Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?

Sometimes, your dressers, tables, or bed frames can’t move in one piece together. 

Therefore, to cut a long story short, yes. Moving companies disassemble furniture for easy maneuvering during packing, wrapping, and transporting.

We all know that moving houses or offices requires a lot of planning and preparation.

Disassembling heavy, oddly shaped, and large furniture pieces is the most common among all moving challenges. 

While some old furniture items can be donated, others are still valuable and can be used again in your new place. 

This is when you book professional movers to do the heavy lifting for you!

For them, moving oversized items is easy.

However, the item doesn’t fit through narrow entryways, hallways, stairs, or elevators.

In that case, these pro movers take the furniture parts apart and put them together without compromising your item’s structural integrity.

You can either remove the screws and parts by yourself or take assistance from your moving company to speed up the process.

The ultimate goal is that your valuable items should reach their destination undamaged. 

Let’s find out how moving companies make furniture disassembling easier for you. 

Why Is Furniture Disassembly Necessary for Moving?

Handling bulky, large furniture, including cribs, tables, sofas, ergonomic chairs, and bookshelves, is tricky.

More trickier is their packing and transporting. Hence, unscrewing their parts and packing them separately ensures smooth loading and unloading. 

Before we dig deeper into the nitty-gritty of furniture disassembly, let’s see why it is the best choice for efficient relocation: 

1. Easy Loading and Unloading

When you have fewer items to carry, moving becomes easier.

Furniture disassembly reduces the weight of your items, allowing professional movers to load and unload smaller pieces.

This makes more room for other items in the moving truck and enhances safety. 

2. Less Risk, Less Damage 

Breaking down large furniture pieces into small pieces prevents the risk of colliding or breaking during the transit.

3. Saves Time and Money (The most valuable assets)

Lighter and lesser items ensure that the movers don’t do much back and forth.

Disassembling furniture pieces saves multiple trips, making it a speedy process.

When the furniture parts are packed separately, chances of breaking also decrease, saving you money for repairs.

4. Professional Eye and Expertise 

Professional moving companies come prepared with a moving tool kit.

They have furniture sliders, Allen wrenches, stretch wraps, and furniture pads for removing the nuts and bolts and providing cushioning.

Their know-how to handle glassware, antiques, beds, dressers, or fragile artwork ensures that your items are safe and secure.

What Furniture Items Do Movers Typically Disassemble?

Breaking down furniture requires precision and attention to detail, especially when moving custom-made furniture items, such as a gilded console table, an upholstered bed, cabinets, or entertainment centers. 

But with expert movers, your uniquely crafted furniture can be easily dismantled and reassembled when moving homes. 

Common Furniture Items Movers Take Apart 

1. Beds (Frames, Headboards, and Mattresses)

Here’s what professional movers do to take apart your beds effectively.

First, they remove the bedding, including the sheets, pillows and mattresses.

After that, they remove drawers and box springs from the bed and pack them separately.

Your movers use the right moving supplies and equipment to remove the nuts, bolts, headboard, bed frame, and footboard.

Next, they wrap the large components with moving blankets and the small items with bubble wrap, with labels on them. 

A sneak peek into how a moving company tapes the edges of a mattress for better protection. 

Do You Need Professional Movers To Dismantle Bunk Beds?

Bunk beds are a lot more complex than that of a regular bed.

The structure is heavy, tricky, and too large to pack and lift when moving homes.

Hence, it is advisable to get help from moving companies to assemble and reassemble bunk beds for the safety of your kids and yourself.  

Here’s How Movers Take Apart Bunk Beds

• 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 the 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
• Wrap the bed frames in moving blankets to give them extra padding during the move. 

2. Tables (Dining, Coffee, and Side Tables) 

• Clear and empty the belongings from all your desk or table drawers.
• Check for glass tabletops and gently remove them. Movers ensure your fragile glass doesn’t break, so they wrap them in bubble wrap and label them as “fragile” or “handle with care.” 
• Use a screwdriver to unscrew the legs and pack the hefty parts in moving blankets. 

3. Build-It-Yourself Furniture: IKEA and Other Flat-Pack Items

Flat-pack furniture items or IKEA furniture aren’t easy to disassemble.

Not even with the help of the instruction manual. That’s when recruiting mover’s help comes to the rescue.

• Professional moving companies won’t usually disassemble DIY furniture items (IKEA/Flat Pack) unless they are asked to. To maintain its style, structure, and grace, they gently remove the dowels, screws, and plastic sachets with the right tools. However, these flat-pack furniture items might lose their structural soundness when disassembled after being assembled for the first time. 
• They keep these screws and small parts in plastic or zip bags and label them.
• Movers keep the backboards or other boards intact and wrap them in moving blankets.

4. Dressers and Vanities

Dressers are rock solid and usually move in one piece.

However, some pieces have a mirror on the top, so you need some disassembling tools to take apart a dresser or bathroom vanity.

