How to move a king-size mattress
A king-size mattress is one of the trickiest single items to shift — big, floppy, and easy to damage. This guide walks through the wrapping, van size, and lifting technique that keep it clean and undamaged from door to door.
Published 5 July 2026 · ~5 min read
Measure everything before moving day
A UK king-size mattress is 150 cm wide × 200 cm long (a US king is bigger at 193 × 203 cm). That's wider than most internal doorways in British flats and terraces. Before you commit to a moving slot, walk the route on both ends and measure:
- The narrowest doorway (including bathroom doors you might swing past).
- Any tight turn on the stairs or landing.
- The lift interior — height, width and depth — if you're in a flat.
- The parking distance from the van to the door.
If a turn is tight, plan to carry the mattress on its short edge — you'll need the extra clearance.
Wrap it properly
An unwrapped mattress will pick up dirt, rain and scuff marks in seconds. A heavy-duty mattress bag is under £10 and pays for itself the first time you set the mattress down on wet pavement.
- Slide the mattress into a sealed king-size mattress bag.
- Tape the opening shut with packing tape — don't rely on the flap.
- For long trips or bad weather, wrap a moving blanket over the bag.
- Never fold or bend a pocket-sprung king mattress; it damages the springs and voids most manufacturer warranties.
Choose the right van size
A king-size mattress will not lie flat in a small or medium van. Pick a vehicle that fits it on the floor without folding:
| Van type | Load length | Fits a king mattress? |
|---|---|---|
| Small van (Combo, Caddy) | ~1.8 m | No — too short |
| SWB transit | ~2.6 m | Yes, flat on the floor |
| LWB transit | ~3.4 m | Yes, plus room for the bed frame |
| Luton van | ~4.0 m | Yes, plus a full room of furniture |
If you're moving the mattress with the bed frame, headboard, or other bedroom furniture, go one size up.
Lifting: two people, on-edge
- Always use two people. A king mattress is unwieldy, not just heavy — solo lifting is where most doorframes get scuffed.
- Carry it on its short edge through doorways. This shrinks the profile from 150 cm to 25–30 cm.
- On stairs, the person at the bottom controls the pace. Take breaks on landings — don't try to power through.
- Book a helper on your booking if you're moving alone; a second pair of hands is worth more than a bigger van.
Loading and strapping
- Lay the mattress flat against the side wall of the van, not on its edge — driving forces will roll it over.
- Use ratchet straps through the anchor points to stop it sliding when you brake.
- Load lighter, softer items (pillows, duvets) on top; never stack heavy boxes on a mattress — the pressure damages pocket springs.
- Take the mattress off the van floor at the other end using the same two-person, short-edge technique.
Quick pre-move checklist
- Mattress bag on and taped shut
- Doorways, stairs and lift measured on both ends
- SWB transit or bigger booked
- Two people confirmed — you or a helper on the booking
- Ratchet straps or rope in the van
- Parking sorted at both ends (no double-parking on a red route)
Need a van and a helper?
Standown & Van books local drivers with the right van size and an optional helper — perfect for a single-item move like a king mattress.
Frequently asked
Can I fold a king-size mattress to fit a small car?
No. Folding a sprung mattress damages the springs and voids most warranties. Foam and hybrid mattresses tolerate a gentle curve for a few minutes but should never be folded flat. Book a van instead.
What van size do I need for a king mattress and bed frame?
An LWB transit or Luton van. The mattress takes the floor; the frame, slats, and headboard fit alongside.
How much does it cost to move a king-size mattress in the UK?
For a short local move (under 10 miles) with a van and driver, expect roughly £45–£90 depending on time of day, floor level, and whether you need a helper.