Is it Worth It to Ship a Mattress Internationally?
*Updated Feb. 22, 2025
Are you relocating from the USA to another country? Shipping your mattress can be beneficial in many cases. But when does it make sense to send your mattress, and when might it be better to buy a new one at your destination?
Is it Worth It to Ship a Mattress Internationally or Overseas?
A common question people ask when planning an international move is, “Should I ship my mattress overseas?” Many of our clients move to Canada or Mexico—while these aren’t technically “overseas,” you still need to confirm whether your American mattress will be suitable in a different country’s environment or home layout.
Shipping household items, including a mattress, can sometimes save you money, especially if mattresses in your new country are more expensive or lower in quality. SDC International Shipping has helped countless Americans relocate worldwide—and we’ve even assisted international tourists who specifically visited the U.S. to purchase and ship American mattresses back home. Judging by these experiences, bringing your mattress is often worthwhile.
Beds from the USA
Beds, bedroom furniture, and mattresses from the United States are widely considered high quality. In many countries, “American-style” mattresses or beds are sold, but they might not truly match the design, comfort, or durability you’re used to. If you have a specialty bed (e.g., adjustable firmness or an adjustable base), shipping both the bed frame and the mattress often makes sense, since these components are built to fit together.
American Bedding
You may also want to bring your preferred bedding. For instance, many Europeans use duvets (different from what Americans call duvets) instead of the typical American flat sheet plus comforter setup. If you prefer American-style bedding, consider bringing fitted sheets, flat sheets, and comforters with you. While this isn’t as critical as bed size, the selection and price of bedding in the U.S. are often better than in other countries—another reason to stock up before you move.
Which Mattresses and Bedroom Furniture Should Not Be Sent Overseas?
Bed Size Discrepancies
American bed sizes (twin, queen, king, California king) might not align perfectly with standard sizes in your new country. A “queen” in the U.S. may be labeled differently or have different dimensions abroad. If you’re uncertain about bedroom dimensions or the common bed sizes in your destination, it’s wise to measure carefully or ask friends or family to measure average room sizes before deciding to bring an oversized bed.
New vs. Used Furniture
When moving with a customs tax holiday or exemption, many countries stipulate that you should only bring personal goods that aren’t brand-new. While officials rarely request furniture receipts, it’s generally safer to purchase any major new items at least a few months before your move to ensure they look “used.”
Final Thoughts
For most clients, bringing a mattress is a great idea. You’ll likely enjoy better comfort, durability, and familiarity than you would by purchasing a foreign-brand mattress. However, always verify the dimensions of your new home’s bedrooms, and consider how local customs regulations might impact shipping costs or exemptions.
