Disassembly Saves Moving Time and Money
A bed frame that fits through the door whole takes one person five minutes to carry. Disassembled, the parts stack flat in the truck and your movers spend less time on stairs. The trick is knowing what to take apart — and labeling it so reassembly is painless.
Always Disassemble: Beds, Desks, Shelving
IKEA-style beds, flat-pack desks, and bolted shelving units come apart quickly and reassemble the same way. Remove the hardware, bag it, and tape the bag to the largest panel.
Sometimes Disassemble: Dining Tables
Pedestal tables often fit whole; legged tables come apart in two minutes by unbolting the legs. Remove the legs if any doorway is under 30 inches wide.
Don't Disassemble: Solid Wood Case Goods
Real-wood dressers and antiques use glued dovetail joinery — taking them apart means breaking the glue, and they won't go back together. Wrap them whole and carry them.
Label Everything
Number panels 1, 2, 3 and mark "top" and "front." A photo of the assembled piece from each side is the best insurance for reassembly.
Keep Hardware With the Piece
One zip-top bag per piece of furniture, taped inside the largest drawer or to a panel. Mixed hardware bags are the #1 cause of half-rebuilt furniture after a move.
Need help taking it apart and putting it back together? Book NYC moving labor with assembly.
Ready to get your weekend back?
Need help building that new piece? Book a top-rated NYC furniture assembly pro today.