Furniture Disassembly: To Bolt or Not to Bolt?

What Has Changed for Furniture Disassembly in 2026?

2026 furniture includes smart features with integrated charging and LEDs requiring safe disconnection, plus tool-free assembly systems that simplify disassembly for moving.

This guide has been refreshed for 2026 with updated tips for the latest modular furniture systems. Many Dubai residents now have smart furniture with integrated charging ports and LED lighting—we've added guidance on disconnecting these safely. We've also included notes on the newer tool-free assembly systems that are becoming standard in 2026 furniture designs.

Why Is Furniture Disassembly Necessary for Moving?

Most doorways and elevators are too narrow for fully assembled beds, large wardrobes, and dining tables—disassembly ensures safe passage without damage to furniture or walls.

Unless you live in a palace with double doors everywhere, some of your furniture will need to be taken apart.

Which Furniture Pieces Need to Be Disassembled?

Bed frames almost always need disassembly, wardrobes over 1.5 meters wide must be flat-packed, and dining table legs should be removed to prevent snapping during transport.

• Bed Frames: Almost always. The headboard won't fit in the elevator.
• Large Wardrobes: Any wardrobe over 1.5 meters wide usually needs to be flat-packed.
• Dining Tables: Legs usually need to come off to protect them from snapping.

What Is the Golden Rule of Furniture Disassembly?

Bag all screws and hardware in a Ziploc, tape the bag securely to a large piece of the furniture, and label it with the furniture name in case it detaches.

The #1 moving disaster is losing the screws.

• Ziploc Bags: Put all screws for one item in a bag.
• Tape to Piece: Tape that bag securely to a large piece of the furniture (e.g., the underside of the table).
• Label: Write "Master Bed" on the bag just in case it falls off.

What Should You Know About Disassembling IKEA Furniture?

Particle board furniture is not designed for multiple disassemblies—screw holes widen each time, so hand-tighten during reassembly and use wood glue for subsequent moves.

Particle board furniture (like IKEA) is not designed to be taken apart multiple times. The screw holes widen.

• Tip: Don't use a power drill for reassembly. Hand-tighten strictl to avoid stripping the wood.
• Reinforce: You might need wood glue for the second move.

Should You Hire Professionals for Furniture Disassembly?

If you are not handy with tools, hire full-service movers who can disassemble and reassemble furniture efficiently—professionals handle beds in about 15 minutes.

Our professional furniture movers can disassemble and reassemble a bed in 15 minutes blindfolded.