An Encyclopaedic Guide to Disassemble Furniture for Moving

This guide provides comprehensive information on how to disassemble furniture. In this post, you will find step-by-step instructions for dismantling furniture. You will also know about tools and some tips for efficient disassembly. This encyclopedic guide would be a great aid if you are looking for tips on how to disassemble furniture.

How to Properly Disassemble Your Furniture Before Moving

Are you moving house and have furniture to move? It would be in your best interest if you disassemble your furniture before your move day. This would ease the strenuousness of packing and moving.

It is common knowledge that moving house is expensive. And it may rack up significant costs. Hence, if you are getting ready for your move, make the most of all opportunities to minimise costs and save money.

Some of the most common ways to reduce moving costs are:

• Comparing price quotes from multiple movers and packers
• Selling or donating old stuff
• Booking packers and movers in advance

One more smart way to save on moving expenses is to disassemble any large pieces of furniture before moving them. Remember that reassembling large furniture items after you move might be a hassle. But it can help you save money on your move. You will not have to pay your packers and movers any extra amount for furniture disassembly service. In practice, taking apart furniture pieces for relocation is neither a simple nor a laborious task. So, it is possible you can handle it on your own.

So, you have decided to move some of your bigger, heavier pieces of furniture. Simultaneously, you aspire to economise your move. Do not worry. This blog post will teach you the correct method of disassembling furniture. By learning the tips and tricks given in this post, you can finish the disassembling job:

• efficiently and safely
• without putting yourself or your helpers at risk

That is not all. You will not see any significant damage to your valuable furniture.

Continue reading to discover the optimal method of disassembling your furniture to prepare for your upcoming move.

Preparatory Steps to Take Before Dismantling Furniture

To prepare before dismantling bulky furniture for moving, learn a few key points.

1. Ask yourself whether moving your large furniture is worthwhile.

So, you are going to be moving out of your current flat soon. Even so, you have not decided what to do with your cumbersome furniture. You are in a dilemma about whether you should take it with you. This dilemma does not have a clear-cut solution. You will need to make an informed decision on your own. You will need to evaluate your circumstances. This allows you to determine how you can make the most of your resources in terms of time, money, and effort.

You may want to transport some of, most of, or all the furniture that you possess to your new flat or house. The decision to move furniture from one home to another will cost you a considerable amount of money. You will end up spending a lot of money because of the massive weight of your large furniture pieces. The overall weight of your shipment plays a role in the price that professional packers and movers quote you. Remember that weight is just one of many cost-affecting factors. Other factors can also have an impact on furniture moving costs.

Money is not the only factor that you need to think about when moving your furniture. You should also take other considerations into account. Moving bulky furniture from one flat to another will cost you time and effort as well. In some cases, buying new furniture is less expensive than moving old furniture, especially for a long-distance or international move. Additionally, it is easier and more sensible, too. So, think about whether it will be worth your time and effort to move your big, heavy furniture.

2. Take measurements of the doorways and the pieces of furniture.

Here is a piece of good news for you. You do not need to disassemble all the furniture pieces you have decided to move. You will have some furniture that does not require disassembly for moving. You should not disassemble some furniture pieces that can go through all doorways, entrances, corridors, corners, and stairs. But you must use the right kinds of wrapping, packing, and padding supplies to keep them safe.

How will you determine whether your furniture pieces require disassembly? Let us understand. To do so, first measure doorways, entrances, and stairs. Then, take the measurements of all the pieces of furniture that you want to move. Clearly note down the height, width, and length of the furniture pieces.

Now that you have taken two types of measurements—doorway measurements and furniture measurements—the combination of these two measurements will give you a clear picture of whether you should disassemble your furniture for moving. That is not all. This will also give an idea of whether there will be any issues with the fitting.

If the measurements that you have taken reveal that your furniture will not pass through any of the doorways or entrances without damage, you must disassemble it. You can dismantle the furniture partially or completely, depending on your needs and comfort.

3. Get assistance from your friends and family.

A true friend is one who stands by you in times of trouble. You must have heard this phrase so many times that it has become a common phrase. You might do everything you can to ensure your furniture gets to its new home in perfect shape. If you are not confident that you can do this on your own, you can ask your friends for help. After all, true friends are those who help their friends in trouble—unlike others who disappear when trouble arises. If your friends agree to help you, you must be grateful to them. By adopting this approach, you can have significant savings in terms of both time and money.

