Should I Disassemble My Furniture Before Moving?

Furniture has always been the biggest challenge of moving. Generally, disassembling them is the ideal thing to do…but sometimes it isn’t. The local movers at Around Town Movers discuss why you should disassemble your furniture when moving, and when you should keep them assembled.

Why Disassembling Your Furniture Is Advisable

In most situations, disassembling is ideal because it helps conserve space. Furniture from stores like IKEA has made disassembly and flat packing much easier because they were originally shipped that way. All you need to do is follow the assembly steps in reverse and make sure all components are kept complete. Disassembling furniture during shipping offers the following benefits:

• Less Risk of Damage. Bulky items like wardrobes, bed frames and book cases can be difficult to load in the truck as they are, and their awkward shapes can cause them to bump against each other while on the road. Disassembled furniture can be loaded flat into the moving truck, minimizing shifting. You can also remove glass parts and pack them accordingly.
• Easier Moving. Furniture that’s broken down takes up a lot less room, which makes load-ins and outs easier and more efficient. If you’re working with a small moving crew, this can make moving a cakewalk.
• Fewer Trips. The less truck space needed means fewer trips between the old and the new place, which cuts down the time, effort and fuel needed. It also allows more space for furniture and other items that can’t be disassembled, like appliances.

Things To Consider When Disassembling Furniture

When planning your move, take an inventory of your furniture and group them into two: those that can be broken down, and those that can’t. On the former would be the aforementioned store-bought furniture, because they’re the easiest ones to break down. If you ever lose the assembly guide, the manufacturer may have one available online.

Then, consider a second group of furniture that may not have been store-bought but can be broken down and reassembled without damage. Some furniture are built using dowels in place of fasteners, which can be broken down but may require special tools, adhesive or equipment. Think about whether it’s something that you can do, or you have someone who can. If not, it’s better to have them fully assembled during the move.

Lastly, there’s the group that must not be disassembled. We have mentioned pianos, but there are also antiques, as well as large pieces made from a single piece of wood or metal. These will need to be moved with utmost care.

Need help with packing your furniture for your upcoming move? Our team at Around Town Movers can help you with it, and more! Give us a call at (703) 682-5922, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Sterling, VA, and Washington DC.