Get Your Furniture Ready for A Move: How to Disassemble It Like A Pro
MOTM
January 1st, 2023
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but it doesn't have to be! If you take the time to properly disassemble your furniture before you move, you'll make the process much simpler and smoother. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best techniques for disassembling furniture so you can prepare your home for a successful move. With these tips, you'll be able to quickly and efficiently break down your furniture like a pro.
Assess Which Pieces Need to Be Disassembled
When moving furniture, it's important first to assess which pieces need to be disassembled. Some pieces are too large or awkward to move without being taken apart, such as sofa beds, hutches, wardrobes, and tables with leaf extensions. Additionally, some furniture pieces may have intricate details, such as secret compartments or mirrored panels, that can easily be damaged during transport if not taken apart. Make sure to consider these when deciding which furniture needs to be disassembled.
It's also important to assess the furniture for any potential damage or loose parts. If a piece is weak, loose, or has broken parts, it should be taken apart for repair or disposal. In this case, it's important to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any sharp pieces. Once you have assessed the furniture and identified which pieces need to be disassembled, you can start the process. Before beginning, gather all the necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. It's also important to take pictures of each piece so you will know how to reassemble them later.
Gather Your Tools
When it comes to disassembling furniture for a move, having the right moving tools can make all the difference. You'll need screwdrivers, wrenches, and a hammer to get the job done properly. Make sure you have both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers available, as many pieces of furniture use both types of screws. Additionally, if you're dealing with nuts and bolts, you'll want a wrench set that includes standard and metric sizes. Finally, a hammer will come in handy when it comes to loosening stubborn nails and screws. Once you've got all your tools together, you'll be ready to take apart your furniture like a pro!
Take Pictures
Before you start taking apart your furniture, it is important to take pictures. This will ensure that you have a reference for reassembling the furniture in your new home. It is a good idea to take pictures of each piece from different angles and of the screws and bolts. This way, you'll know where everything goes when it's time to put it all back together. Also, keep track of the types of screws and hardware you have removed from each piece so you can replace them with new ones if necessary.
Loosen All Screws and Bolts
When disassembling furniture for a move, the first step is loosening all screws and bolts. Depending on your piece of furniture, you may need a few different tools to help with this. Commonly used tools for loosening screws and bolts include a screwdriver, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a socket wrench.
Once you have gathered the necessary tools, begin by unscrewing the bolts and screws that hold the furniture together. Start with the outermost screws first, then work your way inwards. Take your time while doing this, and be gentle. If something seems too tight, you may need to use a lubricant like WD-40 or oil to loosen it. Make sure to keep track of all the screws and bolts you've removed by putting them into a labeled bag or container so that you can easily reassemble the furniture in your new home.
Remove Drawer Pulls and Handles
Once you have loosened all screws and bolts, it's time to remove the drawer pulls and handles. Depending on your type of furniture, this could be very easy or somewhat tricky. Before you start, it's important to take pictures of each step so that you will know how to put them back together when you reach your new home.
The simplest method for removing drawer pulls is to use a flathead screwdriver. Start by placing the screwdriver's tip in between the base of the handle or pull and the drawer itself. Next, use the leverage of the screwdriver to pop off the handle or pull. If it feels as if it's stuck, try gently tapping the screwdriver with a mallet to loosen it up. Be sure to be careful when using a mallet, as too much force can cause damage to the drawer. If the handles are more intricate, such as on an antique piece of furniture, you'll likely need to remove any screws holding the handle in place. Use a screwdriver to unscrew these and carefully set them aside. Again, make sure to take photos as you go. Once the screws have been removed, the handle should come off easily.
Once all of the drawer pulls and handles have been removed, you can set them aside for safekeeping and move on to disassembling your furniture.
Label Everything
Labeling all your furniture pieces is a great way to ensure everything gets reassembled correctly in your new home. Before you start taking anything apart, take some time to label each piece with a piece of tape and a marker. This will help ensure that all the parts go back in the right place and that nothing gets mixed up.
For example, you can use labels like "bottom drawer" or "table leg." If you're working on an item with multiple screws or bolts, label each individual screw or bolt with its corresponding piece. This will make it easier for you to keep track of what goes where and it will also save you time when you go to reassemble the item. You can also take photos of the furniture before disassembly to help remind you how it should look when finished.
Labeling everything correctly will help make the moving process much smoother. Taking the extra time to label all your furniture pieces ahead of time will make it much easier to reassemble them in your new home.
Reassemble in Your New Home
After all of the pieces of furniture have been disassembled, labeled, and packed, it's time to reassemble them in your new home. Reassembling your furniture is easier if you can refer back to the pictures you took before taking it apart. Also, be sure to refer back to the labels you placed on the individual parts, so you know where each piece goes.
Start by sorting all of the pieces into the different sections of the furniture item (e.g., drawers, legs, etc.). This will make it easier for you to remember how it should go back together. Once sorted, begin to reconnect each section one at a time. If you have difficulty assembling the sections, look for the screws and bolts that were used to attach them and begin to screw them together.
When all of the sections are reattached, and the furniture is finished being assembled, be sure to check all of the joints and screws to make sure they are secure. You don't want to have any weak joints or loose screws. Finally, ensure all the drawer pulls and handles are in place, and your furniture is ready to be used in its new home.
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