PCS Move Mattress Guide: What to Do With Your Mattress

PCS Move Mattress Guide: What to Do With Your Mattress

A Permanent Change of Station move brings a long list of decisions, and your mattress is one of the most logistically complicated. Mattresses are bulky, difficult to transport without damage, and not always worth the cost of shipping — yet replacing a mattress at every duty station adds up quickly over a military career. This guide walks through your options and helps you make the smartest choice for your specific situation.

Option 1: Include It in Your PPM/DITY Move

If you’re doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY), including your mattress in the shipment adds to your total weight — and potentially to your government reimbursement. Mattresses typically weigh between 50 and 150 pounds depending on size and construction, with heavy hybrid and foam mattresses on the higher end. However, mattresses require careful packaging to avoid damage during transport. Without a proper mattress bag or box, your mattress can develop permanent indentations, moisture damage, or soiling that effectively destroys its value.

Option 2: Include It in Government-Arranged Shipping (HHG)

When the government arranges your household goods (HHG) move, the movers will typically transport your mattress. However, the handling quality of government movers varies significantly. Mattresses transported in HHG moves should always be wrapped in a mattress bag before the movers arrive — this is something you do yourself before the packing crew comes. If a mattress arrives damaged from an HHG move, document the damage immediately and file a claim through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).

Option 3: Store It

If you’re moving to temporary lodging, student barracks, or overseas housing where your mattress won’t fit or isn’t needed, storage is an option. The government provides Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) for household goods, including mattresses, when a member is deployed, attending training, or moving to a location where family cannot join. Private storage units can also work for shorter periods. Always store mattresses flat or slightly elevated — standing a mattress on its side for extended periods can distort the internal structure, particularly for foam and pillow-top models.

Option 4: Sell and Buy New

Many military families find that selling a used mattress locally and purchasing a new one at the next duty station makes more financial sense than shipping. Facebook Marketplace and installation-specific for-sale groups make it relatively easy to sell a quality used mattress for $200–$500. When buying new, most major mattress brands offer military discounts of 10–25%, often running to hundreds of dollars in savings. If you time your purchase around a major sale event (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents’ Day), you may be able to buy a new premium mattress for close to what you’d get for your used one.

Option 5: Donate

Many military installation thrift shops and family services organizations accept mattress donations. Some Veterans Service Organizations also coordinate mattress donations for veterans transitioning out of service who need household goods. If your mattress is too old or worn to sell but still functional, donation is a dignified alternative to disposal.

Mattress Buying Recommendations by PCS Scenario

If you’re PCSing to your last duty station before ETS or retirement, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality mattress with a long warranty — you’ll have it for years. If you’re mid-career with multiple moves ahead, prioritize value, durability, and mattress brands that offer compressed-box delivery that makes moving logistics easier. If you’re moving overseas to a SOFA agreement country, check whether your housing will accommodate a US-standard mattress size before purchasing, as European beds often use different dimensions.

Protecting Your Mattress During a PCS Move

Invest in a quality mattress bag before any move. Heavy-duty mattress bags are available at U-Haul, Home Depot, and on Amazon for $15–$40 and can protect your mattress from moisture, dust, and physical damage during transport. For foam mattresses, avoid leaving them in a hot moving truck for extended periods — high heat can permanently alter the foam’s structure and feel.

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Find Your Military Mattress Discount

The following brands offer verified military discounts for active duty service members, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and military spouses. Click any link to check current pricing and verify your eligibility.

• Saatva Classic — Premium innerspring hybrid with verified military discount. White-glove delivery included. Check current military pricing at Saatva →
• Layla Sleep (Flippable Foam) — Dual-firmness memory foam, 120-night trial, lifetime warranty. Military discount via SheerID. Check Layla’s military discount →
• Nectar Memory Foam — 365-night trial, lifetime warranty. Military discount via SheerID. Check Nectar’s military pricing →

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