Why Learning How to Disassemble Furniture Safely Is Important
Whenever you prepare for a move or plan to store household goods, knowing how to disassemble furniture safely becomes a skill worth mastering. Bulky items like beds, dining tables, or large wardrobes often won’t pass through narrow doors or staircases in one piece. Without proper disassembly, you risk scratches on the wood, broken screws, or even injury.
We, at The Storage Place, understand how stressful moving days can get. And we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding frustration.
Gather the Tools First
The first step is simple: have the right tools within arm’s reach. Most furniture items are held together by screws, bolts, or dowels. Without a screwdriver or Allen key set, progress quickly comes to a halt.
Keep a small toolkit ready. We usually recommend:
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Allen keys (hex keys)
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- A small hammer (for gentle taps)
Having these ready saves unnecessary trips back and forth. It may sound like a small thing, but every minute matters when there’s a truck waiting outside.
Label Everything You Remove
One of the easiest mistakes during disassembly is losing track of screws, bolts, or small parts. It only takes a moment of distraction for one little piece to disappear under the couch or into a box where it doesn’t belong.
That’s why labeling is essential. You can place screws into ziplock bags and tape them directly onto the furniture part they belong to. Another way is using small containers labeled by item name: “bed frame bolts,” “wardrobe screws,” and so on.
Future-you will thank present-you for this. And if you’d like to learn more about how labeling helps beyond furniture parts, we’ve shared practical advice on the importance of labeling boxes during any move.
Take Pictures Before and During
Here’s a trick worth trying: snap photos at every step before pulling something apart. Phones make this incredibly easy, and the images will serve as a visual guide when it’s time to reassemble.
It’s amazing how memory plays tricks after a week or two in storage. What looked obvious during disassembly suddenly feels confusing later. Pictures solve that problem instantly.
Work in a Clean, Open Space
If possible, clear a wide area before starting. Disassembling a wardrobe in a cramped hallway will make things harder than they need to be. We prefer working in the largest room available, spreading a soft sheet or blanket on the floor to protect delicate parts.
By giving yourself space, you reduce the chance of damaging walls, bumping into things, or worse – hurting yourself while carrying heavy parts.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Guide (When Available)
Many furniture items, especially modular ones like IKEA products, actually come with guides for both assembly and disassembly. If the manual is missing, you can usually find a copy online.
Following these instructions ensures you’re not forcing joints or removing the wrong part first. A single wrong move might strip a screw or crack the wood.
Protect Each Piece Properly
Once furniture is in parts, don’t just pile everything together. Large wooden panels can rub against each other, causing scratches. Wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap.
Glass shelves or mirror panels need extra cardboard around the edges. It may seem like extra effort, but those fragile parts cost the most to repair or replace.
Safety First While Disassembling
Oversized furniture pieces can be heavy. Trying to hold a panel with one hand while unscrewing bolts with the other isn’t just awkward, it’s dangerous. Always ask someone to help hold or stabilize the furniture.
We also recommend gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or splinters. Even if the task looks simple, accidents happen quickly when handling big items.
If a screw refuses to budge or a joint feels stuck, stop and reassess. Forcing it can strip the screw head or break the connector. A little lubricant spray can loosen stiff screws, while a rubber mallet helps with tight wooden joints.
Patience is key. Sometimes taking a short break prevents mistakes born out of frustration.
Organize for Storage or Moving
After everything is disassembled, think about how to organize it for transport or storage. Large flat panels should always stand upright against a wall inside the truck or storage unit, not laid flat on the ground where weight can warp them.
Professional Help When Needed
Of course, not all furniture is straightforward. Antique cabinets, heavy bed frames, or customized pieces may need more than basic tools. In those cases, professional movers are the safer option.
Their experience and equipment minimize risks. Plus, they can disassemble and reassemble quickly, sparing you the headache.
Smarter Moves Begin With Safe Disassembly
Taking the time to learn how to disassemble furniture safely isn’t just about saving space, it’s about protecting valuable belongings and making reassembly easier later. With tools ready, parts labeled, and pieces wrapped carefully, the process becomes far less stressful.
And for those of you planning to move or store your items securely, we’re here to help. You can find more storage solutions and practical moving advice directly at The Storage Place.