You might be moving out of your mom's house — finally! — or maybe you're moving back in (times are tough). Either way, you've got a lot of packing to do. There are *too many* clothes, kitchen items, and everyday essentials to think about, and that's before you get to all of the heavy furniture items, including your mattress.
Yep. It may be the last thing to go, but don't forget about your bed. And if you bought yourself a brand-new mattress in a box, you'll understand how important it is to protect it. It was the most adult purchase you've made! So before you strap your mattress to the roof of your car or chuck it carelessly in the moving van, make sure you get yourself a bag.
Designed to keep your mattress free from damage during its journey, this cheap AF accessory could seriously save you from having to spend your savings on a new bed you don't really need. Acting as a barrier between dirt, dust mites, and critters, it'll protect your comfortable mattress from everything your garage, storage unit, or transit throws at it.
6 of the best mattress bags for full protection
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Even if you have to store your mattress away or dispose of it (in a safe and eco-friendly way, obvi) a mattress bag will come in handy, too. I've done the research for you, and found the top-rated mattress bags online. These are the six with great reviews. Thank me later.
The best mattress bag for moving
Sizes: Twin, queen, king
Material: Vinyl
+ Super thick and waterproof
+ Great price
- No handles
This protector is made with polyurethane vinyl, which is much thicker than most mattress bags out there, and it's totally waterproof. Yep, no need to stress about potential spills and stains along the way. Move spaces with peace of mind knowing your mattress will be well-protected for under $10.
The best mattress bag for storing
Sizes: Twin/full, queen/king
Material: Plastic
+ Vent holes
+ Affordable
- Could tear
If you need to store your mattress for more than a short period of time, this mattress bag is your best bet. It has vent holes, to stop moisture and mildew from getting trapped and turning into mold over time. Some reported a li'l tearing, though it's plastic and reusable, so it should stay intact for some time.
The best mattress bag for disposal
Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king
Material: High-density polyethylene
+ Perfect for disposal
+ Super cheap, pack of 2
- Could easily tear
Every mattress meets an end eventually and some cities require that mattresses be wrapped in plastic before they’re disposed of, in order to prevent the potential spread of bedbugs. These cheap single-use mattress bags will do the job. They aren't as thick as others, so we wouldn't recommend them otherwise.
The best value mattress bag
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, queen/full, king/California king
Material: Polyethylene
+ Adhesive closure
+ Super thick
- Not reusable
Linenspa is known for its affordable range of mattresses and cheap bedding, so there's no surprise its cover is great quality and a great price. It's thick and durable and features an adhesive strip to seal it shut — saving on packing tape. This does make it a single-use item, which is fine if you're storing or just moving once.
The best reusable mattress bag
Sizes: Twin. twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king
Material: Polyethylene tarpaulin
+ Reusable
+ Handles
- More expensive
If you’re a student or someone who might move multiple times in the next few years, a reusable mattress cover like this one may be a wise investment. It’s made of a thick tarp material and closes with a zipper. Perhaps best of all, it has eight handles, so you won't have to pivot it up the stairwell like Ross from Friends.
The best vacuum mattress bag
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Material: High-density polyethylene
+ Great price
+ Heavy duty
- No handles
This is Amazon’s choice that's earned 4.6 out of five stars across nearly 24,000 reviews. If you’re looking to vacuum-seal your mattress ahead of a move, several reviewers say this bag saved them space and held up well during a move, even when sliding a mattress over the floor.
Real Homes testing notes
No, we haven't had hands-on experience with these mattress bags, but with plenty of reviews, you have! To make sure this list is a ~short~ roundup of only the best bags you can get to protect your bed, we've read the ratings, compared and contrasted the comments, and done our thorough research. The six here scored top marks for durability and cost and live up to expectations, according to customers. We've filtered out the best from the rest, so you don't have to. Pick up one of these mattress bags and believe me: your biggest purchase yet will be protected.
3 things to consider before picking up a mattress bag
- Thickness and durability: Naturally, thicker materials tend to be more durable. For some bags, you’ll be able to see how many millimeters (that’s one-thousandth of an inch) it is. A bag that’s 3 mm to 6 mm should be sufficient for most moves, as it can stand up well to handling and possibly being dragged across surfaces. If it’s 2 mm, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use it, but just be aware it’s less likely to withstand rough handling. These may be better suited for storage in a home or garage.
- Size: It sounds simple, but you’ll want to make sure your mattress bag is the right size for your mattress. Many bags come in different sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits, but you don’t want to find yourself trying to fit a mattress into a bag that’s too small on moving day. Top tip: Go a size up if you're unsure.
- Handles: While they’re certainly not a necessity, handles are very useful to have. They'll make the moving process much less frustrating, as the mattress will be easier to maneuver.
Should I put my mattress in a bag?
Short answer: Yes! Not wrapping your mattress in protective packaging could be one of the biggest moving mistakes you could make. Mattresses are expensive, and not worth the risk of damage. Mattress bags can keep your bed protected from spills and stains when en route to your new place, and free from pests, bed bugs, and mold if you're planning on keeping it in storage for some time. It could be the difference between your mattress lasting for years to come or having to spend the rest of your savings on a new one.
