Will Movers Disassemble (and Reassemble) Your Furniture?

On moving day, some furniture pieces (bed frames, bunk beds, gym equipment, dining room tables, storage shelving units, etc.) are easier and safer to transport disassembled.

Knowing which items in your house need to be disassembled before your move—and reassembled after— will help you obtain a more accurate quote from your mover. In some cases, you may be able to do the assembling and disassembling on your own fairly easily. However, in many cases, professional help can really come in handy.

Do movers disassemble and reassemble the furniture they move? How many movers does it take to do so? And how much does this extra service cost? Learn the answer to all these questions (and more) below from your favorite moving experts at moveBuddha.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of moving furniture, here are some other articles that might help with your move:

• The best interstate movers: The long-distance moving industry is full of scammy movers, so don’t take any chances when all your belongings are at stake. These are the top professional movers for your long-distance move.
• How much your move will cost: Our moving cost calculator will provide you with a free quote. Just plug in your moving dates, the size of your move, and where you’re moving to/from, and let the calculator do the rest.
• Moving container companies to consider: Need a more budget-friendly moving option? Once you’ve loaded your belongings, these excellent moving container companies do all the driving for you.

Will movers disassemble furniture before moving it?

Professional movers typically disassemble certain types of furniture items during a move. As previously mentioned, this includes the usual culprits such as beds, bookcases, dining tables, large tables, vanities, and cribs.

Disassembling furniture makes lifting and loading these pieces easier, safer, and more practical. It also allows for more economical packing within the moving truck, ultimately resulting in a more efficient moving process. Just imagine how chaotic your loaded moving truck would look if movers loaded these pieces of furniture without first disassembling any of them.

Will movers reassemble furniture after moving it?

It’s generally standard procedure for movers to assemble furniture after unloading and moving it inside your new home..

However, it’s best not to assume that your move will work this way. It all depends on the kind of move you asked for. Did you sign up for full-service moving, packing, and transport or just transport?

Let your moving company know in advance that you require furniture disassembly and reassembly services so they can bill you accordingly and provide the proper moving labor come moving day. Failing to provide proper notice may result in extra fees for the unforeseen additional services.

Can you hire someone to disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Yes, you can.

Some moving companies offer labor-only services for hourly rates so you can hire one or several movers to come and carry out moving work. This can take place on, before, or after your moving date. Furniture assembly and disassembly costs are usually set per mover per hour.

We suggest comparing the costs of labor-only services to those of full-service moving companies to make an informed decision.

How much does it cost to have furniture disassembled?

The going rate for labor-only disassembly 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 disassemble.

• If you have a studio or one-bedroom, you could potentially pay $30-$50 to hire one mover for one hour.
• For a two- to three-bedroom, you may need two furniture movers for two hours ($120-$200).
• For a four- to five-bedroom, you may need four movers for two hours ($240-$400).

Keep in mind that these are only rough estimates. Use our free cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.

Things you need to disassemble before moving

The most common furniture items that require disassembly before a move include the following:

• Bed frames
• Bunk beds
• Fixed headboards
• Baby cribs
• Mounted TVs
• Dining room tables
• Home gym equipment, e.g., exercise bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills, etc.
• Bookshelves
• IKEA furniture

FAQ

Will movers disassemble a dresser?

In most cases, no.

Dressers normally just need to be emptied with the drawers either locked, taped shut, or taken out.

What happens if your movers damage the furniture?

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

Learn how to ask your moving company about liability and compensation here.

How can I take apart my furniture by myself?

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

Before you begin, if possible, read the manufacturer’s manual on how to take the item apart. Be sure to use the correct tools for each disassembly. Afterward, collect all the joinery pieces (such as nuts, bolts, and washers) and keep them together in a labeled plastic bag. Take your time with this process, and watch out for any loose parts that may fall on you.

Will a moving company move just one piece of furniture?

Some moving companies will agree to move just one piece of furniture, but some will refuse. Even if they agree, it may not be your most economical option. Instead, you may want to consider hiring a mover specializing in “mini moves” or “small moves.”

Get more information about small-move companies here.

What items will movers not move?

Aside from the question “do mover disassemble furniture”, it’s important to know that there are some things movers won’t even touch. Many moving crews will not move the following:

• Antique items that are too delicate to handle
• High-value items, e.g., expensive jewelry
• Combustible items such as fuel
• Very bulky items that require specialized handling, e.g., a pool table or piano
• Large amounts of money