Moving a bedroom sounds simple until you’re staring at a king-sized mattress, a heavy bed frame, and a headboard that won’t fit through the door. Bedrooms quietly turn into one of the most frustrating spaces to move.
In Alberta, moving your bedroom furniture can feel overwhelming especially if you’re in Calgary apartments with narrow doorways.
The good news? With a bit of prep, the right tools, and a few smart tricks, you can save yourself a lot of stress and a lot of muscle strain.
Why Mattresses Are a Pain to Move (And How to Fix That)
Let’s start with the big one: the mattress. It’s bulky, awkward, and doesn’t like to stay put once you start moving it.
- Use a mattress bag. Mattresses collect dust, dirt, and stains fast during a move. A proper plastic mattress bag keeps it protected and clean while you shuffle it in and out of doorways, elevators, or truck beds.
- Bend, but don’t fold. Most mattresses are designed to flex a little, but forcing them into tight bends can ruin the internal structure. Always keep it as flat as possible. Use ratchet straps to secure it upright inside the truck if you’re tight on space.
- Watch out for weather. In Alberta, you’re often dealing with unpredictable weather snow, rain, wind, sometimes all three. A mattress bag keeps moisture out, but don’t let it sit outside for long, even if bagged.
Disassembling Bed Frames: The Smart Way
Taking apart a bed frame is pretty straightforward—until you lose the bolts or forget how it goes back together.
- Take photos first. Before unscrewing anything, snap a few photos of how the frame connects. You’ll thank yourself later when reassembling.
- Use small bags for hardware. Put bolts, screws, and washers into clear plastic bags and label them. Tape the bag directly to the bed frame so everything stays together.
- Wrap wood and metal parts. Use moving blankets or old sheets to protect bed rails, slats, and posts from scratches or dents during loading.
Protecting Headboards (Because They’re Surprisingly Easy to Damage)
Headboards often take the brunt of moving damage. They’re heavy, oddly shaped, and not built for bouncing off doorframes.
- Wrap in padding. Use thick moving blankets and secure them with stretch wrap or tape. Pay extra attention to corners and edges.
- Keep it upright. Lay the headboard against a stable, flat surface in the moving truck. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top that could crack or dent it.
- Watch for awkward turns. Narrow hallways, tight staircases, and apartment elevators in places like Calgary make headboards tricky. Measure first, plan your path, and don’t force it.
What About Bedroom Dressers and Nightstands?
- Empty them completely.
- Remove any glass or fragile surfaces.
- Wrap edges to prevent nicks and scratches.
- If possible, remove the drawers and move them separately.
When to Ask for Help
You can absolutely move bedroom furniture yourself with a few friends and some patience. But when you add stairs, snow, tight hallways, or heavy items, it starts to become more risk than reward.
Professional movers who handle bedroom furniture every day know how to load, secure, and transport everything without damage or drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move a mattress without a mattress bag?
Technically, yes but it’s not a good idea. Mattresses pick up dirt, moisture, and damage easily during a move. A mattress bag keeps it protected and clean from start to finish.
Is it okay to fold a mattress to fit through tight spaces?
Most mattresses aren’t designed to be folded sharply. Folding can damage the internal springs or foam layers. Instead, tilt or flex slightly and plan your path carefully.
How do I move a king-size headboard through a small doorway?
Measure first. If it’s too wide, you may need to angle it or temporarily remove door hinges. Padding the headboard will protect it from accidental scrapes during tight turns.
Should I disassemble my bed frame before moving?
Yes. Taking apart your bed frame makes it much easier to move and prevents damage. Keep all screws and bolts in labeled bags taped to the frame parts.
Do I need professional movers to move bedroom furniture?
Not always—but for heavy, oversized, or fragile bedroom items, experienced movers can save you time, prevent injury, and protect your furniture from damage.
How much does it cost to move bedroom furniture in Alberta?
Costs depend on how much you’re moving, distance, and whether you need help with packing or assembly. In cities like Calgary, hourly rates typically start around $100–$150 for a professional moving crew.
Moving Bedrooms the Right Way
Whether you’re moving across town in Calgary or between provinces in Alberta, bedroom furniture always needs extra care. Mattresses don’t fold, bed frames don’t fit like you expect, and headboards seem determined to hit every doorframe on the way out.
The trick isn’t doing everything yourself it’s planning smart, protecting your stuff, and knowing when to bring in experienced hands who’ve done it before.
At Stampede Moving & Storage, we help homeowners, renters, families, and businesses move safely and efficiently. Our full range of services includes residential moves, apartment and condo moves, senior relocations, long distance moves, commercial and office moves, specialty moves, junk removal, warehousing, and storage solutions.
If you’re planning a move, let us handle the heavy stuff. Contact Stampede Moving today at (+1) 587-329-8910 for a free, straightforward quote.
