Disassembling furniture correctly before a house move protects your belongings, speeds up the loading process, and reduces the risk of damage in transit. This step-by-step guide covers the most common furniture disassembly tasks for a Brisbane home move — from bed frames to IKEA flat-pack wardrobes — with the right tools and sequencing for each item.
Which furniture to disassemble before moving
Not all furniture needs to be disassembled for a move. Here’s a quick guide:
- Always disassemble: bed frames (queen/king), flat-pack wardrobes (IKEA PAX etc.), dining tables with separate leg sets, modular lounges, computer desks with hutch, bunk beds
- Usually disassemble: large bookcases with adjustable shelving, TV entertainment units, workbench or garage shelving
- Can usually stay assembled: solid timber bedside tables, coffee tables, solid chests of drawers, small bookcases, upholstered chairs (without removable legs)
Step-by-step: how to disassemble a bed frame
Bed frames are the most common furniture disassembly task. Here’s the correct order:
- Remove the mattress and base/foundation — set these aside
- Remove the bed head (if attached) — usually 2–4 bolts or screws
- Remove the bed foot (if separate)
- Remove the side rails — these connect the head and foot boards
- Collect all bolts, washers, and fittings in a labelled zip-lock bag
- Tape the hardware bag to the bed head
Step-by-step: how to disassemble an IKEA flat-pack wardrobe
Large IKEA-style wardrobes (PAX, Billy, Besta) are always disassembled for moves. The process:
- Empty all contents and remove all shelves, hanging rails, and internal fittings
- Remove the back panel (usually pinned or tacked at corners)
- Unscrew side panels from top and bottom rails
- Collect all cam locks, dowels, and fittings in a zip-lock bag
- Bundle panels together and wrap in furniture blankets
- Photograph the assembled wardrobe before you start — you’ll thank yourself during reassembly
Tools to have ready
Before you start disassembling:
- Screwdriver set (flathead + Phillips, multiple sizes)
- Allen/hex key set (metric)
- Rubber mallet (for gentle separation without damage)
- Zip-lock bags (multiple sizes) and a marker pen
- Packing tape (to attach hardware bags to furniture)
- Smartphone for photos before, during, and after disassembly
Frequently asked questions
What furniture should always be disassembled for a move?
Beds (especially queen and king frames), flat-pack wardrobes (PAX, IKEA-style), dining tables with removable legs, modular lounges, and desks with separate hutch or side units should always be disassembled.
What furniture can stay assembled during a local move?
Solid timber furniture (chests of drawers, bedside tables, coffee tables, bookcases) can often travel assembled in a truck for local moves. The crew will wrap and strap them securely. Check with your removalist on the specific piece.
What if I don’t have the original Allen key for IKEA furniture?
Most flat-pack furniture uses standard metric Allen key sizes (3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm). A full hex key set from a hardware store costs under $20 and covers all common sizes.
Do removalists disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Yes — Relocation Rangers includes disassembly and reassembly of standard flat-pack furniture as part of our service. Complex custom cabinetry or specialist items may require a tradesperson rather than a removalist.
How do I keep track of all the screws and fittings?
Use zip-lock bags labelled with a marker pen for each piece of furniture. Tape the bag directly to the corresponding furniture component so it travels with the item and can’t be separated from it.
How far in advance should I disassemble furniture before the move?
Beds and large items can be disassembled the night before the move. Dining tables and other furniture can be done 1–2 days in advance. Don’t disassemble so early that it inconveniences your daily routine.
For more moving advice, see our How to Pack Clothes for Moving and How Long Does a House Move Take?. Ready to book? Visit our pricing page, browse our service areas, or request a quote online. Call (07) 3472 7573 seven days a week.