Disassemble or Transport Whole? Furniture Guide

When faced with a large wardrobe or king-size bed, the question always arises: should you disassemble it or try to transport it as is? The answer isn’t always obvious and depends on several factors.

The advantages of disassembly

Disassembling furniture before transport offers several benefits:

• Easier passage through stairs, hallways, and elevators
• Less risk of scratches on walls and door frames
• More effective protection of each component
• Space optimization in the truck

When disassembly is essential

Some situations leave no choice:

• The furniture won’t fit through the door or stairway
• The elevator is too small
• Access to the new home is narrower than at the old one
• The furniture is too heavy to be carried in one piece

Tip: Measure critical passages (doors, stairs, elevator) BEFORE moving day. A quick measurement can prevent an unpleasant surprise.

When to keep furniture in one piece

Transport without disassembly is preferable when:

• The furniture is antique or fragile and may not withstand disassembly
• It’s a solid wood piece without modern fastening systems
• The dimensions fit comfortably through all access points
• Reassembly would be complex or impossible (some antique furniture)

IKEA, Conforama, Pfister furniture: a special case

Flat-pack furniture is designed to be assembled and disassembled. But beware:

• Screws and dowels wear out with each disassembly/reassembly
• Particleboard panels can get damaged if fasteners are forced
• It’s sometimes easier to sell and buy new than to transport basic furniture

Our advice: Flat-pack furniture generally withstands 2-3 disassemblies maximum. Beyond that, stability is no longer guaranteed.

How to properly disassemble furniture

If you decide to disassemble it yourself:

1. Take photos at each step, from multiple angles
2. Keep all screws and fasteners in a labeled bag (tape it to the furniture)
3. Number the pieces if the furniture is complex
4. Keep the assembly instructions if you still have them
5. Protect surfaces with bubble wrap or blankets

Our assembly/disassembly service

Thanks to our daily moving experience, we’re familiar with all types of furniture. Our disassembly and reassembly service includes:

• Careful disassembly at the origin
• Protection of each component
• Complete reassembly at the destination
• Verification that everything works properly (doors, drawers)

We also assemble your new furniture: IKEA, Conforama, Pfister, and others. Contact us for a quote.

In summary