You have packed the boxes and labelled the bags, but then you look at the master bedroom. There stands the King-size bed frame, the 8-seater dining table, and the complex modular sofa.

One of the most common causes of stress (and delays) on moving day is furniture that is not ready to go. Many Australians assume removalists will automatically whip out a drill and dismantle everything. While many can, it often comes at a cost—both in money and time.

This guide will help you decide whether to grab the Allen keys yourself or pay the experts. Here is everything you need to know about managing the "big stuff."

1. Do Removalists Disassemble Furniture?

The short answer is: It depends on what you booked.

  • Hourly Rate Moves: Most removalists are happy to disassemble furniture, but remember: the clock is ticking. If it takes two men 45 minutes to figure out your complex bunk bed, you are paying for that time at their premium labour rate.
  • Fixed Price Moves: Disassembly is usually an "extra." If you didn't list the bed as "requiring disassembly" during the quote process, they may refuse to do it or charge a surcharge on the day.
  • The "No-Go" Items: Some removalists will refuse to dismantle overly complex items like trampolines, gym equipment, or custom-built joinery due to liability risks.

Tip: When comparing removalist quotes, look for the specific service inclusion: "Includes disassembly and reassembly." If it’s not written down, assume it’s not included.

2. What Needs to Be Disassembled?

You don't need to take everything apart. Use this checklist to decide what stays and what goes.

Must Disassemble:

  • Bed Frames: Almost all Queen and King beds need the headboard and slats removed to fit through doorways and into the truck safely.
  • Dining Tables: Legs usually need to be removed. Transporting a table with legs attached puts huge stress on the joints, risking a snap if the truck hits a bump.
  • Large Wardrobes: Especially IKEA "PAX" units. They are tall, heavy, and structurally weak when moved as a whole unit.
  • Modular Sofas: These usually unclip into sections. You may need to remove the feet to get them through narrow apartment doors.

Usually Safe to Leave Assembled:

  • Chest of Drawers: If it's sturdy, leave it. You can even leave light clothes (socks/undies) in the drawers, but remove heavy items.
  • Bedside Tables: These travel well as is.
  • Bookcases: Small to medium bookcases can usually travel whole. Tall, flimsy ones should be dismantled.

3. The DIY Guide: How to Do It Properly

If you want to save money and do it yourself, follow these steps to avoid the nightmare of "leftover screws" at the new house.

Step 1: The "Photo First" Rule

Before you unscrew a single bolt, take clear photos of the furniture.

  • Photograph the joints.
  • Photograph underneath where the legs attach.
  • This will be your instruction manual when you are exhausted at the other end.

Step 2: The Right Tools

Don't rely on the flimsy little spanner that came with the furniture. Get a proper toolkit from Bunnings or your local hardware store.

  • A cordless drill with hex (Allen key) bits will save your wrists.
  • A rubber mallet helps gently tap apart stubborn joinery.

Step 3: Managing the Hardware (Crucial!)

The number one disaster in moving is losing the screws.

  • The Ziplock Method: Put all screws, bolts, and washers for one item into a Ziplock bag.
  • Label It: Write "Master Bed" on the bag with a Sharpie.
  • Tape It: Use strong packing tape to stick the bag directly onto a large piece of the furniture (e.g., the back of the headboard). This way, the screws literally travel with the furniture.

4. The IKEA Warning

IKEA is loved for its affordability, but it is notorious in the moving industry.

Most flat-pack furniture is made of particle board (wood chips glued together). It is designed to be assembled once.

  • The Risk: If you try to move a constructed IKEA wardrobe, the vibrations of the truck can cause the screws to tear out of the soft wood, rendering the piece unstable.
  • Advice: Unless it is a small, rigid piece (like a KALLAX cube), dismantle it. It is annoying, but it is safer than arriving with a broken pile of wood.

5. Should You Hire the Pros?

Is it worth paying the extra $50–$100 (or the extra hourly time) to have the removalists do it?

Yes, if:

  • You no longer have the assembly instructions or tools.
  • You are physically unable to lift heavy bedheads.
  • You are time-poor and just want the job done.
  • You have a complex item (like a bunk bed or Murphy bed).

No, if:

  • You are on a tight budget.
  • You are handy with tools.
  • You want to get a head start before moving day.

6. Reassembly at the New Home

The move isn't over until the bed is back together.

  • Prioritise the Beds: Reassemble the beds first. You can live without a dining table for a night, but sleeping on a mattress on the floor amongst boxes is demoralising.
  • Check the Floors: If you have new timber floors, put felt pads on the bottom of the furniture legs before you stand it upright to avoid scratching the varnish immediately.