There are nearly 2,654 new renters every day, with 91 of the 100 largest cities in the U.S. experiencing an increase in rent over the past year.
Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you have a lot of furniture. Whether you are moving for work or a change of scenery, knowing what to expect, including if movers take apart furniture, is crucial. It’s a common question among many apartment movers, and the answer varies depending on the type of furniture you own.
In this moving guide, we answer this question and provide other essential information you need to know before moving to a new home. Let’s dive in!
Do Movers Take Apart Furniture?
Yes. Movers are generally happy to disassemble your furniture for easier and safer relocation. Taking apart large furniture pieces can reduce the risk of damage. This is especially true when dealing with narrow hallways, tight corners, stairways, and multiple door frames. Disassembly also helps save space on the truck.
Below are some of the common furniture movers take apart:
Beds
Bed frames often consist of interlocking pieces that take up a lot of space. Moving these pieces up and down the stairs can be challenging, hence the need to separate the mattress and box spring from the frame.
Tables
It’s possible to transport large tables without taking them apart. However, removing the legs would reduce the potential for damage.
Build-It-Yourself Items
Moving homes will impact the joints and screws of any items you DIY built. Tightening or disassembling the items might be a good idea.
Dressers and Vanities
These items can usually be moved in one piece, unless they have an attached mirror. Removing the mirror and packing it separately for the move can reduce the risk of damage.
Cabinets and Bookshelves
These can also be moved intact, but it’s a good idea to remove pieces that are attached beforehand. These include drawers and removable shelves.
Should You Assemble and Disassemble Your Furniture or Have the Movers Do It?
Most people opt to disassemble furniture before the movers arrive simply to save money. If you decide to go this route, ensure you have the right tools for the job and enlist the help of family or friends.
Keep in mind that this process can be tedious and time-consuming. You risk damaging and losing screws and hardware, making reassembly difficult.
Hiring a professional will make the job that much easier. Movers have the right tools to accomplish the task efficiently and within a reasonable timeframe. They also have high-quality packing materials to ensure your belongings aren’t damaged in transit.
Furniture Take-Apart Service
Most movers will disassemble and assemble your furniture once in the new apartment. However, don’t assume this is the case with your moving company. Have an open line of communication with the movers, and enquire if they offer a furniture take-apart service.
This service involves disassembling your furniture and packing it for safe transportation. The movers will then reassemble the furniture pieces at your new apartment.
Most moving companies charge an extra fee for furniture disassembly and reassembly. That’s because disassembling bulky furniture requires more movers and time. The company will want compensation for that.
Some companies don’t charge for this service but choose to include the cost in their overall moving fee. Avoid confusion by asking beforehand if you’ll need to pay extra for extra-large items.
When you sign up for this service, the company will disassemble all the furniture, except for delicate items like grandfather clocks and China cabinets. They will remove the detachable parts like shelves, drawers, and legs for most of the furniture pieces. They will then wrap each part separately to prevent damage in transit.
Moving Guide: How Much Do Apartment Movers Cost?
Apartment moving can be quite costly and it's always recommended to have a budget. The cost of moving depends on several factors. They include:
- Size of Your Apartment: Larger apartments require more resources like larger moving trucks and more movers
- Distance Between Your Old and New Apartment: Longer distances can increase transportation costs and require more time
- Unique Services You Require: For instance, specialized packing and transportation if you have delicate or valuable items like artwork and antiques
Other factors that can affect the cost of your apartment move include the availability of movers, the time of the year, and the complexity of the relocation.
You can expect to pay between $500 and $1200 to move a one-bedroom apartment locally and $966 - $1800 for a two-bedroom apartment local move. Remember that these costs can vary significantly depending on your specific circumstances.
It’s best to request a detailed quote from a moving company, which will consider your unique situation and provide a more accurate estimate.
How Many Movers Do You Need for Your Apartment Move?
While one or two movers may be sufficient for a one-bedroom apartment, you must evaluate the number of items and large furniture you need to move. Additional movers may be necessary if you have several heavy or bulky pieces of furniture to complete the move quickly and efficiently.
Three or four movers may be necessary to move a two-bedroom apartment, especially if obstacles like stairways and elevators are involved. It’s best to consult a professional moving company to determine the number of movers needed and ensure a stress-free apartment move.
Make Your Relocation Stress-Free with Our Furniture Moving Services
Moving to a new apartment can be stressful, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Our moving guide provides essential information on furniture disassembly and other details to consider during your move.
At College Hunks, we offer comprehensive moving services to make your relocation as smooth as possible. Our junk removal service is perfect for getting rid of unwanted items before your move, while our labor services can help with packing and unpacking, as well as furniture disassembly and reassembly.
Get started today and request a free quote.