Large wardrobes, flat-pack furniture, bed frames, and some sofas often need to be dismantled before they’ll fit through doorways, down staircases, or into a removal van without risk of damage. Knowing what typically needs dismantling, and how to keep track of the parts, makes moving day considerably smoother.
Furniture That Usually Needs Dismantling
- Wardrobes, particularly larger or fitted-style units that won’t fit through doorways whole
- Flat-pack furniture such as bookcases, chests of drawers, and desks originally assembled at home
- Bed frames, especially divan bases and frames with headboards
- Large dining tables with legs that unscrew or fold
- Some sofas and sectional units, particularly larger corner sofas that won’t clear staircases or doorframes assembled
Keeping Track of Screws, Fixings, and Parts
- Use small labelled bags or containers for screws and fixings, one per item of furniture
- Tape each bag directly to the matching piece of furniture rather than boxing them separately
- Take a photo of each item before dismantling, useful as a reference for reassembly
- Keep any original assembly instructions if you still have them, particularly for flat-pack furniture
- Group all parts for one item together at the new property before starting reassembly
DIY Dismantling vs Professional Help
Simple flat-pack items are often manageable to dismantle yourself if you have the original fixings and a basic toolkit. Wardrobes, larger wooden furniture, and anything with awkward joints or hidden fixings are usually better left to a removal team experienced in dismantling, since incorrect disassembly can damage the furniture or make reassembly difficult. If you’re short on time before moving day, having your removal company handle dismantling as part of the service also reduces the risk of parts going missing between packing and the move.
What to Check Before Moving Day
- Confirm with your removal company in advance which items need dismantling, so they can bring the right tools
- Check whether dismantling and reassembly is included in your removal quote or charged as an extra
- Measure doorways and staircases at the new property in advance to confirm which items genuinely need to be dismantled
- Keep a master list of which fixings belong to which item if you’re managing dismantling yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Do removal companies dismantle furniture as part of their service?
Many do, though it’s worth confirming whether dismantling and reassembly are included in your quote or charged separately, since this varies between companies.
How do I stop losing screws when dismantling furniture for a move?
Use a labelled bag or small container for each item’s fixings and tape it directly to the matching piece of furniture, rather than storing all screws together in one box.
Should I dismantle furniture myself before the removal team arrives?
For simple flat-pack items, this can save time. For wardrobes and larger furniture with hidden fixings, it’s generally better to let an experienced removal team handle dismantling to avoid damage or reassembly issues.
Does furniture need to be reassembled on moving day, or can it wait?
This depends on your preference and the removal service you’ve booked. Many removal companies will reassemble furniture at the new property as part of the move, while others leave this for you to do afterward.
Get Help With Dismantling and Moving Your Furniture
Shaheen Express Removals provides furniture removal services across St Albans, Luton and Hertfordshire, including dismantling and reassembly of wardrobes, beds and flat-pack furniture as part of your move.