One Simple Tip To Prevent Your Mattress From Scuffing Up The Wall During A Big Move

With moving day comes carrying heavy items, and heavy items equal chipped paint, dents, and scuff marks on the walls if you aren't careful. One often-forgotten culprit is the big, bulky mattress. Yet, unsurprisingly, maneuvering a mattress in and out of a house is no easy feat. One wrong move and it can bump into a wall — and the next thing you know, you're googling the fastest fix for scuffed paint in your home. To prevent that from happening, add "cover the mattress and walls" to your moving checklist.

This might feel like an extra step during your already busy move, but it helps in two major ways. First, your walls will remain unscathed from accidental hits caused by your mattress and other large pieces of furniture. In other words, it could save you a new paint job. And second, you'll be able to move with your mattress without damaging it or getting it dirty. Here's a closer look at what to wrap your mattress and walls with. We've included options for both those who are on a limited budget and those who have a few extra bucks to spare.

Let's start with the walls. Anything large and soft will do the trick here, and there's no need to look far since your bedding is already perfect for this task: think bed sheets, comforters, quilts, and bedspreads. Now, we're not saying that you should add a protective layer to every single wall in your home. Focus on draping the more exposed sections, like those in narrow hallways and staircases. Secure the covers on the wall using heavy-duty duct tape (or any other tape if the fabric is lightweight). Also, make sure they don't spill over onto the floor, because you don't want people stepping on your sheets.

If you'd rather keep your bedding nice and clean, use cardboard instead. It's inexpensive (even better if you have leftover boxes), a lot easier to hang on walls, and can handle impact. In a pinch, towels and drop cloths can also do a fairly good job of preventing unsightly scratches on the wall.

Now, onto wrapping the mattress. If you're planning on hiring movers, don't be afraid to ask them to bring moving blankets. Many companies are willing to provide these thick coverings at no additional charge. For added protection, consider investing in a mattress bag, like the $8.47 uBoxes Queen Mattress Plastic Poly Cover. Or, opt for a reusable one that you can keep for future moves. The Cosy Family Reusable Mattress Cover Protector is available from $26 and comes in handy in this instance. This product includes eight handles for easy carrying, so the chances of slamming into walls are pretty slim. If all else fails, use a car cover to shield your mattress during transit.