Some movers include straightforward dismantling; others charge separately or exclude particular furniture.
In this guide
Some movers include straightforward dismantling; others charge separately or exclude particular furniture. List every item, access restriction and required reassembly before the survey.
What to record
For beds, wardrobes, tables, sofas and fitted items, record dimensions, material, construction, assembly instructions, floor and doorway route. Identify flat-pack furniture, glued joints, fragile finishes, wall fixings and missing hardware.
| Scope | Confirm in writing |
|---|---|
| Dismantling | Named items and parts removed |
| Protection | Covers, edge guards and hardware bags |
| Reassembly | Room, position and included fixings |
| Wall mounting | Whether excluded or handled by another trade |
| Access failure | Alternative route, cancellation or specialist lift |
Flat-pack furniture can weaken after repeated assembly. The mover may exclude damage caused by prior condition or decline unsafe reassembly. Keep instructions and photograph condition.
If a sofa will not fit, do not assume doors or windows can be removed. A route survey may identify dismantling, specialist upholstery, hoisting or a different item, each with separate permissions and risk.
Furniture types
The answer depends on how the item is built. Ask the firm about each type separately rather than assuming one rule covers everything.
| Type | Examples | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Removable components | Table legs, headboards, loose shelves, glass tops, cushions | Whether removal is included and how parts are wrapped |
| Flat-pack | Wardrobes, bed frames, desks, bookcases | Whether the firm will take it apart and rebuild it, and any condition exclusions |
| Built-in or fitted | Fitted wardrobes, kitchen units, wall-mounted shelving and TVs | Whether it stays with the property or needs a joiner or other trade |
| Glued or fixed joints | Glued frames, dowelled antiques, items not designed to come apart | Moving it whole, or a specialist assessment |
| Specialist mechanisms | Electric recliners, adjustable beds, gas-lift or ottoman beds, motorised desks | The manufacturer’s guidance or a competent specialist |
Included, excluded or specialist
| Category | Often covers | Agree in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Often included | Simple beds, tables with bolt-on legs, standard flat-pack | The named items and whether reassembly is in the same visit |
| Often excluded | Wall fixings, plumbing, wiring, fitted furniture, items already damaged | Who does it instead and when |
| Specialist assessment | Powered or sprung mechanisms, heavy stone or glass tops, antiques, pianos | Who assesses it, the method, extra cost and cover |
Practice varies between firms, so treat the table as a list of questions, not a promise of what any quote includes. Heavy stone tops are covered in moving a marble or stone table, and route problems in furniture that will not fit through the door.
Fixings and who does the work
- Agree in writing who dismantles and reassembles each item: you, the mover or another trade.
- Ask whether the firm’s cover applies to items you took apart yourself.
- Keep fixings for each item in a separate labelled bag, taped to the largest part or packed in one marked box.
- Photograph each item before it is taken apart and keep the assembly instructions with the fixings.
- Note any parts already loose, missing or damaged before the move.
Do not take apart anything with springs, gas struts, electrics or heavy glass without the manufacturer’s instructions or a competent specialist. List these items at the removal survey so the firm can plan for them.
Compare House Movers is building Move Planner, an app that records awkward furniture with photos, dimensions and notes in one place; contact us for pricing and availability.
FAQs
Should I dismantle flat-pack furniture myself?
Only if competent and the mover agrees how it will be packed and reassembled. Label parts and retain every fixing.
What if a sofa will not fit?
Pause and assess the route. Obtain permission and specialist input before removing building elements or hoisting.
Suggested component
Use a Furniture Access and Assembly Inventory with dimensions, route photos, scope and hardware fields.
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