Furniture Disassembly & Assembly for Moving

When you're getting ready to move, you probably think about packing boxes, renting trucks, or hiring movers—but what about your furniture? That big sectional, your king-size bed, or that solid oak dining table won’t fit through a doorway as-is. So, do movers disassemble furniture? The answer: yes—professional movers do dismantle and reassemble furniture as part of their service. At least, the good ones do.

Let’s break down what’s involved, when it’s needed, and how furniture disassembly services can make your move smoother, safer, and less stressful.

What Is Furniture Disassembly?

Furniture disassembly is the process of taking apart large or bulky items—like beds, desks, bookshelves, and entertainment centers—so they can be safely transported without damage or injury.

It often includes:

Removing legs from tables and couches
Disassembling bed frames and headboards
Detaching mirror vanities from dressers
Taking apart modular sofas or sectionals
Breaking down cribs or bunk beds
Unmounting wall-attached items (optional or by request)

Disassembly is just one side of the job—the other is reassembly at your new place, which most movers also handle.

Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?

Yes, most professional moving companies disassemble furniture, especially if it’s required for safe and successful moving. Not all companies offer this automatically, though, and some charge extra. That’s why it’s important to ask upfront:

Do movers take apart furniture?
Will you reassemble it at the new place?
Is there an extra fee for that service?

A reputable mover will explain what’s included and whether furniture disassembly is standard or optional.

Why Would You Need Furniture Dismantled?

Some pieces of furniture simply weren’t made to be moved in one piece. Here are a few common reasons:

Tight Doorways or Hallways

If a piece won’t fit through your front door or stairwell, it needs to be taken apart—no way around it.

Fragile or Oversized Pieces

Moving a 10-foot dining table or a glass cabinet whole can be risky. Dismantling prevents breaks and dents.

Beds & Frames

Most bed frames, cribs, and bunk beds need to be disassembled to move safely and fit in the truck.

Easier, Safer Lifting

Taking off legs, arms, or modular sections reduces bulk and weight, making things easier on everyone (including your walls and floors).

What Items Are Commonly Disassembled?

Here’s a quick list of furniture types that movers often disassemble:

Bed frames & headboards
Sectional sofas
Dining tables (legs removed)
Dressers with mirrors
Wall-mounted shelves
Desks (especially L-shaped or built-in styles)
Bunk beds and cribs
Recliners or powered chairs (for battery removal or parts)

Even IKEA-style modular furniture often needs disassembly to prevent weakening or collapse during transport.

What’s Included in Furniture Disassembly Service?

A complete furniture disassembly service typically includes:
Evaluation of Each Item – Your movers will determine which pieces need to be taken apart.
Safe Disassembly – Using proper tools and methods to avoid damage.
Labeling & Hardware Bagging – So every screw and bolt stays organized.
Protective Wrapping – Padding and wrapping each disassembled part.
Reassembly at Destination – Putting everything back together and in place.
Professional movers bring their tools—like Allen wrenches, drills, and furniture sliders—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Assembly and Reassembly: Yes, Movers Do That Too

Just like they take things apart, movers also reassemble your furniture at your new location—often placing it right where you want it.

This is especially helpful for:

Beds (so you’re not sleeping on the floor)
Dining sets
Desks and workstations
Bookshelves and modular walls
Sofa setups

Ask your moving team ahead of time to confirm reassembly is included and what you want set up at your new place.

DIY or Professional: Should You Dismantle Furniture Yourself?

It’s tempting to save a little money by doing it yourself, but unless you’re comfortable with tools and have lots of time, here’s why it’s better to let professionals handle furniture disassembly:

Pros:

Saves time and stress
Prevents injuries or damage
Keeps screws and hardware organized
Movers are insured if something breaks
Faster reassembly at your new home

DIY Risks:

Losing small parts
Breaking furniture by forcing or rushing
Scratching floors or walls
Getting stuck halfway through a disassembly job
Forgetting how to put things back together

Letting a team with experience handle your furniture disassembly gives you peace of mind—and one less thing on your moving to-do list.

When Is Furniture Disassembly Not Needed?

Some items can be moved as-is, depending on size, access, and construction.

Movers may skip disassembly if:

The piece fits through doors and stairways
It's lightweight or modular already
It’s safe to carry without structural risk
It’s solid enough to move without collapsing

However, it’s always best to trust the movers’ judgment. They’ll assess each piece on move day to decide what’s safest and most efficient.

Local Example: Furniture Dismantling in Savannah

A recent customer in Midtown Savannah was moving from a second-floor apartment to a nearby townhome. Their oversized California king bed wouldn’t fit through the hallway, and the dining table had delicate glass legs.

Our movers: