Can Movers Disassemble and Reassemble Furniture

Moving doesn’t change who you are. It changes the view outside your window.

When you’re staring at a bulky bed frame, a massive dining table, or that IKEA bookshelf that took 3 hours to build, one question pops into your head: Can movers disassemble and reassemble furniture? 

It’s a valid concern, especially when the idea of taking apart your furniture feels more overwhelming than the move itself.

Over 75% of Americans say moving is one of the most stressful events in life. Between packing, scheduling, and trying to protect your furniture from damage, there’s a lot going on. That’s why more and more people are turning to furniture disassembly services by movers.

Whether you’re relocating cross-country or just moving to the next block, it’s common to wonder: Do movers take furniture apart and rebuild it at your new place?

The short answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than just unscrewing a few bolts.

So if you're considering hiring movers for furniture take-apart service, you're definitely not alone. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know: how it works, what’s included, what it costs, and what to expect when movers disassemble furniture and reassemble it on the other side.

Do Movers Disassemble and Reassemble Furniture?

Yes, most professional movers do disassemble and reassemble furniture, but there are a few important things to understand about how it works, what’s typically included, and what you may need to request ahead of time.

When you hire a moving company, especially a full-service moving company, they usually come prepared to handle bulky or oversized furniture.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Assessment Before the Move: Movers take a look at your furniture and identify which pieces need to be disassembled for safe transport.
• Disassembly at the Pickup Location: They bring the necessary tools and carefully take apart large items like bed frames, tables, and modular sofas.
• Reassembly at Your New Home: Once everything arrives at the new location, movers reassemble the furniture in the rooms you want them in.

This service can save a lot of time and hassle—especially if you’re moving heavy or complex pieces. Some moving companies include this service in their base price, while others may charge an additional fee.

Also, keep in mind that not all movers take apart and rebuild furniture automatically. If you want to ensure this service is provided, be sure to ask during your initial consultation. Use specific language like:

"Do your movers disassemble and reassemble furniture, and is it included in the quote?"

What Furniture Can Movers Disassemble and Reassemble?

Movers are trained to handle a wide variety of furniture, but not every piece needs to be taken apart, and not every piece can be. So if you're wondering what exactly falls under this service, here’s a clear breakdown.

Common Furniture Movers Disassemble and Reassemble

These are the pieces that movers most commonly take apart and put back together during a move:

• Beds (all sizes): This is one of the most frequent requests. Most movers, especially movers who reassemble beds and tables, are very familiar with taking apart bed frames, slats, and headboards.
• Dining tables: Large dining tables often have detachable legs or expandable parts that need to be removed to prevent damage.
• Modular sofas or sectionals: These are often separated into individual pieces for easier and safer transportation.
• Desks and office furniture: Especially L-shaped or multi-piece desks that are difficult to move as a whole.
• Dressers with mirrors: Mirrors are fragile and typically removed before transport.
• Wardrobes, bookcases, and shelving units: Many movers disassemble wardrobes, bookcases, and desks if they are too tall or heavy to move in one piece.

Furniture That May Not Be Disassembled by Movers

While movers handle many standard household items, there are limits. Some furniture may be too fragile, customized, or complex to be taken apart safely without a specialist.

This includes:

• Antique furniture
• Built-in units or wall-mounted pieces
• Pool tables, pianos, or large exercise equipment
• Glued or nailed items that weren’t designed to be disassembled

Full-Service Movers vs. Basic Moving Help

A key thing to note here is that full-service movers often cover a wider range of furniture types. Companies that offer full-service moves typically come equipped with the right tools, padding, and experience to handle everything from a king-sized bed to a six-piece dining set.

On the other hand, if you're going with labor-only help or a budget move, you may need to handle the disassembly yourself.

If you're unsure, ask the company directly. Use clear terms like:

"Do your movers disassemble and reassemble furniture such as beds, tables, and shelving units?"

Is Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly Included in Moving Services?

This is one of the most important questions to ask when booking a moving company: Is furniture disassembly and reassembly actually included in the service, or is it something extra you have to pay for? 

The answer depends on the type of moving service you choose and the policies of the company you hire.

Full-Service Movers Usually Include It

If you’re booking a full-service move, there’s a good chance that furniture disassembly and reassembly are included in the price. These companies handle everything from packing to loading, transporting, unloading, and even taking apart and putting back together your furniture.

They typically bring the necessary tools, handle the hardware carefully, and make sure everything is reassembled properly in your new home.

Basic or Budget Movers May Charge Extra

Not all moving companies offer this service by default. If you’re using a more budget-friendly or labor-only moving service, they might not include disassembly and reassembly in their base quote. In these cases, you might be charged by the hour for the extra labor involved.

What's Usually Included (and What’s Not)

Here’s a general idea of what most moving services will include:

Included (in most full-service moves):

• Bed frames (including headboards and slats)
• Dining tables
• Sectional sofas
• Desks (standard types)

Common furniture pieces that movers disassemble

Not always included or may require a special request:

• Large wardrobes or bookshelves that are glued or nailed together
• Baby cribs with complex locking mechanisms
• Custom-built furniture
• Antiques and fragile items
• Specialty items (pool tables, gym equipment)

Are There Additional Fees for This Service?

While furniture disassembly and reassembly are often included in full-service moving packages, that’s not always the case, especially with budget movers, hourly labor, or specialty items.

So let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly when and why you might see extra charges on your bill.

