Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?

When you’re planning a move, you might be wondering, “Do moving companies disassemble furniture?” After all, some furniture pieces can be bulky or difficult to move in one piece. Understanding what services moving companies offer can help you plan your move and ensure that your furniture is transported safely.

In this article, we’ll explain whether moving companies typically disassemble furniture, what types of furniture they handle, and what you can do to prepare.

What Furniture Do Moving Companies Typically Disassemble?

Moving companies usually provide furniture disassembly as part of their service, but it’s important to know what types of furniture they are likely to handle. Here’s a breakdown of common furniture pieces and what you can expect:

1. Bed Frames

Bed frames are one of the most common types of furniture that moving companies will disassemble. Most bed frames are relatively easy to take apart, with screws and bolts that can be removed quickly.

• Common Items Disassembled: Headboards, footboards, side rails, and slats.
• What You Need to Do: Some companies may request that you remove the bedding and other items before they arrive. However, disassembling a bed frame is typically part of the moving service.

2. Tables and Desks

Tables and desks, especially those with large or heavy bases, are often disassembled by moving companies. This is particularly true for dining tables, office desks, and coffee tables with removable legs or tops.

• Common Items Disassembled: Dining tables, coffee tables, office desks, and conference tables.
• What You Need to Do: Clear off any items from the table before the movers arrive to speed up the process.

3. Bookshelves and Cabinets

Bookshelves, cabinets, and entertainment centres that have large, heavy, or intricate parts are frequently disassembled for easier handling and transportation.

• Common Items Disassembled: Shelves, bookcases, wall units, and entertainment centres.
• What You Need to Do: In some cases, you might need to empty the contents and remove any fragile items before the movers arrive.

4. Sofas and Sectionals

Sofas, couches, and sectional pieces are often disassembled by moving companies, especially if they are large or have removable pieces like legs, cushions, or modular sections.

• Common Items Disassembled: Sofa legs, cushion covers, and individual sectional pieces.
• What You Need to Do: Remove any loose cushions, pillows, and blankets before the movers arrive.

5. Chairs and Recliners

Chairs, particularly large recliners or office chairs, might be disassembled, although it depends on the complexity of the piece.

• Common Items Disassembled: Office chair arms, recliner bases.
• What You Need to Do: Most recliners do not require disassembly, but you should confirm this with your moving company.

Do You Have to Pay Extra for Furniture Disassembly?

In most cases, disassembling furniture is included in the overall moving cost. However, some moving companies may charge an additional fee for this service, especially if the disassembly is complex or requires additional time.

What May Be Charged Extra?

• Complicated Furniture: Furniture pieces with intricate parts or non-standard assembly methods may incur additional charges.
• Special Equipment: If specialised tools or equipment are needed to disassemble or move certain pieces safely, extra fees may apply.

Always ask your moving company for a detailed breakdown of their services and any potential additional costs for disassembly.

Do You Need to Disassemble Furniture Yourself?

If you prefer to save on costs or expedite the moving process, you can choose to disassemble certain pieces of furniture yourself. Here’s a guide to what you can do:

1. Beds:

• Easy to Disassemble: Bed frames are relatively simple to take apart. Most frames just require a screwdriver or wrench to remove the bolts.
• What You Need to Do: Take apart the bed frame and store the pieces in a bag for easy reassembly.

2. Tables and Desks:

• Moderate Difficulty: Many tables and desks can be disassembled by removing screws or bolts from the legs or base.
• What You Need to Do: Label each part for easy reassembly, and keep screws and hardware in a bag.

3. Bookshelves:

• Moderate Difficulty: Some bookshelves can be disassembled, but others might not be as easy. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
• What You Need to Do: Empty the shelves and remove any removable pieces to lighten the load.

4. Sofas and Sectionals:

• Moderate Difficulty: Sectional sofas often have removable pieces. If your sofa has legs, remove them yourself to make the piece lighter.
• What You Need to Do: Remove cushions and check for any parts that can be unscrewed.

5. Chairs:

• Easy to Disassemble: Most chairs, particularly office chairs, have removable arms or seats.
• What You Need to Do: Unscrew the arms or cushions if possible.

When Should You Hire a Professional to Disassemble Furniture?

While it’s possible to disassemble some furniture yourself, there are times when hiring a professional is the better choice:

1. Large, Heavy Furniture:

• Suppose you have large furniture pieces that are difficult to disassemble, such as an oversized sectional or heavy cabinet. In that case, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid injury or damage.

2. Complex or Fragile Furniture:

• High-end furniture or delicate pieces, such as antique furniture, should be handled by experienced movers who know how to disassemble and reassemble them without causing damage.

3. Time Constraints:

• If you’re on a tight schedule and need to move quickly, leaving the disassembly to the moving company can save you time and effort.

Conclusion:

In most cases, moving companies do disassemble furniture as part of their service, especially for large, bulky, or complicated items. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, understanding the disassembly process and knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your move.

Be sure to ask your moving company in advance about their disassembly services, any potential extra fees, and whether they can handle your specific furniture items. With the right preparation, you can make your move smoother and ensure that your furniture is transported safely and efficiently.