,000 mattress that’s only a year old justifies a $600 shipping cost, but the same can’t be said for an 8-year-old $800 mattress with sagging areas and protruding springs.
Your shipping method matters, too. Standard shipping can be a viable option if you can roll the mattress up and the box doesn’t exceed the maximum size limit.
PRO TIP: Freight shipping is an excellent option if you’re shipping multiple mattresses or other furniture. Consolidating shipments significantly reduces the per-item costs.
As for distance, the fewer shipping zones you cross, the cheaper the shipping.
There are a few practical factors to consider beyond the cost alone. You’ll have to spend a couple of hours packing and transporting the mattress to the facility or paying extra for these services.
Alternative options
If traditional or freight shipping isn’t possible, you have a few alternatives to getting your mattress to your new destination:
- Professional moving services.
If you’re moving, a professional moving service can take care of all your belongings, mattress included. An average local move costs around $1,250, whereas a 1,000-mile move costs $4,890. - Moving truck rental.
A moving truck rental costs around $60 before additional costs like fuel and insurance. It’s a laborious but cost-effective way to transport all of your belongings, including the mattress. - Moving pod.
Transporting and storing your stuff for a month from NYC to L.A. with PODS costs around $3,000–$4,500. It’s a decent option if you need additional flexibility and want to save some money compared to moving services. - LTL shipping.
If you’re shipping multiple mattresses or a few large items, LTL shipping is a relatively cost-effective solution. - Peer-to-peer (P2P) shipping.
This is like Uber but for shipping. GoShare, StowAway, and Roadie allow you to connect with a driver and have them ship the mattress for you.
Although there are many ways to ship mattresses, most solutions are still quite expensive and only make sense if you’re moving other furniture as well.
Sometimes, the best and most cost-effective solution is to donate or sell your old mattress and buy a new one. Depending on the condition, you could get most of your money back. Just confirm that it’s legal to sell used mattresses in your state first.
Standard mattress sizes and weights
Most mattresses conform to standard sizes. Here’s a table with the most common sizes and weight estimates:
| Mattress Type |
Dimensions | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Crib (Toddler) | 28″ x 52″ (71cm x 132cm) | 15–25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg) |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ (97cm x 191cm) | 45–100 lbs (20.4–45.4 kg) |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ (97cm x 203cm) | 50–105 lbs (22.7–47.6 kg) |
| Full (Double) | 54″ x 74″ (137cm x 188cm) | 55–120 lbs (24.9–54.4 kg) |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ (152cm x 203cm) | 60–150 lbs (27.2–68.0 kg) |
| King | 76″ x 80″ (193cm x 203cm) | 80–180 lbs (36.3–81.6 kg) |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ (183cm x 213cm) | 80–180 lbs (36.3–81.6 kg) |
The type of mattress has a significant impact on shipping costs.
Heavier items are more difficult and expensive to ship, but if the dimensional weight exceeds the physical weight, you’ll be charged that instead.
Polyfoam and latex mattresses are heavier than innerspring mattresses, but they can be compressed and rolled up to reduce their dimensional weight. Air mattresses are the lightest and can be compressed the most, making them the cheapest to ship.
PRO TIP: You can estimate your mattress’s dimensional weight using our dimensional weight calculator.
How much does it cost to ship a mattress?
Shipping a mattress can cost anywhere from $200 to over $1,000. The price largely depends on:
Size
Weight
Distance shipped
Speed and method of shipping
You’ll also need to pay for the box and packing materials (around $40), or you can have a professional service handle it for you at an increased rate.
Traditional carrier shipping is convenient but limited
Because mattresses are large and bulky, they exceed the standard shipping size limit of 165″ (419 cm) in length plus girth (L + 2W + 2H) imposed by most carriers. The only way to mitigate this is to reduce the mattress’s dimensional size.
