Imagine you have had the busiest day, running around doing multiple tasks like going to the office, grocery shopping on the way back home, working out, cooking, and cleaning.
Tiring, right? Our mattresses are the backbone of our good sleep routine. Now what is the one thing you would want to do? Enter your room, lie on your fluffy mattress, and doze off to cloud nine. See how much relief you could get just from reading this.
It’s why we cannot leave our beloved mattress behind when we shift to a new place for studies or work. We want to roll it, pack it and take it along. But, this is not always ideal considering the shipping costs involved.
Many factors affect the cost of shipping your mattress. The size and weight of the mattress, the distance it needs to travel, and the shipping company you choose are some of them.
The shipping cost of a mattress could be approximately $300, and that is a lot of money. If you still wish to ship your mattress, you must take certain precautions and ensure it is protected and safe during travel.
Sometimes the shipping cost can equal the cost of buying a brand-new mattress. In this case, is it wise to ship your mattress or buy a new one? Well, that also depends on many factors, which we will discuss further in this article.
Read on to learn more about the shipping costs of a mattress, how to ship it, and if it is worth shipping your mattress.
Shipping Cost of Mattresses
Many factors will influence the cost of shipping your mattress and can differ from company to company. However, it can be a very costly affair. Shipping your mattress across to another state can cost between $190 and $900.
There are no fixed costs for shipping mattresses, but the cost can be estimated by considering the following variables:
1. Size And Weight
It is obvious that light and compact mattresses will cost less to ship as compared to heavier and bigger ones. So, the weight is a major deciding factor in mattress shipping costs.
2. Distance
The distance between your location and the place where you want to ship your mattress will impact the shipping cost. To put it in simple words, if the distance is longer, the cost will be higher.
3. Shipping Method
The method you choose to ship your mattress is another factor that affects its cost.
For example – if you choose an expedited delivery where the mattress needs to reach the destination quickly or if you go for white glove delivery wherein the shipping company will not only deliver the mattress but also set it up for you when it reaches its destination. In both of these situations, the costs will rise significantly.
4. Courier Service
Different companies have different pricing models, so the shipping service you select will impact the shipping costs.
5. Packing Material
How you pack your mattress and the packaging material will also affect shipping costs. Using bubble wrap, packing tape, and other high-quality materials can affect the cost in two ways. One is that they directly add to the costs, and second, they increase the weight of the mattress and the total shipping cost.
6. Insurance
If your mattress already has a huge price tag, taking insurance while shipping is always advisable. The shipping company might recommend someone, or you can look for third-party providers online. The insurance charges will further add to the total cost of shipping.
7. Additional Services
The shipping cost will increase if you choose extra preventive measures like tracking updates during transit.
How to Ship a Mattress?
Now that you know the cost of shipping the mattress, you would probably be wondering what you need to do to ship your mattress! This section will help you get an idea of the entire process, starting with getting a quote to scheduling a drop-off or pickup.
Get Quotes And Enquire
Despite the popular opinion, don’t pack your mattress before you have made all the shipping arrangements. Because unless you have a shipping company that can ship on your terms and within your budget, packing the mattress makes no sense.
So, get quotes from different shipping companies via phone or online by providing the following details:
- Location for mattress pickup
- The destination where the mattress has to be shipped
- The dimensions of the mattress rounded up to allow the height and width of the box
- Weight of the mattress
- The dates you want the mattress to be picked and delivered
Measure your mattress at home to get accurate measurements. With the knowledge of standard mattress specifications, you can estimate the dimensions without measuring. Alternatively, you can ask your mattress manufacturer for the exact measurements of your model.
Consider the weight of bed frames and other items you wish to ship along with the mattress. Ask the representative about what factors can affect the price and plan to ship your mattress at an affordable price. If you keep your pickup and delivery dates flexible, you may get a discount on the deal.
Lastly, before packing the mattress, ask the company if there are any special instructions that you need to follow to ensure safe packing.
Pack And Box The Mattress
The first step for packing a mattress for shipping is removing everything. If you are also shipping the bed frame, take it apart and keep the pieces together to send them carefully.
Also, it would help if you covered the mattress before you kept it in a box. A mattress protector, also known as a mattress encasement, can help with this, but it comes with an additional cost. Alternatively, you can also use bubble wrap or shrink wrap.
After covering the mattress, it should be kept inside a cardboard box. Once the mattress is securely inside the box, tape the lid and shut all corners. Use packing foam to fill any gaps around the mattress.
Schedule Drop-Off or Pickup
Once it is boxed and ready for shipping, the pickup or delivery of your mattress should be scheduled. Proper care should be taken while shifting the mattress from your home to the vehicle you drive to the drop-off place.
Double-check if the mattress is securely fastened in the car to avoid mishaps while driving.
You or someone must be present at the home during the mattress pickup. Because when the movers come to take the mattress, you would not have to worry about them damaging any of your other belongings.
If they have a clear passage from your bedroom to the front door, it will be much easier for them to move the mattress.
The shipping firm should provide papers verifying possession of the mattress upon pickup or delivery. Signed documents, a receipt, or an email confirmation are all enough to prove this. Please do yourself a favor and keep this evidence somewhere secure when needed.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Mattress?
Before you decide to ship your mattress, consider the cost and logistics. It may not always be worth shipping. A good example is when the shipping costs are way higher than the retail price of the mattress. So, the wise thing to do is buy a new mattress to replace the older one.
However, there are circumstances where shipping a mattress makes more sense, and three such scenarios are mentioned below.
1. Urgency
How urgently do you need the mattress? Your answer to this question will determine if it makes sense to ship your mattress. If you need it urgently at the new location, shipping can be your only option, as buying a new one will take longer.
If the mattress you use is almost new and in good shape, shipping it will make perfect sense.
2. Age
No, not yours, but the age of your mattress will determine if it’s worth shipping to a new place and spending a fortune. If it is old and worn, toss it and buy a new one. If it is slightly old but a high-end model, then spending shipping charges for it will be justified.
3. Comfort
If the current mattress is not giving you the desired comfort and support, you are better off buying a new one, as that will be a cost-effective option.
Considering these things will help you make an informed decision on whether it is worth shipping your mattress.
Conclusion
To conclude, shipping your mattress can be your only option to maintain your usual sleep routine, but as we have already established, it can be costly. So, it is better to do a detailed investigation and save on shipping costs by considering the factors that influence it.
If buying a new mattress will prove to be more cost-effective, buy one. But, if you are too attached to your current mattress and can’t sleep with the thought of being separated from it, go on and ship it to your new home. It will be worth it.
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