When Is It Included?

If you’re hiring a full-service moving company, there's a good chance that standard disassembly and reassembly are already part of your quoted price.

In these cases, movers will disassemble and reassemble furniture without additional fees, particularly for basic household items such as beds, dining tables, and sectionals.

When You Might Be Charged Extra

Here are some of the most common reasons you might see an additional charge:

1. Time-Consuming or Complex Furniture

Furniture that requires a long time to disassemble or reassemble can significantly increase your moving time.

For example, the cost of movers disassembling furniture like a bunk bed or modular entertainment center can range from $50 to $150+.

2. Special Tools or Hardware

If your furniture requires tools the movers don’t typically carry (like hex keys for certain IKEA items, or Allen wrenches for custom pieces), you may be charged for the extra time it takes to figure it out.

3. Heavy or Oversized Items

Items like adjustable beds, Murphy beds, large wardrobes, or built-in bookcases may be considered “specialty items.” That means the moving company could treat them as separate services not covered in your base price.

4. Last-Minute Requests

If you didn’t mention disassembly needs during your estimate, and ask for it on moving day, some companies may charge a premium for unplanned labor.

Do Movers Bring Their Own Tools and Equipment?

Yes, in most cases, professional movers do bring their own tools and equipment to handle furniture disassembly and reassembly. This is actually a standard part of the service when you hire a reputable moving company.

What Tools Do Movers Usually Bring?

Most moving crews are equipped with a basic set of hand tools and moving gear, which is usually enough to handle standard household furniture. Here's what they typically carry:

• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Allen wrenches/hex keys
• Wrenches and pliers
• Power drills (sometimes, depending on the company)
• Furniture sliders and lifting straps
• Moving blankets and padding
• Plastic bags or labels for organizing screws and hardware
• Stretch wrap and tape to secure disassembled parts

Do You Need to Provide Anything?

In most cases, no. But there are a few exceptions where your input might be helpful:

• IKEA or custom furniture: If your furniture came with a special tool (like a specific Allen key), it’s a good idea to leave that tool out for the movers—just in case.
• Labeled hardware: Some movers will label and bag hardware for reassembly, but if you have original hardware bags or instruction manuals, keep them handy. It can speed things up.

How to Book This Service and What to Ask

If you want your move to go smoothly, especially when it comes to larger furniture, it's important to plan ahead. Booking furniture disassembly and reassembly service is pretty straightforward, but there are a few key things you should do to make sure everything is covered.

Step 1: Ask Early in the Quote Process

Whether you’re booking online or over the phone, you should bring up disassembly and reassembly right at the beginning.

Ask something simple and clear, like:

• Do your movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?
• Is this included in the base price, or is it an extra fee?
• Do movers take furniture apart and rebuild it at the new place?

Step 2: Be Specific About Your Furniture

Every home has different furniture setups. Some people have basic beds and tables, while others have custom furniture. Give your movers a full list of the large or complex pieces that may need attention.

Step 3: Confirm the Service in Writing

Once the company says they can handle disassembly and reassembly, make sure it’s included in the written estimate or contract.

Here’s what you should see or confirm in your contract:

• Disassembly/reassembly is included (or not)
• Which furniture items will be handled
• Whether tools are provided
• If there are any additional labor fees
• What happens if a piece is damaged during the process

Step 4: Clarify Insurance and Liability

This step is often overlooked, but it’s really important. Even experienced movers can accidentally damage a piece during disassembly or reassembly, especially with complex or older furniture.

Ask questions like:

• What happens if a piece gets scratched or broken during the process?
• Is this covered under your standard moving insurance?
• Do I need to document the furniture condition beforehand?

Step 5: Prepare Your Furniture for the Movers

Before moving day, it helps to do a little prep:

• Empty drawers and remove fragile items from furniture
• Keep original hardware or manuals nearby if you have them
• Label furniture parts if you’re disassembling anything yourself
• Take pictures of complex setups for easier reassembly later

Is It Better to Do It Yourself or Let Movers Handle It?

When it comes to disassembling and reassembling furniture, many people find themselves at a crossroads: Should I do it myself to save money, or just let the movers take care of it? 

The answer really depends on your situation—your budget, the type of furniture you own, and how comfortable you are using tools and handling bulky pieces.

When It Makes Sense to Let Movers Handle It

If you’re hiring professional movers, letting them handle disassembly is usually the easier and safer option.

Here’s why:

• They’re trained for it.
• They have the right tools.
• They work faster.
• They're responsible for the damage.

When You Might Want to DIY

That said, there are situations where doing it yourself might be the smarter move:

• You're on a tight budget.
• The furniture is simple.
• You want more control.
• You enjoy DIY projects.

What Many People Do: A Mix of Both

One of the most practical approaches is to handle the simple stuff yourself and leave the heavy, complex, or time-consuming items to the professionals.

Here’s how that might look:

Type of Furniture	DIY or Let Movers Handle?
Small tables, chairs	DIY – quick and easy
Large bed frames	Movers – bulky and multi-part
Modular sofas	Movers – can be awkward to move alone
IKEA dressers or desks	DIY if you're confident; Movers if not
Antique or fragile items	Movers – to ensure proper handling
Bookshelves and wardrobes	Movers – especially tall/heavy ones

Recommended Resources

• How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2025?
• Room-by-Room Packing Guide
• Moving Industry Trends 2025
• Long Distance Moving Tips