Preparing Furniture for a Move and Keeping Hardware Organized

Before starting, review the item’s condition, construction, and manufacturer’s instructions. Photos and clearly labeled hardware can help you keep track of what belongs together.

What Furniture Should You Take Apart Before Moving?

Consider disassembly only when it is suitable for the item and needed for access or transport. Furniture that arrived flat-packed is not automatically designed to be taken apart repeatedly. If joints are damaged, the piece is unstable, or the instructions are unclear, stop and seek appropriate help.

Bed Frames

Bed frames are the most common disassembly job in any move. Headboards, footboards, and side rails typically connect with bolts, cam locks, or metal brackets that slide and lock into place. Metal bed frames with cross-supports often need an Allen wrench rather than a screwdriver, so check before you start rather than mid-job.

Tables and Desks

Most dining tables and desks have legs that screw into threaded inserts or attach with L-brackets underneath. Glass tabletops should be removed and wrapped separately regardless of whether the base comes apart, since the combined weight and awkward shape make the whole piece harder to carry safely. If your table or other large pieces need extra padding once they're back in one piece, our guide on protecting furniture and floors when moving covers wrapping and corner protection in more depth.

How Do You Keep Track of Hardware When Disassembling Furniture?

Keep each item’s hardware in its own labeled, resealable bag. Store the bags together in a secure, clearly marked container so they can be found when needed.

• Use one bag per furniture piece, with separate labels where different parts need different hardware.
• Write the furniture name and the part the hardware belongs to on the bag.
• Keep any item-specific tool with the matching hardware when it can be stored safely.
• Take photos before starting and as parts are removed.
• Avoid putting adhesive directly on finished furniture surfaces.

Preparing to Take a Piece Apart

Clear the work area and review the manufacturer’s instructions before starting. Work on one item at a time and keep the piece and removed sections supported. Photograph the arrangement, label parts, and bag hardware as it is removed. Use protection appropriate to the item’s finish and keep matching components together.

When Should You Ask for Help With Disassembly?

Ask for help when a piece has unfamiliar hardware, damaged connections, previous repairs, or handling requirements you are not comfortable with. Do not force a connection or continue with an unstable item.

If you would like furniture preparation or reassembly included in your move, tell Full Time Movers which pieces are involved. Our Labor Professionals will review the request so we can confirm the available help and the scope of your quote.

Reassembling Furniture at Your New Place

Use the manufacturer’s instructions, your photos, and the labeled hardware. Check that the correct parts are present and that connections are secure before using the furniture. If a part is damaged, missing, or does not fit as expected, stop and seek suitable guidance.

Protecting Floors and Walls While You Work

Disassembly often happens in tight spaces, so lay down a furniture pad or old sheet under the piece before you start removing parts, both to protect the floor from dropped hardware and to keep small screws from rolling under furniture or disappearing into carpet.

Call 888-988-3885 or include the furniture details in your quote request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to disassemble furniture for a move?

Use the tools specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the fittings before starting, and avoid using a tool or force that could damage the connection.

What do I do if I lose a screw or bolt during disassembly?

Identify the correct replacement through the manufacturer or a qualified supplier. Do not assume a similar-looking piece of hardware has the correct size or specification.

Can furniture be reassembled if the screws are stripped?

That depends on the damage and the item. Stop and seek manufacturer or qualified repair guidance before reassembly. Do not substitute a larger screw or filler without knowing that the repair is suitable.

Should I take furniture apart myself or request help?

Check the instructions, condition, and work involved before deciding. Contact Full Time Movers to discuss the pieces you would like help with.

How do I know if furniture will fit through a doorway?

Measure the item and the full route, including doorways, turns, and stairs. Discuss tight clearances before attempting the move. Do not force a piece through or take it apart without checking whether disassembly is appropriate.