You have finally finished assembling your new ottoman bed. The mattress is in place. The bedding looks immaculate. The hidden storage is already proving its worth, neatly swallowing spare duvets, winter clothes and the suitcases that previously lived in the corner of the room. Then, almost inevitably, a thought occurs.
"Would it look better against the other wall?"
Or perhaps you're decorating.
Maybe you're replacing the carpet, painting the room or simply giving the bedroom a long-overdue refresh. Whatever the reason, one question quickly follows:
Can you move an ottoman bed once it's built?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few important things to understand before attempting it.
Unlike a standard wooden bed frame, an ottoman bed contains a lifting mechanism, hydraulic gas struts and an internal storage compartment. Once fully assembled and loaded with a mattress and belongings, it becomes considerably heavier than many people expect. That doesn't mean it cannot be moved — far from it — but it does mean the safest approach is rarely the quickest one.
In this guide, we'll explain when you can move an ottoman bed without dismantling it, when partial disassembly makes more sense, how to protect both the bed and your flooring, and the simple mistakes that are easiest to avoid.
Quick Answer: Can You Move an Ottoman Bed Once It's Built?
Yes. An ottoman bed can usually be moved after it has been assembled, provided it is handled carefully and, ideally, by two people. Before moving the bed, it is advisable to remove the mattress and empty the storage compartment, as this significantly reduces the overall weight and places less strain on the lifting mechanism.
If the bed only needs repositioning within the same room, it can often be moved intact. If it needs to pass through a doorway, travel downstairs or be transported to another property, partial or complete disassembly is usually the safer option.
Why Ottoman Beds Feel Heavier Than Standard Beds
Many people are surprised by just how substantial an ottoman bed feels once assembled.
That weight comes from several different elements working together.
Unlike a simple bed frame, an ottoman bed includes:
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A reinforced base
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A hydraulic lift mechanism
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Gas struts
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A storage compartment
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An upholstered frame
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A mattress platform
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The mattress itself
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Whatever you've chosen to store underneath
Each individual component contributes to the overall stability of the bed, which is one reason quality ottoman beds feel so solid once assembled. The trade-off, of course, is that they require a little more thought when it's time to move them.
Moving an Ottoman Bed Within the Same Room
If you're simply changing the layout of your bedroom, moving an ottoman bed is usually straightforward with the right preparation.
The biggest mistake people make is trying to move everything at once.
Instead, spend ten minutes making the bed lighter before attempting to reposition it.
Step 1: Empty the Storage Compartment
It sounds obvious, yet it's often overlooked.
The storage area beneath an ottoman bed can hold an astonishing amount of weight. Spare duvets, pillows, towels, seasonal clothing and storage boxes all add unnecessary strain when moving the bed.
Removing everything first makes the process considerably easier.
Top tip: While emptying the storage compartment, take the opportunity to declutter. Many people discover forgotten items they no longer need, making the move doubly worthwhile.
Step 2: Remove the Mattress
Although modern hydraulic lift systems are designed to work with the mattress in place, removing it before moving the bed is strongly recommended.
This immediately reduces weight and makes the frame far easier to manoeuvre.
It also prevents the mattress shifting unexpectedly while the bed is being repositioned.
If you're unsure whether your mattress is the right match for your ottoman bed, our guide "Do Ottoman Beds Need Special Mattresses?" explains everything you need to know.
Step 3: Close the Ottoman Mechanism Properly
Before moving the bed, ensure the lifting platform is fully lowered and securely closed.
Attempting to move the bed while the platform is partially raised creates unnecessary instability and increases the risk of damaging the lift mechanism.
Step 4: Lift — Don't Drag
One of the quickest ways to damage both your flooring and your bed is dragging it across the room.
Instead, lift the frame slightly and move it carefully with another person.
This is particularly important on:
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Wooden flooring
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Luxury vinyl flooring
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Laminate
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Thick carpets
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Delicate rugs
A little extra care now helps prevent scratches, damaged joints and unnecessary wear.
Can One Person Move an Ottoman Bed?
Technically, sometimes. Practically, it depends. A small single ottoman bed may be manageable for one person once emptied. A double, king or super king bed is another matter entirely.
Because the weight is distributed across a larger frame, attempting to move it alone can be awkward and may place unnecessary strain on both the furniture and your back.
For larger beds, two people are almost always the safer option.
Not because the bed is unusually difficult to move, but because teamwork simply makes the process smoother, quicker and significantly less stressful.
Moving an Ottoman Bed to Another Room
Repositioning a bed within one room is one thing. Taking it through doorways, upstairs or downstairs is something else entirely.
Before attempting this, consider:
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Door widths
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Staircases
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Ceiling height
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Tight corners
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Hallway clearance
In many cases, partial disassembly becomes the more sensible approach.
