Will Movers Disassemble Furniture? Costs and How To Prepare
Fact Checked by: If you are wondering, “Will movers disassemble furniture?” the short answer is usually yes, especially with full-service movers. The key is knowing what is included, what costs extra, and how to prep so you do not get hit with surprise fees.
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If you are pricing your move and comparing service levels, these resources are a helpful starting point. They’ll give you realistic expectations about what is included and how to budget for specialty items.
- Best interstate movers: Explore our vetted list of carriers known for careful handling, clear estimates, and furniture disassembly and reassembly on long-distance moves. See the best interstate movers.
- Instant moving cost calculator: Get an on-the-spot estimate that factors in home size and labor time, then confirm whether furniture services are included in your quote. Use the moving cost calculator.
- Top moving container companies: Learn when container services include optional loading help and how to arrange add-on labor for disassembly. Compare moving container companies.
- Specialty movers: For complex items like pianos, pool tables, and safes, hiring a specialist can protect your investment and warranties. Find specialty movers.
Do movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Most full-service movers will disassemble basic furniture such as bed frames, large dining tables, and some sectionals at origin and reassemble those same items at destination. Breaking items down improves safety, protects delicate joints and finishes, and allows the crew to maximize truck space.
Labor-only crews and budget packages may charge extra for disassembly, and extremely complex or delicate items may require a specialist or third-party technician. Always confirm the exact list of covered items, any exclusions, and potential add-on fees in writing.
Which furniture items typically require disassembly?
Movers commonly take apart items that are oversized, heavy, or unlikely to clear doorways or stairwells in one piece. If you have tight hallways, low ceilings, or elevator restrictions, expect more disassembly work.
- Bed frames and headboards: King and queen beds, bunk beds, and platform beds with drawers usually come apart so rails and slats do not crack and hardware does not strip in transit.
- Large dining tables: Tables with removable leaves or pedestal bases are typically broken down to prevent leg stress and to fit through doors without dings.
- Sectional sofas and modular couches: Sections disconnect to reduce weight and avoid flexing frames around turns and stair landings.
- L-shaped and executive desks: Disconnecting returns and removing legs makes long or bulky pieces safer to maneuver and protects veneered edges.
- Wardrobes and armoires: Tall or heavy cabinets may need doors removed and tops separated to prevent tipping hazards on stairs.
- Cribs and nursery furniture: Most cribs must be fully disassembled to meet access requirements and to avoid loosening critical hardware.
- Fitness equipment: Treadmills and ellipticals often require folding, pin removal, or partial breakdown. Some brands recommend certified techs.
- Mounted items: Wall-mounted TVs and mirror panels may be removed if the mover offers this service or works with a third-party technician.
- Flat-pack furniture: IKEA-style pieces sometimes need partial disassembly, but movers will balance access needs against the fragility of particleboard.
Why disassemble? It reduces the risk of damage, prevents wall or door scuffs, and speeds up loading. It is also often required by building rules for elevator access and to meet tight time windows.
Items that do not usually require disassembly
Plenty of pieces can travel as-is to save time. Your crew will decide case by case based on dimensions, weight, and access at both homes.
- Dressers and chests: Movers typically remove or secure drawers but keep the frame intact unless a narrow hallway or tight stairwell makes disassembly necessary.
- Nightstands and small tables: Compact, sturdy items can be blanket wrapped and carried whole without removing legs or tops.
- Single-piece sofas and loveseats: Standard couches move intact. Crews may remove feet to clear tight doorways and protect upholstery.
- Coffee tables: Most frames stay together, but glass tops are removed and packed separately to prevent scratches or cracks.
- Short bookshelves: Shelving that is below standard door height usually fits through openings when turned on its side and protected with pads.
