Do Movers Disassemble and Assemble Furniture For You?

Whether you are moving, storing or remodeling your home, most likely you are going to need professional movers for your project. But have you thought about your oversized and large furniture that may not fit through your doorways or up a narrow stairwell? Some of your household furniture may require disassembly before moving it out.

Desks, beds, cabinets, wall units, and exercise equipment usually require disassembly and assembly in your new home. So another major concern is whether to take everything apart yourself or let your moving company take care of it all.

Moving companies can disassemble and reassemble your furniture, but should you do it yourself or hire movers? This guide will help you decide by outlining important factors, like whether the move is local or long-distance, and the pros and cons of this service.

DIY vs Professional Disassembly

If you're planning a big move, you might wonder whether to take apart your heavy furniture or hire professionals. Taking things apart yourself can save money, especially with simple furniture like bookshelves, small tables, or flat-pack items that use standard hardware. However, larger or more complex pieces, like sectional sofas, modular office furniture, or solid wood beds, often need special knowledge.

These items might have hidden locks, strong internal supports, or delicate finishes easily damaged without the right handling. In these situations, professional movers bring the labor and the skills to take apart your furniture safely. Hiring professionals is especially important when you're working with tight staircases, older buildings with narrow hallways, or furniture made to fit a certain space.

Tools for DIY Disassembly
If you choose to go the DIY route, have these tools ready:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): useful for removing screws and other fasteners.
• Allen wrenches (hex keys): often needed for beds, dining tables, and flat-pack furniture.
• Power drill with interchangeable bits: makes disassembly faster and helps with tight bolts.
• Rubber mallet: separates pieces without chipping or damaging the wood.
• Zip bags, labels, and painter’s tape: keep hardware organized in labeled bags. Tape labels directly on parts to make reassembly easier.

If you lost the original instructions, check the manufacturer’s website for a digital manual. The model number is usually printed underneath or on the back.

For older or generic furniture, take slow walkthrough videos. Rotate the camera and zoom in on how parts connect. Use a freeze-frame tool to guide you during reassembly. These steps help you avoid confusion and damage when putting everything back together.

Step-by-Step DIY Tips
• Take Pictures First: Photograph assembled furniture so you can put it back together correctly.
• Label All Parts: Use masking tape or sticky notes to mark parts and screws.
• Keep Small Parts Together: Store screws, bolts, and hardware in labeled zip bags.
• Use a Clear Space: Disassemble furniture in an open area to avoid losing parts.
• Wrap and Protect: Use blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches and dents.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
• Not Labeling Parts: Makes reassembly frustrating.
• Over-Tightening Screws: Can strip holes and weaken furniture.
• Losing Instruction Manuals: Some furniture requires specific steps.
• Rushing the Process: Increases the risk of damage or missing parts.

People often forget to track furniture parts after disassembling them, leading to missing pieces. Create a checklist for each item you disassemble. Include the tools you used and the number of parts. Tape the checklist to the wrapped furniture to keep everything together.

Disassembling a king-sized bed, dining table, and treadmill can take 4 to 5 hours, especially if instructions are missing or parts are rusted or out of alignment. Professional movers who know common furniture brands and hardware systems can often finish the same job in less than 2 hours using specialized tools and organized checklists.

Prices for disassembly and reassembly services vary. Simple flat-pack or lightweight furniture may cost as little as $25 to $40 per item. Larger or more complex furniture, such as hydraulic beds, Murphy wall units, or gym machines, can cost between $75 and $150 per item. In cities with higher labor costs, the total can reach $300 or more for a multi-room job. Ask for an itemized quote to determine if the estimate is based on each item, hourly rates, or a full-service package.

For example, taking apart and putting back together a motorized adjustable bed with a split base can cost twice as much as a standard metal frame because of its electrical parts and the need for precise alignment. These details usually aren’t included in standard moving quotes unless you ask for them.

Consider Disassembling Your Furniture Before Movers Arrive

Local moves are typically billed by the hour.. The same crew handles the move from start to finish, typically completing local moves within a day. In addition to moving services, you can request additional services such as assembling and disassembling your furniture.

You may considerably lower the possibility of your furniture being damaged during the move by disassembling it before moving. Tight corners, cramped passageways, and numerous door frames may damage your pricey or sentimental furniture items. It is preferable to disassemble the furniture ahead of time and move it in sections instead of as a whole.

Local movers can carefully and efficiently disassemble and assemble your furniture. Some moving companies that assemble furniture also offer branded installation services, partnering with manufacturers like IKEA or West Elm to ensure accurate setup for complex designs. Still, your move will take longer, which means you will ultimately pay more for the move. If you can do it yourself, this could be an opportunity to save money on your local move. So the real question is whether this is something you want to do yourself or you are willing to pay extra for this service.

Some movers treat furniture disassembly as a premium service that needs to be booked separately. When booking, ask if the disassembly is included in the quoted price or if it costs extra. If it’s a separate service, make sure it’s scheduled in writing so the team comes with the right tools.

Long-distance moving costs are usually based on how far you're going and how much your shipment weighs. These moves often take 7 to 10 days. It's common for one crew to handle pickup and another to handle delivery. This can lead to confusion because the unloading crew might not know how your furniture was taken apart or how it should go back together. To make reassembly easier, take photos, write notes, or record short videos while you take things apart. Label everything clearly.

Some movers will not reassemble furniture unless their own team takes it apart. This is often due to company policies that prevent mistakes made by others. If you or someone else handled disassembly, ask the moving company if reassembly is still included. You can also print reassembly guides or tape instructions directly to furniture parts. This helps avoid delays or extra fees when the crew is unsure of what the item looks like.