Mattress companies can ship foam mattresses at affordable prices because they use roll-packing and compression machines to roll up and pack the mattress. For instance, Lessa can fit a full-size mattress (53″ x 75″/134 cm x 190 cm) into a 15″ x 15″ x 42″ (38 cm x 38 cm x 107 cm) box.
Since you likely don’t have the specialized machinery at home, you won’t be able to compress the mattress into such a small box.
Fortunately, you can try to replicate the process using a vacuum bag and straps, though this only works for foam mattresses. If you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress, you’ll have to ship it as freight.
Here’s a table comparing the shipping costs from New York City to Los Angeles for a typical full-size mattress weighing 60 lbs (27 kg) compressed and rolled into an 18 x 18 x 48-inch (46 x 46 x 122 cm) box:
| Carrier | Overnight | 2 Business Days |
3-5 Business Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $1,101 | $820 | $238 |
| FedEx | $1,427 | $1,266 | $243 |
| DHL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | N/A | N/A | $278 |
Here’s a comparison of international shipping prices for the same mattress from New York City to London:
| Carrier | 1-3 Business Days |
3-5 Business Days |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $1,904 | $1,421 |
| FedEx | $2,772 | $1,672 |
| DHL | N/A | N/A |
| USPS | N/A | N/A |
You can check the shipping estimates for your own mattress using the carriers’ rate calculators:
LTL freight shipping for large and innerspring mattresses
LTL freight is also a viable solution. Although it’s generally more expensive, you have far more flexibility with size and weight, allowing you to ship an innerspring mattress as well.
To give you an idea of LTL freight pricing, here’s a cost comparison from FreightQuote for shipping a full-size mattress box (60 lbs/27 kg):
| Freight Shipping Company |
Price | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Freight Priority | $625 | 4-5 business days |
| Estes Express Lines | $631 | 5-6 business days |
| FedEx Freight Economy | $640 | 6-7 business days |
| ABF Freight System | $671 | 5-6 business days |
| Hercules | $712 | 6-7 business days |
| Roadrunner Transportation | $728 | 5-6 business days |
How to pack a mattress for shipping
Before shipping your mattress, decide whether to handle the packaging yourself or employ a professional service.
Both UPS and FedEx offer professional packaging services, whether you opt for standard or freight shipping. Here’s how it works:
01
Take your mattress to a UPS or FedEx shipping center.
02
Staff will provide an appropriately sized mattress box.
03
They’ll professionally pack the mattress with protective materials.
03
Your mattress ships safely to its destination.
If you still prefer the DIY approach, here’s what you’ll need:
Corrugated box large enough for your mattress.
Tape measure
Bubble wrap
Packing peanuts
Packing tape
Shipping labels (“Lay Flat,” “Handle With Care,” etc.)
Mattress vacuum bag (for foam mattresses) and binding or banding straps if not included.
Vacuum cleaner or pump (for foam mattresses)
Mattress bag (for innerspring and hybrid mattresses)
PRO TIP: Clean and fully dry your mattress before packing to prevent mold during transit.
Prepare and measure the mattress
01
If it’s a latex or memory foam mattress, you can vacuum-seal it to significantly reduce its footprint. Follow these steps to vacuum-seal your mattress:
01
Slide the mattress into a vacuum-seal bag sized for it (twin, full, queen, king).
02
Attach your vacuum hose to the bag’s valve and ensure a tight seal.
03
Turn on the vacuum to start compressing the mattress.
04
While the vacuum runs, tightly roll the mattress while pushing out the remaining air pockets.
05
Secure the rolled mattress with binding or banding straps.
06
Remove the vacuum hose and seal the bag.
PRO TIP: If you’re shipping multiple mattresses, you can stack and roll them together, assuming your bag and box are large enough.
If you’re shipping an innerspring or hybrid mattress, place it in a large mattress or plastic bag to protect it from dirt and water damage.
Next, cover the entire mattress with bubble wrap, overlapping the layers as you go. Don’t skip this step regardless of what type of mattress you’re shipping.
