Moving day is often considerably easier if big awkward pieces of furniture aren’t going to block the door. Disassembling them partially beforehand also helps protect walls, saves backaches to a degree and makes it possible to load more furniture into the truck. This article therefore gives you some simple steps on how to disassemble some of the basic pieces of furniture you can get them to the truck safely, and back to your new home without further worry.
Tools You’ll Need
Put together a safe work area before you touch a screw or bolt. Lay down a blanket or cardboard on the floor and be careful that no damage is done. Lay out the disassembled parts where they can be clearly seen. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7b3Q-iUQA for guidance.
You will need the following tools:
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (both hand, and drill/driver bits).
- Allen/hex key set and a small socket set.
- Adjustable wrench and a small pry bar for staples and tacks.
- Utility knife and heavy-duty pair of scissors (for fabric and string).
- Ziplocks, painters’ tape and a marker for hardware.
- Blankets for moving, ratchet straps and stretch wrap.
- Work gloves and safety glasses.
Tip: When clearing complete rooms for garage cleanout, or light renovations, consider short-term dumpster rentals to clear away as they are filled and make the collection of now empty out of sight pile of debris easier later.
Taking Apart Bed Frames
Clear the bed completely and take pictures of corners and attaching brackets, and so on, so that when putting it together again it will be much less difficult. Start with the mattress and box spring and continue with the slatted wood support or central iron bar depending on its condition.
With most metal bed frames the legs will lift when the attaching corner pins are loosened, while with most wooden frames the bolts are hidden by plastic cap covers on the legs. Unscrew bolts in opposing pairs (one left, one right) to lessen twisting, and bag them and tape them down to the headboard.
When you are finished, the longest sections then should be the headboard and side rails—much easier to negotiate through halls now. If more bulky furnishings remain to clear out after the bed, get on the phone for bulk trash pickup service or local junk hauling outfit to keep up the momentum.
Handling Heavy Couches
Couches seem simple, but more of them conceal brackets, staples and locking clips. Start off by removing the cushions and legs and examine the back—most couches have a “hinge” or “slide-up” back which will come off. Attending a particularly stubborn joint or needing to know how to dismantle it without damage being done or damage to your appurtenances, a local professional such as demolition contractor Wayne can save you, as well as help you in getting disposal of waste to be kindly to the environment.
- Feet or legs: Most unscrew by hand, others have screws out of sight, buried underneath felt pads, etc. Bag the screws.
- Back panel: By passing the utility knife along we uncover the brackets on stripping away the dust cover at the staples.
- Arms: Bolts can be found inside the frame—advantageously it takes bolts off one arm at a time thus remitting the sofa the stability which is desired.
- Sectional locks: By giving a slight lift and sliding them apart one can open up pieces at the metal catches.
- Final Shrinking: If the frame is beyond salvage—uncover the fabric and remove the thin rail, cutting the pieces to facilitate carrying them out in flat form—only if discarding them and not donating them. If you’re rushing after a remodel, a number of junk hauling services are able to combine furniture removal and construction clean up in the same trip.
Labeling Parts for Reassembly
Good labeling can get you saved an hour at the other end. When you take things apart, drop sets of screws in bags, writing what they belong, such as “bed frame, headboard—top bolts.” Tape the bag to the part or put all the bags in a small box labeled “hardware—open first.”
Use painter’s tape on boards and rails, numbering them as they were torn off, 1, 2, 3, etc. Take quick pictures of tricky corners and keep them in a “Reassembly” file on your phone. When you get there, build back in reverse order and tighten everything up only when it is square and standing properly.
Where to Donate Usable Pieces
Nothing has to end up in the curb. If a thing is clean, and sturdy, and safe, by donating it, lives can enter, and waste can be kept from the land fill. Wipe down surfaces, tighten loose screws, and donate all metal in a bag taped up. Call groups ahead—much can be done about them to pick up bulky items in your driveway, making for easy eco disposal on the scheduled side.
Think of these paths for donation:
- Local charities and reuse stores: Many Habitats ReStore stores take solid wood furniture and bed parts.
- Community groups: There are agencies for posting in neighborhood forums and mutual aid pages that gorge up, easy, and with no cost pickup.
- Schools and theaters: Some wish for desks or chairs or set pieces in good repair.
- Municipal programs: Some towns have a bulk pick up day on schedule with a donate first method—ask about how to flag things that you want picked.Check here for more helpful information.
- Haulers who donate: There are junk hauling service firms which sort and donate first, and work on a recycling plan afterwards.
If your thing is too badly damaged to be made usable, ask your city about mattress recycling, appliance partners who pick up, donation days when special things may be dropped off. You will get metal, fabric and wood from the dump, and make space for your next project with no fuss.
By having a little bit of tool kit, smart labeling and planning, you can take down most anything and cart it out clean. Slow down at each joint, bagging all hardware as you go, and choosing the proper end of line answers as to donate, recycle, or dispose. That way your move (or mini remodel) stays quick, neat and safe.
