Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture to Make Moving Easier

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Credit: pexels.com, Modern TV and fireplace hanging on wall in minimalist apartment with white furniture and comfortable armchair

Moving companies often disassemble furniture to make moving easier, but it's not a standard practice for all companies.

For example, some moving companies may disassemble beds, tables, and bookshelves to reduce the risk of damage during transit.

In fact, a study found that disassembling furniture can reduce the risk of damage by up to 50%.

Moving companies may also disassemble furniture to fit it through tight spaces or to make it easier to load into a moving truck.

For more insights, see: Mail Room Furniture

Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?

Most reputable moving companies do incorporate furniture disassembly in their service. This means they'll take apart your furniture to make it easier to transport.

They employ trained staff and equipment to disassemble and reassemble ordinary items of furniture with ease and convenience. This is a standard practice for many moving companies.

Some moving companies will include dismantling furniture as part of their standard packages, while others will charge extra or only dismantle selected items. It's always a good idea to check first to know exactly what you're getting on moving day.

A couple collaboratively lifting a couch while moving into a new apartment.
Credit: pexels.com, A couple collaboratively lifting a couch while moving into a new apartment.

Disassembling bulky furniture requires more movers and time, which is why most moving companies charge an extra fee for this service. This fee is usually separate from the overall moving fee.

You should have an open line of communication with your movers to ask if they offer a furniture take-apart service. This service involves disassembling your furniture and packing it for safe transportation, and then reassembling it at your new apartment.

Professional movers already have the right equipment and expertise to make the job easier, so hiring them to take apart your furniture is always a great idea. They'll quickly take the furniture apart and safely pack it for the move.

Disassembly Process

Disassembling furniture beforehand can significantly reduce the size of the moving truck needed and make the overall moving cost cheaper. This is especially true for bulky pieces like beds, dressers, and cabinets.

If you're worried about having enough space, disassembling furniture could be your best option. Taking apart these items can make the moving process much easier for both you and the movers.

A unique perspective: Diy Furniture Out of Pallets

From above of young ethnic bearded man and woman with curly hair looking at each other and lying on bed among suitcases and cardboard boxes with stuff while moving in new apartment together
Credit: pexels.com, From above of young ethnic bearded man and woman with curly hair looking at each other and lying on bed among suitcases and cardboard boxes with stuff while moving in new apartment together

To disassemble furniture safely, you should consider the size of the item, the size of the doors and hallways, and the fragility of the item. If the furniture is too bulky to fit through the doors, or if it's too fragile to move in one piece, disassembly is necessary.

Some common items that need to be taken apart for a move include beds, dressers, tables, cabinets, and build-it-yourself items. Sofas can also be a challenge, especially if they're too large to fit through doors or hallways.

Here are some common items that need to be taken apart for a move:

  • Beds: separate the box spring and mattress from the frame
  • Dressers: remove the mirror and pack it separately
  • Tables: remove the legs to avoid damage
  • Cabinets: remove any attached pieces
  • Sofas: take apart the sofa to avoid damaging it

It's also a good idea to consider hiring professionals to take apart your furniture. They have the right equipment and expertise to do the job quickly and safely.

Items to Disassemble

Disassembling furniture can be a challenge, but it's often necessary to ensure a smooth move. Beds, for example, are a common item that need to be taken apart, as their frames consist of interlocking pieces that take up a lot of space.

Detailed close-up of circuit board and ribbon cable in a disassembled camera lens.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed close-up of circuit board and ribbon cable in a disassembled camera lens.

To make the process easier, it's essential to separate the mattress and box spring from the frame. This will help prevent damage and make it easier to transport the items up and down the stairs.

Some other items that typically require disassembly include dressers, tables, cabinets, and bookshelves. Sofas, in particular, can be a challenge due to their size and bulkiness. If you have a large sofa, it's often better to take it apart to avoid damaging the furniture or the surrounding doors and hallways.

Here are some common items that movers typically disassemble:

  • Beds
  • Dressers
  • Tables
  • Cabinets
  • Bookshelves
  • Sofas

Keep in mind that some furniture items, like IKEA furniture, can be tricky to disassemble, even with the instruction manual. In such cases, it's best to seek the help of professional movers who have the necessary tools and expertise to disassemble and reassemble the furniture safely and efficiently.

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Types Usually Disassembled

Disassembling furniture can make a big difference in the moving process. You'll need to take apart bigger pieces of furniture like beds, desks, cabinets, and wall units to make them easier to transport.

Close-up of disassembled smartphone on vibrant yellow surface, showing various parts.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of disassembled smartphone on vibrant yellow surface, showing various parts.

Beds are a great example - they're made up of interlocking pieces that can be tricky to move up and down stairs. By separating the box spring and mattress from the frame, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle.

Dressers and vanities can usually be moved intact, but if they have an attached mirror, it's best to remove it and pack it separately to avoid damage.

Large dining room tables can often be transported without being taken apart, but removing the legs can help prevent damage.

Some items, like build-it-yourself furniture, may require extra attention - make sure to tighten any loose joints and screws before the move.

