How to Move IKEA Furniture

Planning your move

Start by recording the width, depth and height of your furniture. Compare these dimensions against the doorways and hallways of both your current home and your new residence. Also, measure the floor space where the furniture will eventually sit to ensure it fits the room's layout. If a piece is too large for your new layout, consider selling or donating it before moving day to save time and effort.

Using these measurements, decide whether to move items whole or take them apart. Remember that many IKEA pieces were likely assembled inside the room they currently occupy; they may not fit through doors while fully built.

Items to consider disassembling for moving:

• Wardrobes, armoires or large storage units
• Sofas or sectionals
• Dining room tables
• Desks
• Shelving units

Keep in mind that IKEA states that most furniture is not designed to be disassembled after it's been assembled. When reassembled, screw holes or other parts may have unintended gaps. Take special care when disassembling and be sure to read the instructions IKEA provides on its website.

» FIND OUT: Moving prep

Disassembling IKEA furniture

IKEA offers online assembly manuals for all furniture items, along with specialized disassembly guides for six of its product lines, including the Pax Wardrobe Systems and Billy Series Bookcases. If a specific disassembly guide isn't available, you can simply use the standard assembly manual and follow the steps in reverse order.

While IKEA provides online manuals specifying required tools, you should have the following on hand:

• Screwdrivers: Both Flathead (regular) and Phillips head.
• Allen wrench (Hex Key) set: IKEA uses various sizes; a full set is safer than relying on the one that came in the box.
• Wrench and pliers: For tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.
• Rubber mallet: To gently tap joints apart without denting the wood.
• Hammer: Specifically for removing the small nails used on back panels.
• Organization supplies: Permanent marker, painter’s tape, and small sealable plastic bags.
• Protection: Stretch wrap, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
• Power drill (optional): Use on a low torque setting only; high power can easily strip IKEA's particle board.

In general, you’ll follow these steps for disassembly:

1. Take clear photos of the furniture from multiple angles. Close-ups of specific joints or wiring are especially helpful for later assembly.
2. Find the digital manual on the IKEA website. To disassemble the unit safely, follow the instructions in reverse order. This ensures the structural integrity remains intact until the final steps.
3. Loosen screws and cam locks carefully. Place all hardware into a sealable bag and label it with the item's name (e.g., "MALM Bed Screws"). Avoid removing nailed-on back panels unless necessary, as the thin fiberboard can tear easily. If you must remove them, use pliers or the claw of a hammer to pry nails up gently.
4. Use painter’s tape to label each piece (e.g., "Left Side," "Top Shelf"). If joints are stuck, use a rubber mallet to gently tap them apart. Avoid using a standard hammer for this, as it will damage the finish.
5. Once disassembled, stack the panels with pieces of cardboard or bubble wrap between them to prevent scratching. You can tape the bag of hardware directly to one of the larger furniture panels so it doesn't get lost in a random moving box. Secure the bundle with stretch wrap to keep the parts from sliding during transport.

Transporting IKEA furniture

Wrap fully assembled IKEA pieces in moving blankets to prevent scratches and use a dolly or hand truck to transport them safely to the vehicle. It’s recommended to use a covered moving truck to shield delicate particle board from the elements and minimize shifting during transit. Once loaded, always secure the items with ratchet straps or tie-downs to keep them stationary.

For disassembled furniture, stack wrapped panels perfectly flat to prevent the wood from bowing or flexing under its own weight. To avoid structural damage, only stack lightweight items on top of these bundles.

If you prefer not to handle the labor yourself, you can hire professional movers to manage the disassembly and transport. However, you’ll need to disclose upfront that you have "ready-to-assemble" (RTA) furniture. Some moving companies have specific policies regarding IKEA-style items—such as requiring them to be disassembled before arrival—or charge an additional fee to move.

» LEARN MORE: Moving tips

Reassembling at your new home

To reassemble your furniture, follow the IKEA instructions in the original order and use your "before" photos as a visual reference. It is often helpful to have a second person hold the frame steady during the process to maintain structural integrity and prevent pieces from snapping. Be careful not to overtighten screws, as excessive force can easily strip or crack the chipboard.

If you discover any missing or damaged hardware, you can order replacement parts for free through the IKEA website or visit a local store to check their spare parts inventory in person.

Additional tips for a smooth move

Follow these tips to make your move as smooth as possible:

• Plan ahead: Begin packing and preparing at least four weeks before your move date. Book your moving truck as early as possible, particularly if you are moving during the busy summer season.
• Recruit help: Don’t do it alone; an extra set of hands is essential for stabilizing and carrying awkward or fragile IKEA pieces on moving day.
• Label systematically: Clearly mark every box with its contents and its designated room in the new home to streamline the unpacking process.
• Use the Buy Back Program: For items that won't fit in your new space, take advantage of IKEA’s "Buy Back & Resell" service to earn store credit for your old furniture.
• Repair and upcycle: If a piece sustains minor damage during the move, consult IKEA’s website for "IKEA Hack" ideas, such as painting or modifying the unit, to give it a fresh look.