How To Fold A Mattress

At some point, you may  find yourself needing to fold a mattress, whether it’s for moving, storing your mattress, or disposing of it.

We get it. A mattress isn’t exactly like folding a piece of paper. But trust us, with the right technique, it’s easier than it sounds and you’ll have it sorted in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Learning how to fold up a mattress for moving or storage is easy with the right preparation and tools, whether it’s foam, latex, or a larger size.
• Foam and latex mattresses are easier to fold, while larger mattress sizes like a queen or king require extra care and help.
• For a successful move, fold your mattress, protect it with a cover, secure it with straps, and choose the right vehicle for transport.

In this guide, we’re showing you exactly how to fold a mattress for different needs.

We’ll walk you through folding techniques for moving and disposal, and give you tips on why folding might be a better option than rolling.

Jump to a section:

• Prepare Your Mattress Before Folding
• How to Fold a Mattress
• How to Fold a Mattress for Moving
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Prepare Your Mattress Before Folding

Before you get started, remember: folding your Ecosa mattress is only suitable for short-term needs, like moving house. Avoid keeping it folded for long periods and handle it carefully to protect the foam and structure.

By preparing your mattress ahead of time, you’ll make the whole folding process simpler and less risky, just like stretching before a workout.

Here’s how to get your mattress ready:

Strip Everything Off

Remove all bedding, sheets, mattress protectors, and any sneaky pillows that might be hiding. In other words, your mattress needs to go bare.

Why? Because every layer adds weight and bulk. Your back will thank you for lightening the load.

Give It a Good Clean

Now’s the perfect time for a quick vacuum. Use an upholstery attachment to hoover up dust, crumbs (we won’t judge), and any lurking allergens.

Cleaning your mattress not only helps maintain its freshness but also prolongs its lifespan and keeps unwanted smells at bay.

Gather Your Kit

Like any good DIY job, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Here’s what you’ll want:

✅ Waterproof Mattress Cover: Protects the mattress from dirt and moisture during folding or transport.

✅ Plastic Mattress Bag: Keeps the mattress clean and protected from damage.

✅ Ratchet Straps: Useful for securing the mattress once folded, especially for transport.

✅ Tape: Great for keeping the mattress in a secure, folded position.

Having these tools on hand ensures a smoother, safer folding process, reducing the risk of any mishaps.

How to Fold a Mattress

Different mattresses need different approaches.

Here’s how to handle each type without breaking a sweat (or your mattress):

How to Fold a Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses are flexible, but you’ll still want to fold them carefully to avoid any damage.

Follow these steps to do it right:

1. Bag It Up

Before you begin folding, it’s a good idea to place your foam mattress in a sturdy mattress bag. This protects the surface and keeps it clean as you fold.

Plus, it’ll be much easier to manage during transport or storage.

2. Begin Folding at the Centre

Start folding your foam mattress at the centre.

If your memory foam mattress is thicker, you may need to apply gentle pressure to start the fold. The goal is to create a clean, even fold without damaging the foam inside.

3. Lock It Down

No one wants a mattress that decides to unfold mid-move.

Once your mattress is folded in half, use moving straps or ratchet straps to secure it. This will help keep the mattress in place during the moving or storage process and prevent it from unfolding on its own.

How to Fold a Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses can be a bit more rigid than foam mattresses, so extra care is needed to fold them.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Put the Mattress in a Bag

Just like with foam, start by placing your latex mattress inside a protective bag. This step keeps dust, dirt, and moisture away while you fold.

2. Be Patient with Folding it

Latex doesn’t bend as willingly as foam. Try folding it in half first, then proceed slowly to make sure it holds its shape.

So, when folding, make sure to apply gentle, even pressure. Avoid forcing it too much, as this can damage the latex material. 

3. Secure and Done

After folding the mattress, use moving straps or ratchet straps to hold it together. This is especially important if you’re moving the mattress or storing it long-term.

Folding a Mattress By Size

The size of your mattress will influence how easy or hard it is to fold. Here’s how folding differs based on mattress size:

Mattress Size	Folding Difficulty
Single	Easy: A simple fold in half usually does the trick.
Double	Moderate: Requires a second pair of hands for alignment.
Queen	Moderate: Two options for folding, but assistance is recommended.
King	Difficult: Requires firm pressure and multiple people for folding.

Single

A single mattress is the easiest of the bunch. A simple fold in half usually does the trick.