Lastly, use a tape measure to determine the mattress’s final length, width, and height. This step will help you choose the correct shipping box size, making sure to leave an extra inch or two on all sides for protective packing materials.
Box the mattress
02
With the mattress wrapped, it’s time to pack it into the box. Here’s how:
01
Lay your mattress shipping box horizontally on a flat, clean surface and open the flaps.
02
Take the wrapped mattress and guide one end into the box opening.
03
Gently slide the rest in while keeping the mattress centered.
04
Fill any remaining gaps with packing peanuts or leftover bubble wrap, paying close attention to the corners.
05
Close the box and seal all seams with strong packing tape.
PRO TIP: Gently shake the box when you’re done. If you’ve packed it well, the mattress shouldn’t move around inside.
Label the package
03
To ensure proper handling, apply the appropriate shipping labels on multiple sides of the box. Here are some tips:
Use a “Must Lay Flat” label for an uncompressed foam mattress.
A “Handle With Care” label can help by alerting carriers to treat the package gently.
Ensure all labels are clearly visible on the top and sides of the package.
Print and attach the shipping label with the sender and recipient information to prevent package loss.
For international shipments, attach the required customs forms.
PRO TIP: Ensure the shipping label includes complete and detailed contact information.
Common mistakes to avoid when shipping or moving a mattress
To ensure your mattress arrives safely, avoid these mistakes when shipping or moving:
- Improper packaging.
Use a high-quality mattress bag and sturdy box in combination with bubble wrap. - Vehicle selection.
If moving, measure the mattress and choose a vehicle with enough space. Secure it flat, and avoid roof transport, as it might lead to an accident or a damaged mattress. - Handling mistakes.
Keep memory foam mattresses flat. Secure innerspring and hybrid mattresses upright to prevent shifting. - Planning oversights.
Measure twice before packing and shipping, plan shipping during off-peak times, and compare quotes for the best rate.
Best practices for shipping mattresses
Here are some best practices to follow before choosing a carrier and starting the shipping process. These best practices will help you save money, ensure safe delivery, and avoid common pitfalls.
Comparing shipping rates
Comparing shipping rates is a convenient way to save on avoidable shipping costs. Use online calculators from major carriers to evaluate service levels and delivery timeframes. Leading providers like FedEx and UPS offer different pricing tiers based on your needs.
When requesting shipping quotes, have key details ready, including mattress type, weight, dimensions, and pickup/delivery addresses. Providing preferred delivery dates helps carriers offer precise quotes and service options. Also, don’t forget to ask about packing services if needed.
You can save money by dropping the mattress off at a local shipping facility. While having the carrier pick it up from your home is more convenient, it tends to be more expensive than a drop-off.
Shipping insurance
If you’re shipping a high-value mattress, consider purchasing additional shipping insurance for extra protection. Shipping insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your mattress if it gets lost, damaged, or stolen during transit.
While standard carrier coverage typically only includes limited protection (usually around $100), additional insurance ensures you’re fully compensated if anything happens to your valuable item.
Scheduled delivery
Scheduled delivery adds both security and convenience to mattress shipping. It’s available through major carriers.
You select a specific delivery window, which reduces the risk of theft and ensures someone is available to receive your mattress. Most scheduled delivery options also include enhanced tracking, allowing you to monitor your mattress’s progress from pickup to final delivery.
Need help shipping your mattress?
If your mattress is relatively new or you’re moving other furniture with the mattress, shipping is often worth the high cost. However, selling or donating and buying new at your destination might be the smarter move for your old mattress—regardless of how comfortable it is.
At Red Stag Fulfillment, we specialize in shipping large, bulky items across the country. With expertise in handling heavy shipments and strategic warehouse locations, we offer cost-effective solutions for both residential and commercial moves.
Contact us today to explore our shipping services and learn how we can simplify your moving logistics—whether you’re shipping a single mattress or managing an entire household move.
