How to Move a Bed Frame the Proper Way

Moving furniture is never easy, but moving a bulky bed frame can seem almost impossible. It’s awkward to move, and a bed frame can be easily damaged if you’re not careful. Even worse, you can injure yourself if you aren’t familiar with moving heavy items.

Luckily, it’s possible to move a bed frame without causing damage or injury. This guide will provide actionable tips on how to move a bed frame correctly so you can protect your furniture and your back.

1. Move the Mattress First

Before you start dismantling the frame, take the mattress off the bed. This will give you direct access to the frame and make it easier to maneuver.

Enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you remove the mattress from the bed—especially if it’s heavy or extra bulky. Use a mattress cover to protect it from dust, dirt, and debris while moving.

2. Use the Right Tools

Once the mattress is off the bed, it’s time to dismantle the bed frame. You’ll need the following tools:

• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)

• Allen wrenches or hex keys

• Wrenches

The exact tools you’ll need will depend on your bed frame, but having these options on hand will prevent you from digging through your toolbox halfway through the job. 

3. Keep Parts Organized

After dismantling the bed frame, keeping the parts organized is essential so you can more easily reassemble the bed in its new location. Keep screws, washers, and bolts in a zip-top bag so you don’t lose them, and tape them to the bed frame for safekeeping. You can also use packing tape to secure the frame pieces to one another so they don’t get lost.

4. Protect the Frame

Moving can be hard on furniture, so knowing how to wrap furniture for moving is essential. Bed frames are no exception. Wrap each part of the bed frame in bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect it from dents and dings during the move.

Take extra care around the corners of the bed frame, which are most susceptible to damage if you bang them during the move. 

5. Measure the Frame

If you’re moving the bed frame from one room to another, ensure it fits through the doorway first. Once you’ve dismantled the frame, this shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s wise to measure it anyway to prevent any problems.

If you’re moving house, you’ll need to check that the bed frame will fit in your moving vehicle—especially if you’re moving yourself in a car. Knowing the frame's dimensions will also help you plan the best way to move it into your new home once you arrive.

6. Take Your Time

Rushing to dismantle and move your bed frame can damage the frame and injure you. Rather than rushing, take your time to disassemble the frame and wrap it carefully to prevent damage before moving it.

7. Rent a Moving Truck or Van

If your bed frame doesn’t fit in your vehicle, you may need to rent a moving truck or van to get it to its destination. Many companies offer moving truck rentals, so shop around to find the best deal. Alternatively, see if a friend with a pickup truck would be willing to help in exchange for cash, pizza, or both. 

8. Consider Professional Movers

Moving your bed frame yourself can be a considerable hassle, depending on its size. And if you have limited mobility, even moving your bed from one room to another can seem daunting. Hiring professional movers can help eliminate stress and prevent you from potentially injuring yourself while carrying heavy or awkward-shaped items.

Professional furniture movers near you have the experience and know-how to successfully move your bed frame, whether it’s moving from one room to another or to an entirely different home. Pros also carry liability insurance that will pay to repair or replace your bed frame if it’s damaged during the move. Look into how much it costs to move a bed frame so you can budget accordingly.