Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
The bed does not fit round the bend in the stairs, the wardrobe not into the lift: a lot of furniture can only be moved in pieces. If you measure first and keep order while dismantling, you save time on moving day – and reassemble without searching.
In short
Take apart whatever does not fit through doors, stairwell or lift, or would suffer when carried: beds, large wardrobes, tables with fixed legs and modular furniture. Measure and take photos first, label the screws. Fix tall furniture to the wall in the new home.
What needs dismantling – and what does not
| Furniture | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Bed frame | Dismantle; carry slatted base and mattress separately. |
| Large wardrobe | Dismantle; at least remove doors, shelves and rails. |
| Dining table | Unscrew the legs if designed for it. |
| Corner sofa | Separate into its elements, unscrew the feet. |
| Modular shelving (e.g. USM, PAX) | Take apart into elements – the system is built for it. |
| Chest of drawers, small shelf | Usually leave whole; secure or empty the drawers. |
Measure first – at both addresses
The narrowest point decides: door width, bend in the stairs, inside of the lift. For wardrobes and sofas the diagonal often matters, not just width and height. Measure at the new address too – something that went out will not necessarily go in.
If something does not fit even in pieces, a furniture lift through the window or over the balcony helps: Furniture lift or stairwell? How to decide.
How to dismantle without searching later
- Photograph the piece from the front and the side before taking it apart.
- Look for the assembly instructions; many manufacturers publish them online.
- Put screws, dowels and fittings for each piece in a bag, label it and tape it to the largest part.
- Number the parts, for example with masking tape: “bedroom wardrobe, left side”.
- Transport glass, mirrors and doors separately and well padded.
- Do not force chipboard panels apart and do not overtighten screws when reassembling – the material does not cope well with repeated dismantling.
In the new home: anti-tip protection and the wall
Tall wardrobes and shelves should be fixed to the wall, especially if children live in the household. Which plug holds depends on the wall: concrete, brick and plasterboard need different material.
In a rented flat, screw and nail holes at move-out are generally normal wear and tear if they are properly filled and not too numerous (comparis.ch). More: Do I have to paint when moving out? Normal wear and service life.
Do it yourself or have it done?
Many people take simple furniture apart themselves. For modular systems, heavy wardrobes and wall-mounted pieces, help pays off: we dismantle, label the parts and reassemble them securely – also without a move. You choose whether we charge a fixed price or by the hour; both are stated in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to dismantle a box-spring bed?
Often it is enough to unscrew the headboard and feet; the bases are carried separately. Measure the bend in the stairs before you decide.
What if I have no assembly instructions?
Photograph every step while dismantling. For well-known manufacturers the instructions are usually on their website.
Do you also assemble newly bought furniture?
Yes, also without a move.
Sources
As of October 2026. This guide does not replace legal advice.