Moving Made Easier: Best Tips & Tools for Carrying a Mattress Up Apartment Staircases
If you live in an apartment that does not have an elevator, you are familiar with how challenging it can be to carry large and heavy objects into your home. A mattress is one of the heavier and more difficult items to maneuver up a set of stairs. Mattresses are large and often oddly shaped, making them difficult to move even with two people. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best tips and tools that you can use to make bringing your new mattress up the stairs a simple task.
Proper Preparation is Key
Before you begin to attempt lifting a mattress up the stairs, there are several things you should do to ensure that your move is safe and successful. Since mattresses are such a large and awkward item to move, there is a heightened risk of injury if proper precautions are not taken, especially as you climb up the steps. By taking the time to prepare for the move properly, you can save yourself time, money, and potential injury.
Measure the Staircase Before Transporting a Mattress
Before you even purchase the mattress, measuring the staircase in your apartment building is important. Nothing is more frustrating than getting the mattress to your apartment only to find out that it will not fit. Measure the width of the stairs and the height of each step and take this information to the store with you. With this information, you can be sure to purchase a mattress that will fit up the stairs safely and easily.
Best Equipment & Tools for Carrying a Mattress
Once you have purchased the mattress and taken it home, a few tools can come in handy when it comes time to bring it up the stairs.
Harness Lifting Strap
This is a specialized tool that helps to make carrying the mattress much easier. It sits around the middle of the mattress and allows each person to carry an end of the mattress while having both hands free to use the handrails.
Handtruck or Furniture Dollies
These are great tools to use when moving large items such as mattresses, couches, and refrigerators. They are designed to easily move heavy items, making them a great option for carrying the mattress up the stairs.
Non-Slip Shoes & Gloves
These are essential safety items to wear when you are lifting and carrying a mattress up the stairs. Non-slip shoes will help to prevent slipping on the stairs while giving you traction and support. Gloves are also a great idea to protect your hands from the strain of carrying the mattress and any sharp edges on the furniture.
Mattress Roller Straps
If your mattress is too large to carry up the stairs, mattress roller straps are a great option for moving it. They are simple tools that fit around the sides of the mattress and allow it to fold in half, allowing you to roll it up the stairs.
Best Tips & Tricks for Carrying a Mattress Up the Stairs
Now that you have all of the necessary equipment and tools, it is time to start carrying the mattress up the stairs. Here are some of our best tips and tricks for making this move as safe and successful as possible:
Plan Ahead & Leave Enough Time
Feeling rushed is an easy way to cause an accident, so planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time for the move is important. Take into account how many people you have helping, the size of the mattress, and any other obstacles that could slow down the process. Using this information, you can plan ahead and set aside enough time to carry the mattress up the stairs without feeling rushed.
Hold the Mattress Where You Can Easily Reach the Handrails
It is important that you are able to reach the handrails at all times during the move, so make sure you and your helpers are holding the mattress in a way that allows for this. If you do not have access to handrails, consider using a tool such as a rope or a harness lifting strap to help you keep balance and steady the mattress.
Lift with Your Legs
Whenever you are lifting a heavy object, such as a mattress, it is important to lift with your legs and not your back. Squat down to pick up the mattress and use the power of your legs to lift it up the stairs. This will help to prevent injury and keep you safe during the move.
Communicate Calmy & Clearly With Your Helpers
Having a clear plan before moving the mattress is essential, so take some time to review any instructions with your helpers before you begin. This will make sure that everyone knows what they are doing and can move the mattress quickly and safely.
Slowly Approach the Stairs
When you are ready to start moving the mattress up the stairs, it is important to take your time and move slowly. This will allow your body to realign to the weight distribution and stay balanced as you ascend the stairs.
Expect to Get a Little Dirty
When carrying a mattress up the stairs, don’t be surprised if you end up with dust or dirt on your clothes and hands. Expect to get a bit messy, so dress accordingly!
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Professional Help
Some mattresses are too heavy or awkward to carry up the stairs safely. If you are in a situation like this, don’t be afraid to contact a professional moving service. They have the experience and tools to help you get your mattress up the stairs safely and quickly.
Contact RARE Moving & Storage in Boston, MA, for Professional Apartment Moves & Assistance With Lifting Heavy Furniture
At RARE Moving & Storage, we understand how difficult it can be to move large items, such as mattresses, into an apartment building with no elevator. Our team of moving professionals are experts in carrying heavy furniture upstairs and can make sure your mattress gets to its destination without any damage or injury. Visit our website, or call us at 617-825-7273 for more information and a free estimate on your next move!