Wondering how to disassemble furniture for a move?
You’re not alone. From beds to bookshelves, taking your items apart can make your move smoother, faster—and way less risky for damage.
At BBX Moving, we help Vancouver families and businesses relocate with less stress by handling the heavy lifting—and the tricky disassembly work. But if you’re doing part of the prep yourself, here’s what you need to know.
Why Disassembly Matters
- Protects your items from damage
- Makes large pieces easier to maneuver
- Helps reduce moving truck space
- Prevents injury when lifting
Some furniture (like IKEA wardrobes or solid desks) are especially prone to breakage if moved in one piece. Even if they “fit through the door,” they weren’t designed to be dragged through stairwells.
What You’ll Need
- Allen keys and basic screwdrivers
- Ziplock bags for hardware
- Tape and markers for labeling
- Moving blankets or shrink wrap
- BBX moving boxes for loose pieces
Disassembly Tips by Furniture Type
Beds & Bed Frames
- Remove mattress and slats first
- Unscrew side rails from headboard and footboard
- Tape screws and bolts in a bag, label it “BED – MASTER”
- Wrap headboard/footboard in moving blankets
BBX Tip: Need help reassembling? Our crews can disassemble and reassemble standard bed frames on move day.
Dining Tables & Chairs
- Turn table upside down, remove legs carefully
- Tape hardware bag to the underside of the tabletop
- Stack chairs gently and wrap with plastic or blankets
Desks & Office Furniture
- Empty drawers completely
- Remove detachable legs or side panels
- Label all cables and bag up chargers
BBX Tip: If your office desks have wheels, we may be able to move them without disassembling. Ask about our commercial move service.
Dressers
- Remove drawers (unless instructed otherwise by your BBX move lead)
- If it’s light and structurally sound, you may be able to leave clothes inside
- For heavier pieces, empty them out and label each drawer
Read more on when to empty drawers for a move.
Bookshelves & Cabinets
- Remove all shelves, especially glass ones
- Wrap shelf pieces in padding
- Keep hardware bags inside the cabinet and tape them shut
General Disassembly Tips
- Take photos before you take anything apart
- Label all parts and match hardware to the correct furniture
- Don’t rush—especially with older or IKEA-style furniture
- Use BBX plastic bins to store smaller parts securely
Want to Skip Disassembly Completely?
We’ve got it covered. BBX Moving offers:
- Full-service furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Secure packing and labeling
- Commercial furniture installation services
- Partnerships with pros like Vancouver In The Box for complex packing needs
Moving Doesn’t Have to Mean Breaking Things
Learning how to disassemble furniture for a move takes time and patience—but it saves your stuff in the long run.
And if you want it done right (or just want it done for you), BBX Moving is here to help.