Why should you ask for help from your friends? The reason is obvious. Handling bulky, heavy furniture and dismantling pieces can be risky, challenging, and time-consuming. You will likely have some heavy furniture pieces that you cannot handle on your own. Some furniture pieces require at least two people to handle them for obvious reasons. In such a situation, it is best to ask your friends for assistance. Your friends can take care of the dismantling process, while you can handle the lifting of the furniture.

So, it makes sense to get help from your family and friends to disassemble and prepare furniture for your move. Make it a point to seek aid from a person you can trust for assistance and who can handle the task safely and securely. This person might be a member of your family, a friend, a neighbour, or a colleague at work.

4. Find the instruction manuals and read them carefully.

It is essential to locate the instruction manuals for your furniture before you start dismantling it. Having the instruction manual for your furniture can make the dismantling and moving process a lot smoother and easier. It can also help you avoid any unnecessary damage or confusion. If you find instruction manuals, that is great. Then you can ensure that you know precisely how to dismantle them correctly. 

What if you do not have instruction manuals? What will you do in this case? If you cannot find the manual, do not worry. Getting help from a hardware store is a great idea. So, head over to your local hardware store and explain the situation to an employee. They can assist you and may provide you with a duplicate manual for the same. They can also show you how to safely take apart furniture.

5. Gather and prepare the correct tools.

Having the right tools to disassemble the furniture is crucial before moving. This will avoid damaging the furniture and make the process more efficient. The necessary tools include:

• Screwdrivers
• Allen wrenches
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Power drill
• Labels & markers
• Protective gear such as gloves & safety glasses

These furniture dismantling tools and accessories help to make furniture more manageable, protect it from damage, and make it easier to transport. Labelling each part with a marker or sticker and keeping them in labelled bags is also important. It will ensure that furniture can be reassembled correctly.

6. Prepare Ziploc bags to keep nuts and bolts safe.

Preparing for a move involves several tasks. And one of the essential steps is to disassemble bulky furniture items. But disassembling furniture is not only about taking it apart. It is also about making sure that you keep all the small parts and fastening elements safe and organized. Thus, it is crucial to prepare sealable plastic bags. You can use Ziploc bags to keep all the small parts and fastening elements in one place.

While disassembling, put all the screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and dowels into separate bags. Also, put other small fastening elements into separate bags. This will prevent them from getting lost or mixed up during the move. Once you have placed them in the bags, label each bag.  Attach them to the corresponding furniture pieces.

Losing major screws, bolts, or nuts during the move can be frustrating. It can lead to significant delays and even the need to buy replacement parts. Thus, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid such a scenario. Labelling and taping the bags to their corresponding furniture pieces will ensure that all parts are accounted for and accessible.

Action Steps to Disassemble Furniture Efficiently

You are ready to disassemble your furniture for the move.  Hold your horses. To begin, make sure you understand the purpose behind this. For example, disassembling large furniture is essential. Because they may not fit through the narrow doorways, hallways, or staircases of the new home. Besides, if you disassemble furniture, you can manage the movement of small pieces. In short, disassembling furniture provides several benefits when it comes to moving. It minimises the risk of damaging the floors, walls, and door frames. It also makes furniture pieces manageable.

With a few smart steps, it is easy to take apart furniture before moving. Have a look at the following action steps for furniture disassembly.

1. How to Disassemble Bed for Moving

Disassembling a bed can be a daunting task. But with the right tools and steps, you can do it quickly and efficiently. I have outlined here several essential measures that you should follow.

• Take out the bedding materials from the bed and put them in separate packages.
• For optimal protection, you should take out the mattress and put it inside a designated bag made for mattresses.
• Remove the drawers from the main structure and pack their contents distinctively.
• Detach the headboard from the primary structure by unscrewing it.
• Detach the sideboards from the bed frame by unscrewing them.
• Take apart the primary bed structure. Divide it into as many individual parts as possible. Follow the instructions for putting the bed together but do it backwards.
• Cover all the big bed parts you disassembled, such as the drawers, with blankets designed for furniture.
• Use bubble wrap to wrap extra-delicate items such as ornamental objects.
• Put small hardware items such as bolts, screws, nuts, and washers, among others, into Ziploc bags and appropriately mark the plastic bag.

2. How to Disassemble Sofa or Couch for Moving

Disassembling your sofa or couch for a move is time-consuming and arduous. Many people dread this. If you remove all the individual pieces, you ensure nothing gets damaged or lost. But you also need to pack them and keep them organised. Here are steps that can help you disassemble the sofa or couch effortlessly.