Removing components such as the headboard or separating the base sections often makes transport much easier while reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Moving House? Should You Dismantle an Ottoman Bed?
If you're relocating to another property, the answer is almost always yes.
Although it can be tempting to move the bed fully assembled, doing so creates several unnecessary risks:
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Upholstery damage
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Stress on hydraulic mechanisms
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Bent brackets
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Difficulty fitting through doorways
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Increased lifting weight
A carefully dismantled ottoman bed is not only easier to transport but also far easier to protect during the move.
If you assembled the bed yourself originally, keep the instruction booklet somewhere safe. If not, many manufacturers provide replacement assembly instructions online should you need them.
Our guide "Are Ottoman Beds Difficult to Assemble?" walks through the process step by step and can be useful if you need to rebuild your bed after moving.
Will Moving the Ottoman Bed Damage the Hydraulic Mechanism?
Not if it is moved correctly.
Modern ottoman beds use robust gas-assisted lift mechanisms designed for everyday operation. However, these components are engineered to work within the structure of the assembled bed.
Dragging the bed roughly, lifting it unevenly or transporting it without appropriate support places unnecessary stress on these parts.
Treat the lifting mechanism with the same care you would any precision-engineered component. A little caution goes a long way.
How Often Can You Move an Ottoman Bed?
There is no fixed limit. Quality ottoman beds are designed for long-term use and occasional repositioning when required.
That said, frequent moving simply increases opportunities for accidental knocks, scratches or loose fixings.
If you regularly rearrange your bedroom, it's worth checking that all bolts remain secure every few months as part of routine maintenance.
Practical Tips for Moving an Ottoman Bed Safely
Small details often make the biggest difference.
Here are a few practical tips that can save both time and frustration.
Take Photographs Before Disassembly
If you're dismantling the bed completely, a few quick photos of brackets, fittings and lift mechanisms can make reassembly much easier later.
Keep Fixings Together
Store screws, bolts and brackets in a clearly labelled bag rather than scattering them between boxes. Future-you will be grateful.
Protect Upholstered Panels
Wrap upholstered components in blankets or protective covers during transport to help prevent marks or scuffs.
Don't Rush
Most moving-day mishaps happen because people try to save five minutes. Furniture rarely rewards impatience.
Why a Quality Ottoman Bed Makes All the Difference
Moving any large piece of furniture becomes easier when it has been built to last.
Online Bed Store ottoman beds are manufactured with durability and everyday practicality in mind, combining robust construction with thoughtfully engineered lift mechanisms designed for regular use. As a manufacturer rather than simply a retailer, Online Bed Store also offers a level of quality control and product knowledge that helps give buyers greater confidence in their purchase.
When you choose an Online Bed Store ottoman bed, you'll also benefit from:
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Made in Britain craftsmanship
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Over 40 years of manufacturing expertise
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More than 40 fabric options
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Free two-man delivery
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A 5-year warranty
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Factory-direct quality and support
Explore the full collection here:
Related Ottoman Bed Guides
If you're researching ottoman beds, these guides may also help:
You can also browse the full OBS blog for more buying guides, comparisons and bedroom inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Ottoman Beds
Can you move an ottoman bed without taking it apart?
Yes, if you're moving it within the same room and there is enough space. Remove the mattress, empty the storage compartment and move it with at least one other person where possible.
Should you empty an ottoman bed before moving it?
Absolutely. Removing stored items makes the bed significantly lighter and reduces strain on the lifting mechanism.
Can an ottoman bed be dismantled and rebuilt?
Yes. Quality ottoman beds are designed to be assembled and, when necessary, dismantled for moving home or transporting to another property.
Will moving an ottoman bed damage it?
Not if it is moved carefully. Lifting rather than dragging the bed, protecting upholstered panels and avoiding unnecessary strain on the hydraulic mechanism will help keep it in excellent condition.
Is it difficult to move a king size ottoman bed?
A king size ottoman bed is considerably heavier than a standard frame, so two people are usually recommended. Removing the mattress and emptying the storage compartment first makes the process much easier.
Moving Ottoman Beds
An ottoman bed is designed to make life easier, not more complicated.
Although its sturdy construction and integrated storage mean it weighs more than a traditional bed frame, that same strength is part of what makes it such a practical long-term investment. With a little preparation, the right lifting technique and, ideally, an extra pair of hands, most ottoman beds can be repositioned within a room without difficulty and dismantled when moving home if required.
Perhaps the most useful advice is also the simplest: don't treat moving an ottoman bed as a race. Take a few minutes to lighten the load, protect the frame and plan your route. Your flooring, your furniture and probably your back will all thank you for it.