Moving a bed is one of the most challenging parts of any house move. After all, beds are amongst the largest and bulkiest items in our homes, making them particularly tricky to manoeuvre through doorways and down staircases.
I’ve seen many people struggle with this exact challenge. While hiring professional movers might seem like the obvious solution, it can cost thousands of pounds depending on the distance and items being moved. However, taking the bed apart isn’t always an option, especially with rental properties, lost assembly tools, or fragile old frames.
But here’s the good news: moving a bed without dismantling it is absolutely possible when you have the right tools and techniques. Through years of experience, I’ve discovered that using proper equipment like moving straps and furniture sliders can make all the difference, helping distribute weight evenly and preventing back strain.
In this guide, I’ll share my expert tips on how to move a bed without taking it apart, ensuring both your bed and your back remain intact throughout the process. Let’s get started with the essentials you’ll need.
Why Moving a Bed Intact Makes Sense
There are plenty of times when keeping your bed in one piece is not only possible but actually preferable. Throughout my years as a removals expert, I’ve found that the conventional wisdom of “always dismantle furniture” isn’t always the wisest approach for beds.
When disassembly isn’t an option
Sometimes, taking apart your bed simply isn’t feasible. If you’re short on time before your move, disassembling and reassembling furniture can add hours to your schedule. Additionally, some older wooden bed frames aren’t designed for frequent disassembly – they’re glued and screwed together in ways that make taking them apart risky.
I’ve helped many clients who’ve lost the original assembly instructions or misplaced those small but critical Allen wrenches needed for their IKEA beds. Furthermore, moving locally often doesn’t warrant complete disassembly since the bed will only be in transit for a short period.
Benefits of keeping your bed in one piece
Moving a bed intact offers several practical advantages. First, you’ll avoid the nightmare scenario of lost hardware – those tiny screws, bolts and corner braces that mysteriously disappear during moves. Once these components go missing, you’re left with useless furniture parts rather than a functional bed.
Another significant benefit is time savings. Taking apart and reassembling drawers, dressers, and bed frames requires considerably more time than you might anticipate. By keeping the bed whole, you’ll save precious hours at both ends of your move.
For beds with complex wiring or electronics (like Sleep Number or hospital-style beds), keeping them intact prevents potential damage to their sophisticated components.
Common challenges to overcome
Granted, moving an assembled bed does present specific challenges. The primary concern is size – beds rank among the largest and heaviest furniture pieces in most homes. Ensuring your bed can safely pass through doorways and hallways requires careful measurement and planning.
A standard double bed may struggle to fit through narrower passages. One client I worked with needed precise measurements: their bed was 82 inches long, 62 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, while their bedroom doorway measured just 36 inches by 80 inches.
Another challenge involves protecting both the bed and your property during the move. Since assembled beds are bulkier, they’re more likely to bump against walls and doorframes. Nonetheless, with proper preparation and equipment (which we’ll cover later), these challenges can be overcome easily.
By understanding these considerations beforehand, you’ll be well-positioned to decide whether moving your bed intact makes sense for your specific situation.
Essential Tools for Moving Your Bed
Equipping yourself with the right tools is the secret to successfully moving a bed without dismantling it. Throughout my years in the removals business, I’ve refined my toolkit to include specific items that make the job safer and more efficient.
Furniture sliders and lifting straps
Furniture sliders are absolute game-changers when moving heavy beds across floors. These small devices can support impressive weights—some heavy-duty models can handle up to 150kg per slider, with a combined capacity of 600kg when used as a set. I always opt for sliders with silky wheels crowned with non-slip, 360° rotating pads that transform the daunting task of moving bulky furniture into a smooth experience.
Lifting straps, meanwhile, are ideal for carrying beds through spaces where sliding isn’t possible. Quality lifting straps can support loads up to 300kg, saving your floors from scratches and scuffs that dollies might leave behind. Look for straps with comfort padding on the shoulders and quick-release buckles that allow for easy removal once you’ve positioned the bed. Most straps are adjustable up to 2.7 metres in length, making them versatile enough for both small and large beds.
Protective materials for your mattress
A mattress bag is essential for keeping your mattress pristine during the move. These protective covers are typically made from heavy-duty woven polypropylene material, making them resistant to tearing, moisture, and dirt. This protection prevents mould growth and keeps the mattress clean throughout transport.
The best mattress bags feature velcro seals and reinforced carry handles at varied heights, allowing for safe lifting positions that minimise injury risks. Consider investing in reusable options rather than disposable covers that often don’t survive transit.
Padding and blankets for the frame
Protecting your bed frame is equally important. Moving blankets are the industry standard for this purpose, providing excellent protection against scratches and dents. I always wrap each piece of the bed frame carefully, securing the blankets with packing tape.
For additional protection, particularly around corners and edges, bubble wrap offers excellent cushioning. For headboards and footboards, consider specialised padded foam bumpers that attach with velcro strips. These are particularly valuable for ornate or wooden frames that are susceptible to damage.
Certainly, investing in these essential tools might seem like an additional expense, yet they’re considerably more economical than replacing damaged furniture or treating back injuries caused by improper lifting techniques.
