How to get your bed upstairs
● AVEN BEDS · THE HOME GUIDE
HOW TO TAKE A BED
UPSTAIRS SAFELY.
Your practical step-by-step guide to planning the route, protecting your home and moving large bed components with care.
6 easy-to-follow steps • Practical moving advice
THE ESSENTIALS
A little preparation makes all the difference.
Stairs, narrow landings and large upholstered pieces can make moving a bed challenging. Measuring your route, planning the lift and getting the right assistance can help you avoid damage and reduce the risk of injury.
JUMP TO A STEP
06Your step-by-step guide
Work through these in order before moving your bed.
STEP 01
Measure everything first
Take measurements of the furniture and the entire route before trying to move anything.
Measure the width, height, length and (where useful) diagonal of the headboard, mattress and each frame component. Check the narrowest points along the route—not just the staircase itself.
Measure doorway openings, stair width, landings, ceiling height, bends, handrails and any low beams. A simple sketch with dimensions can reveal problems before the lift begins.
Helpful idea: If your bed comes apart into smaller components, check each component separately. A fully assembled frame may not fit where its individual parts would.
STEP 02
Prepare a clear, protected route
Give yourself enough space to move steadily, without tripping or marking your home.
Move rugs, shoes, ornaments and loose furniture out of the hallway and stairwell. Open doors fully and arrange good lighting from the entrance to the bedroom.
Protect vulnerable doorframes, corners and bannisters with securely fastened moving blankets or padding. Keep the steps unobstructed and wear footwear with reliable grip.
Helpful idea: Plan where you will put each bed component down at the top of the stairs before you start carrying.
STEP 03
Plan the team and dismantle what you can
Carrying bulky furniture upstairs is rarely a one-person job.
Arrange at least two capable adults for a manageable load, and use more assistance or professional movers where the size, weight or layout requires it. Agree who leads the movement and who supports the other end.
Where the manufacturer allows it, remove detachable headboards, side rails, slats and other parts first. Bag and label screws and fittings so reassembly is straightforward.
Helpful idea: Ask the person with the clearest view of the route to call out turns, pauses and obstacles. Never carry more than you can control.
STEP 04
Lift with control, not momentum
Good body position and clear communication help reduce the chance of injury.
Check the object’s weight and grip points. Keep it close to your body, use your legs and hips when lifting, and avoid twisting your back under load. Move your feet to turn instead.
Use suitable handling straps only if they are appropriate for the object and you know how to use them. A furniture dolly may help on flat ground, but it is not a safe substitute for proper stair handling.
Helpful idea: Stop immediately if anyone loses their grip, balance or visibility. Do not continue simply because the bed is already halfway upstairs.
STEP 05
Take the staircase one step at a time
Move slowly and make each change of direction deliberate.
Agree simple commands such as “lift”, “stop” and “lower”. Check that both people are ready before every move. Keep your footing secure and hands away from pinch points between the furniture and walls.
Approach tight bends carefully, adjusting the angle only when both carriers are stable. Don’t force an oversized frame through an opening or position anyone directly underneath an unstable load.
Helpful idea: If a piece cannot be carried safely with the clearance and people available, stop and seek professional help rather than risking injury or damage.
STEP 06
Reassemble and check the bed
Once everything is upstairs, make sure the frame is correctly rebuilt before use.
Lay out the components and follow the assembly instructions for your exact bed model. Refit the rails, fittings and supports in the specified order, and tighten all fasteners as directed.
Check that the frame stands level, the mattress base is secure and—if you have an ottoman—the lift mechanism operates according to the manufacturer’s instructions before adding bedding.
Helpful idea: Keep the instructions and any spare hardware somewhere safe. Never force gas-lift parts or dismantle a mechanism under tension.
A few extra things to remember
The small details that make moving day smoother.
Measure before ordering
Check whether the longest and widest components can pass through doors, turns and landings before you choose your bed.
Keep the mattress protected
Use a suitable clean mattress cover or protective bag, and follow the manufacturer’s rules on bending and handling.
Know when to call specialists
If the load, stair design or available clearance makes a lift risky, arrange professional moving help rather than improvising.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
Your upstairs moving checklist
Use this simple list to double-check that you're ready. You can print the page and tick each item manually.
- □ Measured every bed component
- □ Checked doors, staircase and landings
- □ Cleared obstacles and protected corners
- □ Arranged suitable lifting help
- □ Set aside tools and assembly instructions
- □ Planned when to call professionals if needed
HERE TO HELP
Need a little extra guidance?
If you're unsure about a bed's component sizes or need help choosing a style for your home, our customer care team is happy to answer product questions.
Please always refer to the instructions supplied with your bed. Use professionals whenever the weight, dimensions or route make the move unsafe.