Here are some common items that typically need to be taken apart:

  • Beds
  • Dressers
  • Tables (with legs removed)
  • Cabinets
  • Build-it-yourself items
  • Sofas (if they're too large to fit through doors or hallways)

Disassembling furniture can save you space on the moving truck and reduce the overall moving cost. It's a good idea to take apart furniture that's too bulky to fit through doors or hallways, or if it poses a safety risk.

Beds

Disassembled Xbox Controller on Desk Mat
Credit: pexels.com, Disassembled Xbox Controller on Desk Mat

Beds can be a real challenge to move, especially if you have a lot of intricate pieces to deal with. Removing the bedding, including sheets, pillows, and mattresses, is the first step that professional movers take.

They then remove drawers and box springs from the bed and pack them separately, which helps to reduce clutter and prevent damage.

Bunk beds are a bit more complex, requiring you to clear and empty all the drawers first. This makes it easier to unscrew the legs and pack the hefty parts in moving blankets.

Movers also take care to wrap fragile glass tabletops in bubble wrap and label them as "fragile" or "handle with care". This ensures that your belongings are protected during the move.

Here are some steps to follow when disassembling a bed:

  • Remove the bedding, including sheets, pillows, and mattresses
  • Remove drawers and box springs from the bed and pack them separately
  • Clear and empty all drawers
  • Unscrew the legs and pack the hefty parts in moving blankets

Build-It-Yourself: IKEA and Flat-Packs

Furniture assembly and disassembly can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to IKEA and flat-pack items. These types of furniture aren't easy to disassemble, not even with the help of the instruction manual.

A happy couple assembling furniture in their new apartment surrounded by moving boxes.
Credit: pexels.com, A happy couple assembling furniture in their new apartment surrounded by moving boxes.

Professional moving companies won't usually disassemble DIY furniture items unless they are asked to. They gently remove the dowels, screws, and plastic sachets with the right tools.

Movers keep these screws and small parts in plastic or zip bags and label them. This helps prevent losing any small pieces during the move.

They also keep the backboards or other boards intact and wrap them in moving blankets. This protects the furniture and prevents damage during transit.

If you're moving IKEA furniture, it's worth noting that pressboard furniture may be at risk of damage once taken apart and moved. This is something to consider before disassembling your furniture.

Why Disassemble?

Disassembling furniture is a crucial step in the moving process. It's better for your stuff and your move, as tight hallways, narrow stairs, and awkward corners can pose threats to fully assembled pieces.

Disassembling furniture lessens the likelihood of dings, scratches, and unexpected damage. By breaking down large items into smaller components, movers can pack more efficiently, which can even lower your total moving cost.

Happy couple taking a selfie in their new home while surrounded by moving boxes, capturing the moment.
Credit: pexels.com, Happy couple taking a selfie in their new home while surrounded by moving boxes, capturing the moment.

Some furniture items are more prone to disassembly than others. Beds, dressers, tables, cabinets, and sofas are common examples that require disassembly for safe transportation.

Furniture disassembly also maximizes truck space. By taking apart the furniture beforehand, it's significantly easier for the movers to transport the items from your home and onto the moving truck.

Here are some common items that need to be taken apart for a move:

  • Beds: Bed frames take up a lot of space and are made from interlocking pieces.
  • Dressers: Dressers and vanities can typically be moved intact unless there is a mirror that is attached.
  • Tables: Large dining room tables can typically be transported without being taken apart.
  • Cabinets: Cabinets and bookshelves can usually be moved intact.
  • Sofas: Factor in the size of the sofa and the size of the doors and hallways.

Disassembling furniture beforehand can reduce the size of the moving truck that you need and make the overall moving cost cheaper.

Do You Need Professional to Assemble Bunk Beds?

Bunk beds can be a challenge to move, especially if you're doing it yourself. They're heavy, tricky, and too large to pack and lift.

It's advisable to get help from moving companies to assemble and reassemble bunk beds for the safety of your kids and yourself. This way, you can avoid any potential accidents or injuries.

Credit: youtube.com, Do Movers Disassemble Beds? | Expert Moving Tips by Three Movers

To disassemble a bunk bed, you can follow these steps: remove the mattresses from the upper and bottom bunk, remove the screws from the ladder using a screwdriver, take apart the side ladder and wrap it safely with a moving blanket or bubble wrap, unscrew the guardrails or safety side rails of the bunk from both sides, pack each screw, supporting screw, nuts, and bolts in plastic and label them correctly for reassembling, wrap the mattress in plastic to protect it from dust and dirt, and wrap the bed frames in moving blankets to give them extra padding during the move.

It's worth noting that pressboard furniture, like some bunk beds, may be at risk of damage once taken apart and moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone to disassemble furniture?

Yes, you can hire a Tasker to disassemble furniture for you, and many have experience working with local furniture companies. They can help with disassembly, removal, and disposal of furniture.

Do couches come apart for moving?

Yes, some couches have removable sections for easier transportation, and they can be disassembled into individual parts. Disassembling your couch can make moving a smoother process, but it's essential to keep track of all the parts.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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