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 them out.

Desks, beds, cabinets, wall units, and exercise equipment are usually items that require disassembly and then 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

Facing a big move, you might wonder whether to disassemble your heavy furniture yourself or hire professionals. Doing it yourself can save money, but it takes time, the right tools, and some skill to avoid damaging your belongings. Hiring pros costs more, but they work faster and lower the risk of mistakes.

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

• Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flathead): needed for removing screws.
• Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): often used for beds, chairs, and Ikea-style furniture.
• Power Drill: which speeds up screw and bolt removal.
• Rubber Mallet: useful for separating pieces without damage.
• Zip Bags and Labels: which help keep screws and small parts organized.

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.

Disassembling a king-sized bed, dining table, and treadmill yourself could take 4 to 5 hours, plus extra time searching for instructions or watching videos. Professionals can finish in 2 hours. Depending on location and item complexity, the cost ranges from $100 to $200.

So, what matters more to you, time or money? The choice is not as simple as it seems. Stay tuned for a deeper breakdown of costs and benefits.

Consider Disassembling Your Furniture Before Movers Arrive

Local moves are usually charged based on the hourly rate. The same crew handles the move from start to finish, typically completing local moves within a day. In addition to moving services, you can also 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. Your pricey or sentimental furniture items may be damaged by tight corners, cramped passageways, and numerous door frames. It is preferable to disassemble the furniture ahead and move it in sections as opposed to as a whole.

Local movers can carefully and efficiently disassemble and assemble your furniture, but your move is going to take longer, which means you are going to end up paying more for your move. If you are capable of doing it yourself, this could be a chance to save some 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.

Basic charges for long-distance moves are calculated based on the mileage and weight of your shipment. The long-distance move can take up to 10 days, depending on the size of your move and the distance. Movers load your goods into their truck. But there is a possibility that another moving crew will be unloading your belongings at the destination city. This means the moving crew that disassembled your furniture will not be there to reassemble it. Do the new movers know what the piece looks like? Can they put it back together? Should you reassemble it yourself?

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.

Now, you're probably wondering, "How can I dodge these unexpected costs?" First, consider doing some of the disassembly 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 items of furniture like your bed frames, desks, baby cribs, cabinets, wall unit, dining room tables, bookshelves, or even gym equipment are more likely to require installation and disassembly. It is much simpler for the movers to take the things from your home and into the moving truck if the furniture is disassembled in advance. 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 they are broken down into several pieces.

You should first determine whether relocating your old furniture will be worth the money and effort spent before determining whether to ask 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 the plan of your new home or your new interior design. Instead, sell them and utilize the proceeds to purchase fresh, contemporary furnishings for your new residence.

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 the 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: Spa movers charge $300 to $800 depending on size and distance.
• 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 in charge of making sure 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 kind of 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 you want 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 of the moving labor providers at Movers Corp provide disassembly and assembly service. If you think you need the service, click on the movers' profile to see all provided moving services.

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