Pre-Move Furniture Dismantling Guide: What to Take Apart and What to Move Whole

Why Dismantle Furniture Before Moving?

Hong Kong movers charge by distance and volume. Moving large furniture whole is not just expensive — it may simply not fit through your new front door. Flat-packed pieces can save an entire van load and greatly reduce the risk of scratches.

What Must Be Dismantled?

• Large wardrobes — anything wider than a door frame or taller than the lift must come apart; at minimum remove doors and shelves
• Bed frames with headboards — especially gas-lift beds, which are immovable assembled
• Modular cabinets and bookcases — thin back panels twist and fail when moved whole
• Dining tables — remove the legs and move flat: compact and safe

What Can Move in One Piece?

• Sofas (unless they will not clear doors or the lift)
• Small items like coffee tables and bedside cabinets
• One-piece solid-wood chests and trunks

The Three Easiest Ways to Break Something

1. Cam Locks in Panel Furniture

Release the cam locks before pulling dowels apart — forcing them tears the board. Loosened cam holes may need plugs when reassembling.

2. Wardrobe Sliding-Door Tracks

Lift doors off the bottom track first, then tilt them out. The wrong order bends the track and ruins smooth sliding forever.

3. Screw and Fitting Management

Bag and label the screws, dowels and hinges for each item separately. "Which screw belongs to which cabinet?" is the classic moving-day nightmare.

Disposing of Unwanted Furniture

Book an FEHD bulky-waste collection, donate to charities (some collect from your door), or have your dismantling technician break items down for easy disposal.

Furniture Master offers one-stop pre-move dismantling and post-move reassembly — see our home furniture service or WhatsApp us for a quote.