Tip: Some people use QR-code labels linked to photos or furniture instructions saved online. When scanned, the crew can see exactly how to put the item back together. This makes the job faster and more accurate, especially when the delivery team wasn’t there for the pickup.

The Hidden Costs

You've got your quotes, and you're ready to make a decision on a moving company. But wait, have you considered the hidden costs associated with furniture disassembly? Sure, the movers can take apart that bulky armoire or the intricate bed frame, but this service often comes with a price tag that's conveniently left out of initial estimates. Some companies charge by the hour for disassembly, and those hours can add up, especially for complex pieces. Others might slap on an "equipment fee" for using specialized tools. The bottom line? Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, and don't shy away from negotiating these extra fees.

You might be wondering how to avoid unexpected costs. Start by taking apart a few things yourself. Simple pieces like bookshelves or smaller tables can be easily taken apart with basic tools. If you're not the DIY type, look for moving companies that offer flat-rate price structure for their services. This way, you'll know upfront what you're getting into, no surprises. And here's a pro tip: check if your homeowner's insurance covers moving services, as some policies will cover the cost of professional disassembly and reassembly.

What Kinds Of Furniture Get Disassembled Most Often

Larger furniture items like bed frames, desks, baby cribs, cabinets, wall units, dining room tables, bookshelves, or even gym equipment are more likely to require installation and disassembly. If the furniture is disassembled in advance, it is much simpler for the movers to take it from your home and into the moving truck. It also aids in truck space conservation.

There are other circumstances where disassembling furniture is just logical. Certain objects can be difficult to transport unless broken down into several pieces.

You should first determine whether relocating your old furniture will be worth the money and effort spent before asking the movers for help disassembling your furniture. You might want to rethink taking your old furniture items with you if they are too worn out, require pricey repairs, or won't fit into your new home or interior design plan. Instead, sell them and utilize the proceeds to purchase fresh, contemporary furnishings for your new residence.

Furniture with damaged screw holes or missing hardware often breaks during or after reassembly. Check all joints and screws for damage before taking anything apart. Buy repair kits or replacement parts for stripped screws to make reassembly easier and avoid problems later.

How to Determine If a Piece is Worth Moving

Before deciding whether to bring your old furniture, ask yourself: Is the cost of moving it worth it?

Cost Breakdown: Moving vs. Replacing
• Dining Table Cross-Country: $300–$500 to move vs. $600–$1,000 for a new one.
• Couch Shipping Costs: $250–$1,000 depending on distance and weight.
• Bed Frame: $150–$400 to move vs. $400–$1,200 for a new one.
• Large Wardrobes: Moving them can cost up to $600, but they can be replaced for around the same price.

If the moving cost is close to or exceeds the price of a new item, replacing it may be a better choice.

Furniture Selling & Donation Options
If your furniture isn’t worth moving, selling or donating may be a smarter option:

• Sell Online: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, eBay.
• Donate Locally: Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army.
• Consignment Stores: Earn money from gently used, high-quality furniture.
• Selling or donating furniture before your move saves money and reduces stress.

What Type Of Furniture Movers Will Not Disassemble

Moving companies offer furniture disassembly and reassembly, but some items are off-limits. Most movers avoid disassembling antiques, pool tables, hot tubs, pianos, grandfather clocks, and furniture joined with glue or nails. They lack the time and woodworking skills to assemble these complex pieces.

Why Movers Avoid These Items
• Liability Risks: Movers do not want to risk damaging valuable or fragile items.
• Specialized Knowledge: Pianos and pool tables require experts to handle them properly.
• Time-Consuming: Some furniture takes too long to disassemble and reassemble, making it costly.

Alternatives for Specialized Furniture
• Pool Tables & Pianos: Hire a professional mover for these items. Expect to pay $200 to $600 for local moves and more for long distances.
• Antiques & Grandfather Clocks: Use an antique moving specialist to handle delicate pieces safely.
• Hot Tubs: Depending on size and distance, spa movers charge $300 to $800.
• Built-In Furniture: A handyman or carpenter may be needed to remove and reinstall built-in pieces.

What Is Not Included in The Service

Anything fastened to the wall or ceiling with bolts or screws, such as curtain rods, shelves, and light fixtures will not be removed by moving companies. The customer is responsible for ensuring they are taken out and packed before the movers show up.

Hot tubs, home gyms, garden sheds, swing sets, and other similar items must be disassembled before loading and reassembled at your new residence. The movers can suggest businesses that provide this service in your area.

Insurance Considerations

While moving companies take precautions to protect your belongings, accidents can still happen. It is important to check if your disassembled furniture is covered under your moving company’s insurance.

How to Check Moving Company Insurance
• Ask for Policy Details: Ensure their coverage includes furniture damaged during disassembly or reassembly.
• Look for Full-Value Protection: This ensures you will be reimbursed for damaged furniture at full replacement value.
• Basic Liability Coverage: Many movers offer coverage at $0.60 per pound, which may not be enough for expensive furniture.

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Coverage
• Some homeowners' and renters' insurance policies cover moving-related damages.
• Check if your policy includes off-premises personal property coverage for items in transit.
• Consider moving insurance add-ons for extra protection on high-value furniture.

Will Movers Assemble Furniture After The Move

The usual practice is for movers to assemble furniture after taking it into your room. It is best to avoid assuming that your move will go according to plan. Everything will depend on the kind of service you request. Did it only transport, or did it include full-service packing, relocation, and furniture assembly?

For your moving company to properly bill you and assign the appropriate personnel on a moving day, let them know ahead of time that you require furniture disassembly and reassembly services.

Now you need to decide whether to pay more to your movers or just do it yourself and save some money for another project in your new home. Keep in mind, whatever you do yourself is going to save you time and money.

Most moving labor providers on Movers Corp provide furniture assembly and disassembly services. If you need this service, click the mover’s profile to see all its services.

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