• Movers start by sliding out the drawers and then laying the dresser facing the floor.
• Next, they detach all the glass elements and pack them separately in bubble wrap or moving blankets to avoid breaking. 
• They use the right tools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, etc, to take out the nuts and screws from the back panel.  
• Movers repeat the same for side rails and shelves.
• They ensure all the small parts and screws are safe and labeled inside a sealable bag. 
• They also remove the pegs and support pegs from the dresser top and side panels and place them inside a plastic bag. 

5. China Cabinets, Bookshelves, and Entertainment Units

• Movers plan first to empty the cabinets, glassware, electronics, gaming consoles, and books. It makes the furniture lighter to move.   

• Remove the drawers, shelves, and pegs using a screwdriver. 
• Detach any glass elements and then pack them up separately in packing paper and bubble wrap.
• Take apart the large items such as panels, backboard, and frontboard and wrap them carefully in moving blankets. 
• Keep all the fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, pins, and screws, in ziploc to keep track of them during reassembly. 

Should You Disassemble the Furniture or Let Movers Handle It?

Both the options are correct. DIY furniture disassembly implies that you save costs but take all the burden of packing and dismantling furniture on yourself.

However, choosing the right moving company gives you a professional edge while separating furniture parts during the move. 

Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

When Should You Rely on Professional Movers to Take Apart Furniture For You?

With larger furniture pieces and fragile items such as chandeliers, china cabinets, or entertainment sets, furniture dismantling and moving gets complicated.

Especially when you have limited time to pack for your move. That’s when getting help from professional movers comes into play. 

Bonus Tip: Want to save more time? Disassemble the not-so-complex furniture items, such as beds, tables, couches, side tables, and lamps, before the movers arrive.

This way, you save time and focus more on safely packing other stuff.

Moreover, you can then keep track of your screws, nuts, bolts, and pegs when you reach your new home. 

Tips for Safely Disassembling Furniture 

Precaution is indeed better than cure. Before disassembling your furniture, follow these safety tips to prevent injuries. 

1. Gear up

Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, burns, and abrasions.

They also help you get a grip when moving refrigerators, as they are slippery.

Safety glasses are also essential when you have power tools. 

2. Use the right tools and equipment. 

The whole idea behind taking apart furniture is using the right tool. Ensure your wrench set, screwdrivers, stretch wraps, duct tape, moving blankets, and shrink wraps are handy. 

3. Clean as you go 

When disassembling and reassembling furniture pieces, the last thing you want to experience is tripping on the floor.

Ensure you keep the area free from dirt, dust, furniture leftovers, and debris. 

Pro Tip: Use floor runners/protectors to avoid slipping while carrying the furniture. This also protects your floor from scuff and drag marks. 

4. Take your time

Dismantling large furniture pieces requires patience and presence of mind.

Ensure you read the instructions thoroughly from the manual, keep the tools ready, and remove each item carefully without rushing.  

Reassemble Furniture at the New Location Efficiently

Relocating to a new location is the most exciting feeling, where you wait for the much-needed downtime after a long move.

However, you dread the worries of putting the pieces back together and unpacking.

The most efficient way of reassembling furniture pieces is going step-by-step. 

But before reassembling and rearranging your furniture, now is the time to decide how much furniture you can fit into your new location.

Not all furniture pieces fit into tight spaces.

Hence, finding a storage facility can help you organize your extra furniture items and keep them safe from damage. 

Reassembling Furniture By Yourself

• Use the photos and manuals.

Referring to the photos you clicked while taking furniture apart and instruction guides can help you reassemble faster. 

• Ask for help

Calling for help saves you time and effort when putting it all together.

Contact your friends and family members to assist you in holding the furniture while you put the screws and nuts. 

• Check your hardware

Check that all nuts, screws, and fasteners are stacked in one place. 

• Take measures

Ensure you wear protective gear and use the right tools and equipment when resassembling.

Your safety is important. Equally important is to keep your doors, hallways, elevators, and walls safe from scuff marks and dents. 

Hire Professional Movers to Reassemble For You!

Moving companies have experienced movers who know the ins and outs of furniture rebuilding. They take care of everything from getting the right equipment to safeguarding your valuables and property from damage. Enlist the help of movers to reassemble your furniture items quicker when you settle into your new home or office. 

Can Movers Provide Cleaning Services After the Move?

Professional movers offer move-out cleaning services, leaving your premises spotless and fresh.

Furniture disassembly and reassembly leave drag marks, scuffs, and stubborn stains on your floors and walls.

Sometimes, this won’t help you get your security deposit back.

Hence, professional moving companies ensure they clean everything even after the move is complete to keep you away from unwanted stress. 

Will Movers Hook Up Your Appliances or TV?

Movers are proficient in unhooking and reinstalling your appliances during the move.

They are well-versed in unmounting your TV and wrapping it safely inside a moving blanket.

For other appliances, remember to clean the components inside them. 

For instance, remove food, shelves, and drip pans from your refrigerator before your movers arrive.

Another example is preparing your washer and dryer for the move, where you unplug it, turn off the water supply, and clean it before movers dismantle it. 

Costs and Considerations To Keep in Mind 

Hiring movers comes at a cost! Ensure you gather all the necessary information before setting up a moving budget.

This not only helps you determine accurate moving costs but also gives you clarity on hidden costs. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers For Furniture Disassembly?

On average, hiring two movers and a truck costs around $119-$149 per hour.

The moving cost varies when an additional mover is added.

The cost of that additional mover sits between $59-$99.

This basic moving estimate includes furniture wrapping, assembly, disassembly, loading, and unloading services.  

Hidden Costs: Packing Supplies and Tools

While most estimates are upfront and have basic rates, you might have some hidden costs that you don’t see coming. 

1. Larger Appliances

You may face extra charges when a heavy appliance weighs over 100 lbs.

Anything above 100 lbs will cost you an extra $50. Any appliance above 200 lbs will cost you a $200 extra charge.

Examples of oversized appliances include pianos, gym equipment, billiards, pool tables, complex corporate machinery, etc. 

2. Additional Packing Costs

The basic rate includes packing supplies such as shrink wraps, moving blankets, and packing tape.

However, packing valuables, such as your expensive glassware, multiple pots, and pans, cutlery, nightstands, etc.

costs more as more packing material is required. 

3. Complexity of the Move (Including long distances)

A mover (in a few cases) might charge you extra if there are flights of stairs, narrow hallways, or long distances to cover.

In that case, expect a spike in the moving cost as additional fuel charges, lodging expenses, and meals, among other factors, take place. 

4. Peak Moving Times

The timing of your move matters the most! Movers typically have multiple bookings during the summer months (May-September) and over the weekends.

Hence, you can save money if you plan your move mid-month or over weekdays. 

5. Additional Mover/Truck

Having an extra crew member or a moving truck will increase moving costs.

This depends on how many bedrooms you are moving or how complex your office size is.

6. Storage Services

Not everything fits to your new home or office.

Some relocations require you to opt for a temporary storage service to store and organize additional furniture items.

But that comes at a cost!  

Items Movers Might Not Disassemble

Sometimes, the nature of the furniture, its size, and its fragility make it challenging to lift, dismantle, and move.

These types of items are usually antique and vintage furniture items or large instruments, such as pianos. 

Heavy Items Movers Do Not Disassemble 

1. Hot Tubs 
2. Saunas
3. Scuba Gear
4. Barbeque Grills
5. Fire Extinguishers

Hazardous Items Movers Do Not Touch

Professional movers don’t move certain items that are prone to combustion.

1. Pesticides and weed killer
2. Nail polish remover
3. Perfumes
4. Alcohol
5. Propane tanks
6. Household batteries
7. Gasoline

Putting it All Together – Why Furniture Disassembly is Essential!

Moving to a new place is a tedious and extensive process.

Amid all the moving challenges, the repeated question of “how to disassemble furniture items” should not give you too much stress.

Whether you plan to move by yourself or seek professional help, all you need to keep in mind is that it is not too hard.

In fact, taking apart your beds, tables, or cabinets before the move can save you time, make more space in the moving trucks, and cause less damage to your valuables and the property. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if movers damage your furniture?

Professional moving companies usually cover the damages caused.

They typically include coverage in the moving cost that they confirm with you. 

2. Can a moving company move just one piece of furniture?

Yes, a moving company can move as little as one couch if you book them.

This service comes under single-item moving that allows you to leave the heavy lifting of your pool tables, pianos, or dressers onto them. 

3. How many movers do you need for moving your furniture?

A basic move (locally) would require two movers and a truck.

You can add an extra crew member if you move long distances, make big corporate moves, or have three or more bedrooms.

In that case, an additional mover or service costs you extra. 

4. Can movers move furniture with stuff in it?

The protocol is different for different moving companies.

However, it is advisable to empty out dressers, bed boxes, and kitchen items before the mover arrives.

It reduces the weight of the furniture, making it easier for the mover to dismantle. 

5. How much does it cost to disassemble a bed?

A full-service moving company would charge between $135 and $150 per hour for two movers and a truck.

Disassembling beds typically involved taking apart headboards, box springs, mattresses, nuts, and bolts.

The cost covers everything from wrapping, disassembly, and reassembly to transportation. 

6. Will movers dispose of old furniture?

Yes, experienced movers don’t just haul junk items and old furniture from your curb but adopt eco-friendly furniture disposal methods.

Their junk removal services include pick-up, hauling, and disposing of your broken items at recycling centers.  

7. Will movers pack your furniture?

Absolutely, a full-service moving company includes every aspect of moving from start to finish.

From getting the right packing supplies and moving equipment to safely wrapping them, they ensure nothing gets shattered during the move.

For packing oddly shaped items, such as framed art or antiques, enlist a movers’ help as they come prepared with cushioning materials to protect them from colliding or smashing.