• Take all items, such as cushions, covers, and stuffed animals, off your couch.
• Remove the couch legs by either unscrewing the holding screws or turning them in an anti-clockwise direction for safe removal.
• If it is workable, remove the sofa’s armrests to allow for more room when moving furniture through doorways.
• Eliminate any removable components while conveying an identical meaning. Refer to the user guide for specific directions.
• Store fastening parts, whether metal or non-metal, in sealable plastic bags.
• Secure the disassembled legs and armrests with furniture blankets to ensure their protection.

3. How to Disassemble China Cabinets

Here are a few tips that might help you disassemble china cabinets and make them ready for moving.

• Empty all the items carefully before carrying out the disassembly.
• Make sure there are no delicate items inside the china cabinet.
• Remove the shelves or doors by unscrewing the screws. Use a hand screwdriver or electric drill with a screwdriver bit.
• Unscrew the hardware that connects the cabinet to its base, which might be bolts, screws, or brackets.
• Gently lift the glass or wooden top off the base, taking extra care not to damage the corners or edges.
• Label all the pieces you have dismantled. So, you know which part goes where when it is time to reassemble.

4. How to Disassemble Wardrobe/Dresser

Disassembling furniture is a crucial task that is required for a variety of reasons, such as moving or refurbishing the furniture. To disassemble the wardrobe or dresser, it is essential to start by removing all drawers and shelves. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Remove all drawers and shelves.
• Remove all clothes and hangers from the wardrobe.
• Unscrew and remove any screws or bolts that hold the furniture together.
• Mark all pieces of furniture to ensure easy assembly later.
• Wrap detached furniture pieces in old blankets to keep them scratch-free.
• Keep all the screws and bolts in a safe place to avoid losing them. Use a sealable plastic bag.

5. How to Disassemble Dining Table

Disassembling a dining table can be a daunting task. It can even be more challenging if you have never done it before. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and patience, you can successfully take apart their dining table for storage or moving purposes. Here are a few things that you can do to disassemble your dining table.

• Remove the screws or bolts that hold the tabletop to the legs.
• Remove the legs and stretchers from the table using a screwdriver or wrench.
• Wrap furniture pieces using moving blankets.
• Label all furniture pieces with the appropriate tags.
• Keep all nuts and bolts in a sealable plastic bag.

6. How to Disassemble Desk

If you need to move or store your desk, disassembling it can make the process much easier. You can do it easily with the right tools and knowledge. Here are a few tips that will help you disassemble your desk before moving.

• Clear the desk. Remove all items from it, including any drawers or shelves.
• Turn the desk over onto its top, ensuring a scratch-free surface.
• Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove any bolts or screws that are holding the desk together.
• Once all the screws and bolts are removed, separate the pieces of the desk.
• Lift each piece up and away from the others.
• Label each piece so you know which part goes where. This will make reassembling easier.
• Disassemble any remaining parts and store them with the rest of the pieces.
• Keep all the screws and bolts in a safe place to avoid losing them. Use a sealable plastic bag.

Will Packers and Movers Disassemble Furniture?

Yes, professional packers and movers will disassemble your furniture. Most moving companies offer furniture disassembly & reassembly services as part of their moving packages. So, they will not only disassemble your furniture but also reassemble them at your new place.

Why should count on professional packers and movers for furniture dismantling?

When it comes to furniture dismantling, it is always advisable to count on professional packers and movers. This is because they possess the expertise needed to easily carry out the task. They ensure that your furniture remains undamaged during the process. Furthermore, they enhance safety, both for you and your belongings. And they ensure that no injuries or accidents arise from the process. Additionally, hiring professionals saves you time since they have the tools and experience. They can dismantle your furniture timely, without any fuss or delays. Ultimately, counting on professionals in this regard is an excellent strategy. It will prevent any damage that may arise from the dismantling process.

Why should count on professional packers and movers for furniture disassembly?

DIY disassembly of furniture might appear a cost-effective option. But it comes with many hidden risks. One of the most obvious reasons to avoid is you do not have the expertise required to do it well. The lack of skill could lead to a botched job. This can cause damage to the furniture. This can also cause more severe repercussions, such as injuries. Furthermore, the process will take your precious time. Therefore, it is always better to leave it to the experts and avoid the risks.

Concluding Words

In this encyclopaedic guide, I have provide you with all the necessary details for a smooth and secure furniture disassembly procedure for relocation purposes. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, entrust the task to expert packers and movers. They can effectively dismantle your furniture and prepare it for transit. If your budget allows you, it is good to forego assembling your furniture yourself.