What movers will not disassemble or move (and why)
| Item type | Examples | Why movers may refuse |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous materials | Propane tanks, fuel, paint, aerosols | Safety and legal restrictions |
| High-value items | Cash, jewelry, rare collectibles | Liability and insurance limits |
| Perishables and plants (interstate) | Open food, live plants | Contamination and agricultural rules |
| Bolted or hard-wired items | Gas appliances, light fixtures | Requires licensed technicians |
| Extremely fragile or damaged items | Compromised flat-pack, unstable antiques | High breakage risk and limited liability |
| Overweight safes or specialty items without proper access | Gun safes, commercial machines | Equipment limits and safety concerns |
Cost of disassembly and reassembly services
Pricing varies by service level, complexity, and market demand. Here is how costs typically break down and how to estimate your total.
- Full-service moves: Basic disassembly and reassembly for standard items are often included in the hourly rate or binding estimate. Ask your coordinator to list exactly which pieces are covered.
- Labor-only crews: Expect to pay roughly $30 to $50 per mover per hour for furniture work. For example, two movers for two hours would cost about $120 to $200.
- Complex or specialty items: Breakdowns that require extra time, special tools, or certified technicians usually come with flat fees or higher hourly rates. Common ranges include:
- Treadmills and ellipticals: Budget $50 to $150 or more depending on brand, incline base, and whether the unit must be partially dismantled to clear doors.
- Sectional sofas with locking hardware: Expect $25 to $75 or more to disconnect and reattach brackets without stressing the frame.
- TV unmounting and wall hardware: Fees often run $50 to $125 or more, and some movers require a third-party technician for wiring or complex mounts.
- Pool tables and pianos: These almost always require specialists and can range from $300 to $800 or more based on size, stairs, and access.
Use our moving cost calculator for ballpark pricing, then verify line items and covered services with your mover in writing.
How to request and arrange furniture disassembly
Share specifics early so the crew arrives with the right tools, time, and staffing.
- Inventory your furniture: Make a room-by-room list and flag beds, sectionals, large tables, mounted items, and anything oversized that may not fit through doors.
- Send clear photos and measurements: Include pictures of tight hallways, stair turns, and elevator interiors, and note dimensions if access is questionable.
- Confirm services in writing: Ask whether disassembly and reassembly are included, which items are covered, and what add-on pricing applies to specialty pieces.
- Share building rules and access details: Reserve service elevators, request a certificate of insurance if required, and include any parking or time-window constraints.
- Label rooms and pieces: Use door and wall signs at destination so crews know exactly where components belong to speed up reassembly.
Email template
Subject: Disassembly and Reassembly Request – [Move Date] – [Name or Order Number]
Hello [Mover Name],
I am confirming that our move on [date] includes furniture disassembly and reassembly. Items that likely need work: [king bed and headboard], [sectional sofa], [dining table], [mounted TV], [treadmill].
Can you confirm what is included, any add-on costs, and whether a third-party technician is needed for [TV mount or fitness gear]? Photos attached for access. Our building requires a COI and has an elevator reservation from [time to time].
Thanks!
[Name] | [Phone]
DIY vs. professional disassembly
| Factor | DIY disassembly | Professional disassembly |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to low (tools and supplies) | Included with full-service or $30 to $50 per mover per hour (labor-only) |
| Time | Can be slow without experience | Faster with trained crews |
| Risk | Higher risk of damage or injury | Lower risk with proper tools and padding |
| Tools needed | Allen keys, socket set, drill, zip bags, labels, blankets | Movers bring tools and materials; specialists for complex items |
| Warranties | May void furniture or equipment warranties | Some movers coordinate certified techs to preserve warranties |
| Best for | Simple beds and tables when time is flexible | Heavy, complex, or warranty-sensitive items; tight timelines |
When to hire a specialist
Pianos
Pianos require trained specialists, skid boards, and custom padding, and stairs or tight turns add cost and risk. Many movers subcontract to piano pros to protect soundboards and finishes. Ask about climate concerns if your move includes long storage or extreme temperatures.
