Dismantling and reassembling furniture correctly — tips from a professional

Why the correct dismantling determines the success of the move

Many removals fail not because of the transport itself, but because of the preparation. One of the most common mistakes: furniture is dismantled too late, too hastily or improperly. A shelf left too big won't fit through the door, a back of a cupboard breaks when tilted, a screw is lost — and suddenly the entire schedule is mixed up.

On the other hand, anyone who takes a structured approach and plans the dismantling with the necessary care lays the foundation for a smooth moving day. In this article, we'll show you how professionals work — and what you can do yourself to safely disassemble and reassemble your furniture.

Preparation is everything: What you should do before dismantling

Before you pick up the first screwdriver, it's worth making a clear plan. Well-organized disassembly saves an enormous amount of time when reassembling.

Take inventory

Go through each apartment and note which furniture needs to be dismantled. Large wardrobes, framed beds, bookshelves, dining tables and sofas with fixed armrests are usually included. Cabinets with glass doors require special attention — glass should always be transported separately and well upholstered.

Find original instructions

Do you still have the assembly instructions for your IKEA or designer furniture? Then be sure to save them. It makes reassembly in a new home much easier. Instructions that are no longer available can often be downloaded as a PDF from the manufacturer's website.

Prepare tools

For most furniture disassembly, you will need:

• Allen wrenches in various sizes
• Cross and slotted screwdriver
• cordless screwdriver (saves time)
• rubber mallet for rigid connections
• pliers and masking tape

How to properly disassemble your furniture

Cabinets: step by step

Always start by emptying the cabinet. The doors are then removed — with most models, it is sufficient to release the hinges. Shelves and drawers are then removed. Only then release the main connections between the side parts, the floor and the back wall.

An important professional tip: Glue all removed screws, plugs and connectors directly to the associated furniture part — preferably in a small zip bag that is attached to the wood with adhesive tape. This way, you are guaranteed not to lose anything.

Beds and bed frames

Beds are usually dismantled into headboard, footboard, side panels and slatted base. Make sure that mattresses are transported standing and not lying down during transport — this protects the inner structure. Use mattress covers to prevent contamination.

tables and shelves

In the case of dining tables, the legs are first removed. For extendable tables, it is recommended to pack the extension plates separately and cushion them well. Shelving systems such as Billy or similar are completely dismantled — back walls can usually be simply pushed out without having to unscrew screws.

Securely pack and label furniture parts

Disassembled furniture must not only be transported safely — it must also be reassembled correctly at the destination. Clear labeling is therefore crucial.

Use labeling system

Glue a piece of adhesive tape to each piece of furniture and label it with a waterproof pen: for example “Bedroom closet — left side panel”. This way, you and the moving team know immediately where each part belongs.

Protect sensitive surfaces

High-gloss fronts, veneered wood and glass elements scratch quickly. Wrap such parts in furniture blankets or bubble wrap. Corners and edges are particularly vulnerable — edge protectors made of foam or cardboard are recommended here.

Secure screws and small parts

As mentioned earlier, zip bags are your best friends when dismantling. Clearly label each bag and attach it to the accompanying piece of furniture. If you collect screws loose in a large bag, you are guaranteed to lose time and nerves during reassembly.

Reassembly in a new home: This is how the reconstruction is successful

Plan order

First, assemble the furniture that is the hardest to move — that is, large cabinets, beds, and heavy shelves. Lighter furniture such as coffee tables or small shelves come next. This prevents you from having to rearrange furniture that has already been assembled.

Protect floors and walls

When setting up, place blankets or protective films on the floor to prevent scratches. This is particularly important for newly renovated apartments. Door frames and walls should also be protected with foam strips when transporting large parts through the rooms.

Check the quality of connections

After assembly, you should check that all connections are tight. Wobbling cupboards or loose bed frames are not only uncomfortable, but can also be dangerous in everyday life. If connectors were damaged during the move, spare parts can be reordered inexpensively from most manufacturers.

If you'd rather be on the safe side: Gerber Transport will do it for you

Not everyone has the desire or time to spend hours struggling with Allen wrenches. Gerber Transport offers a complete Disassembly and reassembly service to — professionally, carefully and efficiently. Our experienced team knows how to disassemble and reassemble even complex furniture systems quickly and without damage.

Contact us for a non-binding offer and confidently let the professionals set it up — so that you can feel comfortable in your new home right from the start.

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