How much does it cost to ship a mattress?

We earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.

There might be plenty of reasons why you need to ship a mattress. Maybe you are moving to another country and have no plans to replace your bedroom furniture. Or perhaps you have bought a new mattress for yourself or your loved one. No matter the reason, you need to know how much it costs to ship a mattress. 

In this guide, we will highlight some important points for you to consider, so continue reading till the end. 

How Far the Mattress Is Being Shipped

The most significant factor contributing to the overall shipping cost of your mattress is the distance it needs to travel. How far you need to ship will increase or decrease your overall shipping cost. 

Of course, if you are shipping it within the country, the cost will not be that much. Shipping it to the contiguous US will be cheaper. But if you are shipping it to a place that is not part of the continental US, like Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, then the cost will increase. 

And, of course, if you're shipping it to another continent, then it will significantly drive up the cost. Some other factors that will contribute to the shipping costs are the weight and size of the mattresses.

How Do You Pack a Mattress for Shipping?

You will have to pack your mattress properly if you are looking to ship it properly. You don't want your mattress to tear up or get damaged during its journey. 

Plus, you must ensure that you properly roll up the mattress and wrap it in plastic using tape. After that, you will have to toss it in a storage unit, or you can even pack it in a box with your other linens. 

But at the end of the day, packing your entire mattress can be difficult. However, if you do it right, you can conveniently ship it to your destination without harming it. 

How Quickly Does the Mattress Arrive?

Another significant cost contribution here is the delivery speed of the mattress. If you go for a faster delivery method, it will cost the most. For example, if a delivery method allows you to deliver the mattress within one working day and it doesn't, the distance doesn't count much, then it will significantly drive up the cost. 

But expedite shipping is not the best option if you are looking for a super alternative and can wish for your mattress to arrive for some days. You can go for standard shipping as it will not cost you much. But of course, you will have to wait longer for it. 

Is It Worth Shipping a Mattress?

It depends upon the type of mattress that you are using and what it's worth. For example, if your mattress is still new and you have paid over USD 700 for it. If you only have to pay around USD 400 for shipping it, it would be better than purchasing a new mattress altogether. 

But if your mattress is old, it might only be worth a few hundred dollars. You might end up paying more for shipping it. So, going for a new mattress altogether in such a scenario would be a better option. 

Generally, a mattress should be replaced around 5 to 9 years. If your mattress is this old, you are all set to buy a new one. It would be a better option to buy a new mattress and not ship your current mattress to your new destination. 

If you are already looking to rent a moving truck and move the rest of your furniture, the better option is to go ahead with this alternative and go for a larger truck so you can fit your mattress into it. 

Shipping a Mattress: A Step-By-Step Guide

Various steps are included in the entire process of shipping your mattress, and we have listed them down for your convenience, 

Removing your bedding and disassembling the bed frame 

The first step you will have to take is to remove the bedding and then disassemble your bed frame. Removing your bed frame includes your blankets, comforter, sheets, pillows, and other stuffed animals if you have any.

And if you are also shipping your bed frame, you will have to disassemble it too. Gather any hardware or nails into a single bag and take notes of the entire disassembling process if you have done it for the first time. 

Measuring your mattress 

You also need to take the measurements of your mattress and calculate its overall size, dimensions, and weight. Just begin by measuring its size, and you can use a measuring tape to determine your mattress's height, width, and length. 

You can also look into your mattress's original order form to find your mattress's weight and size. But if your mole is still being sold, you can contact customer support and ask about all the details you need to know about its dimensions and weight. 

Getting your shipping quotes

At this point, you know what you are shipping, and the next step is to find out the shipping quotes. You have to look into different options that you have at your disposal. 

Choose whether you want to go for UPS or FedEx; there are so many other options you can explore here. You can opt for UShip, Freight Pros, TSI Shipping, and others. 

To get your quote for shipping your mattress, you will need to provide them with the following information, 

• Furniture items type that you want to ship.
• The overall mattress weight.
• The overall mattress size dimensions.
• Your address and contact information.
• Delivery information.
• Delivery dates and pickup details. 

Scheduling the pickup or delivery 

After choosing the shipping provider, you can decide whether to go for delivery or pickup. At times there are additional costs for one option over the other. 

But if you want a new mattress, it is better to go for the white glove delivery as the company representatives will visit your home and set up the entire bed for you. 

Preparing your mattress for shipping 

In the end, your mattress is ready for shipping. You can bubble wrap, packing foam, and shrink wrap for this purpose. You can wrap your mattress with the box spring and bed frame if you are shipping them. 

Place your mattress in its encasement if you have it, or use plastic to wrap it. These encasements tend to zip on your mattress like pretty useful mattress covers.

Place cardboard corners on the edges for protection. Pack it in a sturdy box if it fits or wrap it well with moving blankets or bubble wrap.

Conclusion

Calculate the residual value of your old mattress plus the shipping cost. Compare the total cost of the old mattress with the purchase price of a new mattress. If the cost of an old mattress is higher than purchasing a new one, you should order a new one. It will be a more cost-effective decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Mattress?

Shipping a mattress can cost anywhere from $50 to over $300 depending on the size, distance, and shipping method. Understanding your options helps you choose the most cost-effective approach.

USPS, UPS, and FedEx can ship compressed mattresses in boxes. Expect to pay $100 - $250 for ground shipping of a queen-size mattress within the continental United States. Oversized surcharges apply to packages exceeding standard dimensions.

Freight carriers handle full-size uncompressed mattresses. LTL (less-than-truckload) freight shipping typically costs $150 - $300 depending on distance. You will need to palletize and wrap the mattress properly, which adds to the cost and effort.

Moving companies charge based on weight and distance. Shipping a single mattress through a moving service can run $200 - $400 for cross-country transport. Local moves are significantly cheaper, often $50 - $100.

Peer-to-peer shipping platforms like uShip allow you to get competitive bids from independent drivers. This can sometimes bring costs down to $75 - $150 for regional shipments.

If you are buying a new mattress rather than shipping an existing one, many brands include free shipping. Bed-in-a-box companies ship compressed mattresses at no cost via standard ground delivery.

Saatva goes further by offering free white-glove delivery on every order. Their team delivers your new Saatva Classic ($1,779 Queen) to your room of choice, sets it up, and removes your old mattress - all included in the price. With a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, it eliminates shipping headaches entirely.

Expert Tips: How Much Cost Ship Mattress

Getting this right saves you time, money, and frustration. Here are the details most guides leave out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the process. Take your time with each step. A hasty approach often creates new problems worse than the original issue.
• Using the wrong tools. The right tool makes the difference between a clean fix and a damaged product. Check what you need before starting.
• Ignoring the root cause. A quick fix that does not address why the problem occurred will only lead to the same issue recurring.

When DIY Is Not Enough

If your mattress or bed setup needs more than a quick fix - persistent discomfort, visible sagging, or structural issues - it may be more cost-effective to invest in a quality replacement than to keep patching the problem.

The Saatva Classic ($1,779 Queen) includes free white-glove delivery where professionals handle all the setup work for you. With a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, you can test whether an upgrade solves the problem without long-term commitment.