Moving a Mattress Across the Country: Options and Costs

The Real Decision: Move It or Replace It?

The financially rational answer depends on three factors: the mattress's current replacement cost, its age and remaining useful life, and the all-in cost of moving it.

• Move if: Replacement cost exceeds $1,200 AND the mattress is under 5 years old AND moving cost is under 25% of replacement value
• Replace if: The mattress is over 7 years old, or replacement cost is under $600, or moving would cost over $300 for a mattress worth $700
• Gray zone ($600-$1,200): Condition and sentimental value matter. A 3-year-old $900 mattress in excellent condition is worth the $250 freight cost to ship.

Option 1: Professional Long-Distance Movers

Traditional long-distance movers like Allied, United, and Mayflower price by weight and distance. A 68-pound queen mattress adds approximately $80-$150 to a cross-country move. The catch: minimum charges. Moving a mattress alone via a major carrier is rarely practical -- you will pay a $400-$600 minimum for any residential shipment.

Best for: When you are also moving other furniture. The mattress is essentially a free add-on when you are already paying for a full move.

Option 2: Freight Shipping Services

• uShip.com: Post the shipment, receive competitive bids. Queen mattress, California to New York: expect $220-$320 in bids from independent haulers.
• Freightquote.com / FreightCenter.com: Compare LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers. Best for 2+ mattresses where you can fill a standard pallet.
• Greyhound Package Express: Fixed-rate, terminal-to-terminal. A twin mattress from Dallas to Chicago: approximately $65.

Option 3: Portable Storage Containers

PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Haul U-Box deliver an empty container, give you time to load, then pick it up and deliver it to your new address. Cross-country PODS pricing (California to New York, 16-foot container): $2,200-$3,600 depending on timing and route.

Option 4: Drive It Yourself

Renting a cargo van or truck from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget. A 10-foot U-Haul truck rented one-way from Los Angeles to New York: approximately $1,400-$2,000 plus fuel ($300-$500). Makes sense if you are moving enough other furniture to fill the truck.

Cost Comparison by Option

For packaging details and carrier-specific instructions, see our complete mattress shipping guide. If you decide to buy new at your destination, our mattress buying guide covers how to avoid regret, and our mattress layers explainer helps you compare constructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth moving a mattress cross-country?

It depends on the mattress value. For mattresses under $600, cross-country moving costs ($200-$450) often equal or exceed buying a decent new mattress. For premium mattresses over $1,500, moving makes financial sense.

How much does it cost to move a mattress with professional movers?

Long-distance movers charge by weight. A queen mattress (65-75 lbs) adds $50-$150 to a cross-country move at standard rates. But minimum charges mean the real cost for a mattress-only move is $400-$700.

Can I transport a mattress on top of my car?

Technically possible with a roof rack and proper tie-downs, but most states require loads to be secured with rated straps. A mattress in rain becomes 40-60% heavier and acts as a sail at highway speeds.

Do PODS or portable storage containers move mattresses?

Yes. PODS and similar portable container services are ideal for mattress cross-country moves because you load at your own pace. A 16-foot PODS container holds a king mattress plus several boxes. Cross-country delivery costs $2,000-$3,500 total.

What is the cheapest way to move a mattress long distance?

Freight shipping via uShip or Greyhound Package Express. A compressed memory foam queen shipped 2,000 miles via uShip typically runs $180-$280 with bids from independent carriers.