Will Movers Disassemble (and Reassemble) Your Furniture?

Last Updated: Aug 5, 2021 · 4 min read

When moving day comes, some furniture pieces are easier and safer to transport disassembled. Such furniture pieces include bed frames, bunk beds, gym equipment, dining room tables, and some storage shelving units.

You need to know what items in your house will need to be disassembled before the move (and reassembling thereafter). That way, you will get a more accurate quote from your mover. In some cases, you may be able to do all that on your own. However, in many cases, professional help is necessary.

Will movers take apart furniture? How many movers will it take? And how much will this extra service cost you? Find out this (and more) below from your favorite moving experts at MoveBuddha.

Before we look into the details of moving furniture, here are some articles that might help you with your move:

Best Interstate Movers: The long-distance moving industry is full of scammy movers, and when all of your belongings are at stake, don’t take chances. These are the top professional movers for your long-distance move.
How much will your move cost?: This cost calculator will provide a free moving quote and calculation of what your move should cost. Just plug in your move dates, the size of your move, where you’re moving to/from, and let the calculator do the rest.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load, and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.

Will movers disassemble furniture before moving it?

By default, movers will need to disassemble some furniture items during a move. As mentioned earlier, this includes the usual culprits such as beds, dining tables, and baby cribs.

Doing so makes it safer and more practical to lift and load such pieces. Disassembling furniture also allows for more economical packing within the moving truck. This means that you get to pay for fewer movers, and the entire moving process takes less time. Just imagine what a loaded moving truck would look like if movers loaded such furniture without being disassembled first.

Will movers reassemble furniture when unloading it?

The standard procedure is that movers will assemble furniture after unloading it from a truck and getting it inside your space.

However, it is best not to assume that your move (or that all moves) will go as per the standard procedure. It will all depend on what kind of a move you asked for. Was it full-service moving, packing, and transport, or just transport?

Let your moving company know that you need furniture disassembly services and reassembly services in advance so that they can bill you accordingly and avail the right people come moving day.

Can you hire someone to disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Yes, you can.

Some moving companies offer labor-only services for hourly rates. This is where you hire one or several movers to come and carry out moving work. This can be done on, before, or after moving. Such labor is charged per mover per hour.

Compare hiring labor-only services with getting full service moving to see what the cost differences are.

How much does it cost to disassemble furniture?

The going rate for labor-only moving services is between $30 to $50 per mover per hour. So, your total cost will depend on the size of your space and how many furniture pieces you need to be disassembled.

For a studio or 1-bedroom, you may use 1 mover for one hour at $30.
For a 2-3 bedroom, you may need 2 movers for two hours at $120.
For a 4-5 bedroom, you may need 4 movers for two hours at $240.

These are rough estimates. Get more accurate moving rates from our free cost calculator.

What needs to be disassembled before moving?

The most common items that will need disassembly during a move include:

Bed frames.
Bunk beds.
Fixed headboards.
Baby cribs.
Mounted TVs.
Dining room tables.
Home gym equipment, e.g., exercise bike, elliptical machine, treadmill, etc.
Bookshelves.
IKEA furniture.

Do movers disassemble cribs?

Yes, movers will disassemble cribs.

However, note that you will need to specify to your mover beforehand that you need this service. If you had not asked for packing but need this service, you may be charged a small extra fee.

How do I take my furniture apart for moving?

First, you will need at least one extra person to help you with this, especially for large furniture such as bunk beds and dining tables.

Before you get started, read the manufacturers’ manuals on how to take apart each item. Use the right tools for each disassembly. Thereafter collect all the joinery pieces such as nuts, bolts, and washers right after and keep them together in a labeled plastic bag. Take your time with this process and watch out for loose parts that may fall on you.

What items will movers not move?

Most moving crews will not move the following:

• Antique items that are delicate to handle.

• Items of high value, e.g., expensive jewelry.

• Combustible items such as fuel.

• Stolen items.

• Very bulky items that need specialized handling, e.g., pool table or piano.

• Large amounts of money.

Will a moving company move one piece of furniture?

Some moving companies will move just one piece of furniture. Others will flat-out refuse, and some who agree to it will be uneconomical for the job.

So, what’s the solution? Hire movers that specialize in “mini moves” or “small moves.”

Get more information about companies that move one piece of furniture here.

What happens when movers damage furniture?

If the movers have the full liability of the damage, their insurance should cover the cost of replacement or repair. If you are liable for the damage (e.g., by packing goods poorly or handling the loading), then you or your insurer will cover the damage.

Learn more about liability and compensation here.

Do movers take apart furniture?

Yes, they do.

For this, you can either request packing services, full service moving services, or labor-only moving services, depending on how much assistance you need. Discuss your packing and disassembly needs with the moving company so that you’re both on the same page.

What does it mean to disassemble furniture?

It means to take furniture pieces apart, either entirely or partly. This includes unscrewing or unbolting joinery. Some of the furniture that is commonly disassembled include beds and cribs.