Better Moves Project: Jose’s long-distance move with JK Moving included purchased disassembly and reassembly for a grand piano and a pool table. The crew coordinated a multi-day load and resolved a minor couch scuff via a claim. See Jose’s experience.
Pool tables
Slate must be removed and the table re-felted and leveled by a billiards technician. Expect a specialist and additional cost, especially if stairs or tight access are involved.
Gym equipment
Fold and lock treadmills and remove safety keys before the crew arrives. Ellipticals often need pedals and arms removed, and some brands—such as Peloton—have specific transport instructions. Ask your mover whether a certified technician is required to preserve warranties.
Antiques and heirlooms
Ask about custom crating, soft-crate options, and valuation coverage before move day. Provide condition photos, handling instructions, and clear value declarations to support Full Value Protection.
Tips to make disassembly and reassembly smoother
Clear communication and simple organization steps can shave an hour or more off your move. Here are quick wins our pros swear by.
- Communicate early: Share a photo inventory and a “must disassemble” list during the estimate so the crew arrives prepared.
- Label everything: Mark panels, hardware bags, and destination rooms so pieces never get separated or misplaced.
- Keep hardware with you: Stash screws and brackets in labeled bags and carry them in your car to prevent lost parts.
- Confirm who brings tools: Most movers bring standard kits, but confirm needs for specialty equipment or technician-only items.
- Stage a clear workspace: Free up floor space around each item so crews can work efficiently without tripping hazards.
Better Moves Project: In one Bellhop move, crews forgot to blanket-wrap key pieces, and the customer’s couch and bed frames were damaged, but the claims process delivered $1,400 in compensation and discounts. The lesson: confirm padding and wrapping expectations with your crew before they start. Read the case study.
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FAQ
Do movers take apart beds?
Yes. Most full-service movers routinely disassemble bed frames, headboards, and slatted systems and put them back together at your new home. Crews will protect headboards and rails with pads and keep hardware in labeled bags. If you have adjustable bases or storage drawers, confirm whether a technician is required and whether electrical components are covered.
Will movers disassemble a dresser?
Generally, no. Movers usually remove or secure drawers but keep the dresser frame intact to preserve structure and save time. If the dresser is oversized or the stairwell is tight, the crew may remove mirrors or legs to improve clearance.
Can movers handle last-minute disassembly?
Usually, yes, but it may add time and cost, especially during peak season. Last-minute changes can also require a different crew or extra tools, which may not be available the same day. Whenever possible, share your disassembly list during the estimate so the mover can schedule appropriately.
What if movers refuse to disassemble something?
Movers may decline if an item is unsafe, damaged, or outside their policy, such as gas appliances or hard-wired fixtures. Ask for alternatives like a specialist referral, a waiver, or leaving the item behind. In some cases, you can schedule a third-party technician to handle the task before or after move day.
Will movers unmount my TV?
Some movers offer TV unmounting for a fee, while others rely on third-party technicians to avoid liability for wiring or wall damage. If you have a complex mount or in-wall cables, plan for a tech appointment. Have the original mounting hardware and screws bagged and labeled for reinstallation. Confirm costs and scheduling details before move day.
How much does it cost to have movers disassemble furniture?
For full-service moves, disassembly for standard items is often included in your quoted price. Labor-only jobs typically run $30 to $50 per mover per hour, and complex pieces — like fitness equipment, pianos, or wall-mounted TVs — can carry additional fees. Location, access, and season also influence pricing. Get all add-ons listed on your written estimate.
How early should I request disassembly services?
Request as soon as you book, ideally two to four weeks before move day, so the mover can allocate the right tools, time, and crew. Early notice is especially important for items that need certified technicians or custom crating. Provide photos and measurements to avoid last-minute surprises.
Bottom line: Will movers disassemble furniture?
Yes, most will, and they will put it back together, too. Disassembly protects your furniture, reduces door and wall dings, and helps the crew load efficiently. Tell your mover what needs attention, send photos, and confirm the details in writing to avoid surprise charges and delays.
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