Moving Day Survival Guide: Disassembling Your Furniture Safely
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2 min reading time
You bought it. You built it. You loved it. Now, you have to move it.
Many people treat flat-pack furniture as "disposable" because they assume it won't survive a move. But that’s a myth. If you have chosen quality furniture (like FurnitureZ!) and you take it apart correctly, it can travel with you for decades.
The secret isn't strength; it’s organization. Here are the 4 smart steps to disassemble your furniture without losing your mind—or your screws.
1. The "Ziplock" Golden Rule
The number one reason furniture gets ruined during a move isn't damage; it’s lost hardware. If you lose that one specific bolt, the whole bed frame becomes useless.
• The Smart Move:As you disassemble a piece, immediately put all screws, bolts, and washers into a Ziplock bag.
• The Critical Step:Don't throw that bag in a random "misc" box. Tape the bag directly to the furniture piecewith strong packing tape. If you take apart a table, tape the bag of screws to the underside of the tabletop. You will never lose them again.
2. Don't Disassemble Everything
Work smarter, not harder. You don't need to take everything apart.
• The Smart Move:
• Dressers & Nightstands:Keep them assembled. Just remove the drawers to make them lighter to carry. Wrap the main frame in moving blankets.
• Tables:Always remove the legs. Leaving legs on a table during a move is risky—one hard bump against a doorframe can snap the leg off due to leverage.
• Beds:Always disassemble the frame fully. It’s too large and fragile to move in one piece.
3. Protect the Corners
Corners are the most vulnerable part of any furniture. They are magnets for doorframes and staircase railings.
• The Smart Move: Use cardboard. You don't need expensive corner guards. Cut up an old cardboard box into triangles and tape them over the sharp corners of your desk or dresser. Then, wrap the whole thing in shrink wrap or a blanket. This simple barrier prevents those heartbreaking chips and dents.
4. Take Photos Before You Start
You might think you’ll remember how that complex shelving unit goes back together. Trust us: after a long day of moving, you won't.
• The Smart Move: Before you unscrew a single bolt, take close-up photos of the joints and connections with your phone. These photos will be your lifeline when you are exhausted in your new apartment trying to rebuild.
Moving is a fresh start. Don't leave your favorite pieces behind just because you're afraid to move them. With a little care and a few Ziplock bags, your furniture will be ready for its next chapter.
Looking for furniture that moves with you? Shop our durable, easy-to-assemble collections.