1. Place the mattress flat on the floor
2. Apply steady pressure as you fold it in half
3. Secure with moving straps

Double

Folding double mattresses need a bit more muscle, and you’ll definitely want a second pair of hands for this one.

1. Position the mattress on a flat surface
2. Get a helper. Trust us, you’ll need them
3. Fold carefully in half, making sure both sides align evenly
4. Have your helper hold one side whilst you secure it with straps
5. Double-check the fold is even before moving

Queen

Here’s where it gets interesting. A queen mattress offers you two folding options, but either way, grab a mate to help.

1. For a standard fold: Fold in half and secure with moving straps
2. For easier handling: Fold into thirds lengthwise first
3. Apply gentle, even pressure to avoid creasing
4. Use ratchet straps for extra security during transport
5. Having someone to help manage the size makes this much smoother

King

A king-size mattress is the most difficult to fold, but it’s not impossible. This heavyweight champion requires a bit of strategy, and definitely two people minimum.

1. Start by folding it in half lengthwise
2. Apply firm pressure to create the initial fold
3. Fold again into thirds for more manageable size
4. Secure with multiple ratchet straps to prevent unfolding
5. Seriously, don’t attempt this solo. Your back will thank you for getting help

How to Fold a Mattress for Moving

Folding your mattress for a move is all about protection and practicality. 

Here’s how you can ensure they survive the journey:

Check your mattress type

Memory foam and latex mattresses are your best candidates for folding.

Spring mattresses? Not so much. They prefer to stay flat and can be damaged if folded.

If you’ve got a spring mattress, it might be worth considering professional movers who have the right equipment to transport it safely.

Wrap it up

Use a waterproof mattress cover or thick plastic sheeting. This shields against dirt, moisture, and any moving day mishaps.

Double bag if needed. For extra protection, especially if you’re storing it in a truck for hours, consider using both a plastic bag and a fabric cover.

Tape the edges and secure all openings with strong tape to keep dust and moisture out.

Fold with purpose

OK, get your crew ready!

Depending on size, you’ll want 1-2 helpers for anything larger than a single.

For most moves, a simple half-fold works best. It reduces size whilst keeping the mattress manageable.

Strap it down

Use ratchet straps or moving straps to keep everything secure. The last thing you want is it unfolding in the back of the truck.

Choose a vehicle option

Depending on the size and type of your mattress, here are some vehicle options to consider:

• Car: Transporting your mattress on the roof of your car is not recommended, as it can obstruct your view and pose a safety risk. Instead, fold down the back seats and place the mattress inside if you have enough space.
• Van or Pickup Truck: A rental van or pickup truck is perfect for transporting a mattress, providing plenty of space. Just be sure to cover the mattress with a tarp and avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent damage.
• Truck: If you have many items to move, a large truck is ideal for the job. While it may cost more, the convenience of not needing to fold your mattress makes it a worthwhile option.

Label & load it

Mark which way is up and add “fragile” if you’re using professional movers. Keep these in mind:

✅ Place your folded mattress against the wall of the moving truck, never flat on the floor where boxes might crush it

✅ If you’re doing multiple trips, the mattress can wait. It’s not going anywhere once properly secured

✅ Keep heavier items away from your mattress to prevent any accidental damage during transport

Conclusion

Folding a mattress doesn’t have to be a nightmare, especially when you’ve got the right approach. With just a little preparation, you’ll have your mattress ready to move or store in no time.

Looking for a mattress that’s just as easy to handle?

Check out Ecosa’s range of comfortable, durable mattresses. And when you’re ready for an upgrade, our mattress recycling program and generous mattress warranty have you covered, making sure your sleep is always supported.

FAQs

1. Can I fold any type of mattress?

While most mattresses can be folded, foam and latex mattresses are the easiest to handle.

Be cautious with innerspring or hybrid mattresses, as they may not fold as smoothly and could be damaged.

2. Will folding a mattress damage it?

Folding a mattress is fine unless it has internal springs, a metal frame, or is too thick to bend comfortably. Also, keeping a mattress folded for an extended period can lead to permanent damage.

It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before folding or transporting.

3. Is it safe to fold or roll my mattress for moving?

Yes, it’s generally safe to fold a mattress for moving as long as you follow the correct steps. However, rolling a mattress, especially one with internal springs or a metal frame, can cause damage over time.

Always fold gently, secure with straps, and protect it in a mattress bag to prevent any issues during transport.