Step-by-Step Bed Moving Technique
Planning ahead is the cornerstone of successfully moving a bed without disassembly. In my decades of moving experience, I’ve discovered that preparation can mean the difference between a smooth transition and getting hopelessly stuck in a doorway.
Measuring doorways and hallways
The first step in any successful bed move is taking precise measurements. Grab your tape measure and record the dimensions of your bed frame, including its length, width, and height. Subsequently, measure all doorways, hallways, and stairwells along your planned route. One client I worked with had a bed measuring 82 inches long, 62 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, while their bedroom doorway was only 36 inches by 80 inches.
Don’t forget to measure any tight corners or narrow passages you’ll encounter. Compare these measurements carefully—this simple math will help you determine whether moving your bed intact is feasible or if you’ll need an alternative approach.
Proper lifting and carrying positions
Lifting a heavy bed incorrectly can result in serious injury. Prior to attempting any lift, clear your pathway of all obstacles. Always bend your knees rather than your back when lifting heavy furniture and keep the heaviest side of the bed closest to your body.
For optimal stability, position your feet apart with one leg slightly forward. Throughout the lift, keep your shoulders level and facing the same direction as your hips to avoid twisting. Remember to move smoothly—jerking or snatching the bed increases your risk of injury.
Navigating tight corners and staircases
When approaching stairs, ensure you have at least two people—one at each end of the bed. For long or tall beds, position the frame horizontally to prevent it getting stuck against the ceiling. Conversely, beds under 6.5 feet tall are often easier to manoeuvre vertically when slightly tilted.
For cornering staircases, you may need to stand the bed on one end temporarily. Then “walk” it—sliding one side then the other—to reach the next flight of stairs.
Getting through doorways without damage
To navigate doorways, try tilting the bed at various angles. Sometimes a diagonal approach works best for tight spaces. If the doorway seems impossibly narrow, consider temporarily removing the door for those crucial extra inches. As a last resort, removing door frames or hinges might provide the clearance needed for an extremely tight fit.
Always protect both your bed and property by wrapping the frame in thick moving blankets, with extra padding around corners and edges secured with plastic stretch wrap.
Transporting Your Bed Safely
Once you’ve mastered the art of navigating your bed through the house, the next challenge is transporting it safely to its destination. Throughout my years as a removal specialist, I’ve seen many beautiful beds damaged in transit due to improper securing techniques.
Securing the bed in a moving van
After successfully getting your bed to the van, proper securing is critical. Once inside, position your bed against the van’s wall to prevent it from moving during transit. This stabilises the bed and stops it falling onto other, potentially more fragile items. I always recommend using straps to secure the bed to the hooks within the removal van for maximum safety.
For the mattress, keep it upright against the back wall of the truck whenever possible. This creates a natural wedge for the bed base that you can slide next to it, helping keep the mattress from folding in on itself. Don’t forget to protect the exposed side of the mattress with blankets or a tarp!
Protecting floors and walls during the move
The journey doesn’t end at the van—you’ll need to go through the same process in reverse at your destination. Floor protection is absolutely essential throughout this process. As I tell my clients, prevention is far less expensive than repairs.
To safeguard your floors, consider these proven techniques:
- Use floor runners in high-traffic areas like hallways and entrances
- Wear disposable booties over your shoes to prevent tracking dirt
- Secure any protective sheets or paper with painter’s tape if they slide around
For wall protection, cover corners with dedicated guards or padded materials. Heavy furniture like beds can easily scratch, dent or even knock holes in walls. This is particularly important if you’re moving out of a rental property, as damage could cost you your security deposit.
When to call professional bed movers
Despite our best efforts, sometimes DIY bed moving isn’t the wisest choice. I recommend calling professionals if you have a large home with numerous bulky furniture pieces. Professional movers are highly experienced at navigating tight spaces without causing damage to your property or belongings.
Moreover, professional movers provide peace of mind and reduce stress, which is invaluable as moving is often physically and emotionally exhausting. Most reputable moving companies also offer insurance to cover potential damage, giving you additional protection.
Consider professional help for beds with complex electronics (like Sleep Number or hospital-style beds), as keeping them intact prevents potential damage to sophisticated components. Finally, if your path involves numerous staircases or extremely narrow doorways, the expertise of professionals might be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Moving a bed without taking it apart certainly presents challenges, though proper planning and the right tools make it entirely achievable. Throughout my years helping people move, I’ve seen countless successful bed relocations using the techniques shared in this guide.
Above all, remember to measure everything carefully before attempting the move. Proper protection materials like furniture sliders, lifting straps, and mattress bags prove essential for preventing damage while keeping your bed intact.
Safety remains paramount during any furniture move. Therefore, never attempt to move a bed alone – always work with at least one other person, particularly on stairs or through tight spaces. For complex moves or valuable beds, our professional residential removal services provide peace of mind and expert handling.
Finally, take your time throughout the process. Rushing leads to mistakes, damage, and potential injuries. With careful preparation and the right approach, you’ll successfully move your bed while keeping both it and yourself safe and sound.
Author Bio:
Marcin Markiewicz is the founder of Removals & Storage Experts, a trusted London-based moving and storage company with over 10 years of hands-on experience. Marcin has helped thousands of families, students, and businesses move safely and efficiently across the capital. His mission? To take the stress out of moving by offering practical advice, personal service, and expert support every step of the way.
