How to Disassemble Furniture When Moving?

1. Create a Disassembly Plan

Before you start unscrewing bolts, take a step back.

• Make a list of what needs to be dismantled.
• Take measurements to ensure what can and can’t fit through doors or hallways.
• Plan what tools you’ll need (more on that below).
• Allocate time—you don’t want to be rushing this an hour before the movers arrive!

Start disassembling 2–3 days before the move, beginning with items you use least.

2. Gather the Right Tools

The right tools make the job smoother and safer. Here’s your disassembly toolkit:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Allen (hex) keys
• Adjustable wrench
• Hammer or mallet
• Ziplock bags for screws and bolts
• Moving blankets or old towels
• Packing tape and markers
• Rubber bands or cable ties
• Camera or smartphone (yes, seriously!)

Having everything on hand avoids that frustrating “where’s the Allen key?!” moment mid-task.

3. Photograph Everything First

Before removing even a single bolt, take photos of each item.

Why?

• Helps you remember how it fits together
• Useful for rebuilding on the other side
• You can reference screw placements, leg positions, or tricky joints

Think of it as your visual manual—especially helpful for furniture without original instructions.

4. Remove Loose or Fragile Parts First

Start by removing shelves, drawers, cushions, or glass panels. This prevents them from breaking during the main disassembly.

• Label drawers or shelves with painter’s tape (“Top Left”, “Bottom Right”)
• Wrap glass or delicate parts in bubble wrap or thick blankets
• Keep screws or connectors from these parts in separate zip bags

Warning: Never leave glass parts attached to furniture while moving—it’s a recipe for disaster.

5. Take Apart Major Sections

Now, let’s get into the real dismantling. Tackle one item at a time. Don’t try to disassemble multiple things simultaneously—it’ll get confusing quickly.

Here’s how to approach the big stuff:

Beds:

• Remove the mattress and slats
• Unscrew the headboard and footboard
• If it’s a metal frame, label which bolts go where
• Use bubble wrap for wooden parts to prevent scratches

Dining Tables:

• Flip it gently onto a soft surface
• Remove legs (usually attached with bolts or screws)
• If leaves or extensions are removable, take them out and label

Desks and Wardrobes:

• Remove drawers or doors first
• Unscrew or unclip internal parts like shelves
• Separate top and bottom if it’s a modular unit

Be careful with antique or solid wood furniture. These may not be designed to come apart easily and can crack under force.

6. Label Everything (Trust Us!)

Every part. Every screw. Every panel. Label them all.

Use painter’s tape or sticky notes to mark:

• “Left leg – dining table”
• “Headboard bolts – Master Bed”
• “Drawer rails – Study Desk”

Put all small hardware into labelled ziplock bags and tape the bags to the corresponding furniture item or store them all in one “hardware box.”

7. Wrap and Protect Each Component

Now that you’ve got all parts separated and labelled, wrap them properly:

• Use bubble wrap or moving blankets for panels, legs, and tabletops
• Protect corners with cardboard or corner pads
• Stack parts vertically (if possible) in the truck to avoid pressure damage

For upholstered furniture, plastic wrap keeps dust and stains away during transit.

8. Keep Tools Handy on Moving Day

When the big day arrives, make sure:

• Your tools are easily accessible
• You haven’t packed away instruction manuals (if you have them)
• The hardware box or zip bags are kept with your essentials

You’ll thank yourself later when you’re reassembling your bed at 9 PM and don’t need to dig through 15 boxes to find a screwdriver.

9. Reassembling at Your New Home

Once you arrive, take it slow. Use the photos you took earlier and follow your labels.

• Start with essential furniture like beds or work desks
• Avoid rushing and forcing parts back together—especially if things shifted during the move
• Check for any missing parts before reassembling fully

If you keep everything organised, this step should be stress-free.