One of the hardest items to move will be large furniture pieces. Many will be too large to fit through doors and the narrow hallways and stairwells of NYC apartments. Others might have fragile parts that could get damaged during the move, like a mirror on a wardrobe. If you’re hiring professional NYC movers, you might be wondering whether they will disassemble furniture for you for free, if it’s something you should do. The answer is a bit more complicated than yes or no.
Do Movers Disassemble Furniture?
Many moving companies offer free basic disassembly of certain items, including:
- Bed frames
- Tables
- Desks
- Vanities
- Bookcases
Disassembling larger furniture makes it easier to lift and load pieces onto the truck and takes up less space in the moving truck. Not to mention your furniture is a lot safer when it’s disassembled since it will be lying flat or, at least, have fragile areas removed and packed properly.
There are some items professional NYC movers won’t disassemble. These vary by company, but many will not take apart Murphy beds, IKEA furniture or other build-it-yourself items, cribs, wall shelves, sectional couches, and other pieces of furniture that require specialized tools. When in doubt, always ask beforehand so you’re not stuck doing last-minute disassembly on moving day.
How Much Does it Cost for Disassembly?
Costs vary by company. Some, like NYC Great Movers, provide basic disassembly service for free as part of your local move. With that said, don’t forget that you’re charged an hourly rate for local moves. That means the longer they have to take on your move, the more you’ll pay. And the more complex the item, the more time it will take.
Estimated Extra Costs for Furniture Disassembly by NYC Movers
| Furniture Item | Avg Cost if Charged ($) | Free with Movers (Yes/No) | Range in NYC ($30–400+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed Frames | $30–$50 | Yes | $30–$100 |
| Dining Tables | $40–$60 | Yes | $40–$120 |
| Desks | $30–$70 | Yes | $30–$150 |
| Bookcases | $40–$80 | Yes | $40–$200 |
| Wardrobes / Armoires | $60–$120 | No | $80–$250 |
| Sectional Sofas | $80–$150 | No | $100–$300 |
| Cribs | $50–$100 | No (Safety) | $70–$200 |
| Murphy Beds | $100–$200 | No | $150–$400+ |
Some movers will charge you for their disassembly services, which can vary between $30 to $50 per mover per hour. Depending on the size of your space and how much you need to disassemble, you could spend anywhere between $30 to $400 or more!
Will Movers Reassemble Furniture?
Yes! Generally speaking, whatever they disassemble, they will reassemble. With that said, it’s always a good idea not to assume something and to ask beforehand. Some movers might be okay with disassembling items, but not reassembling them. A good example is a crib. While they might be okay breaking it down, they will not put it back together for safety reasons. It’s also the reason why they might dismount your TV and air conditioner, but won’t mount these items in your new home.
Get Professional NYC Movers to Help With Your Furniture
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. When you hire NYC movers, they can take on tasks that might otherwise be difficult or time-consuming. While getting them to disassemble your furniture might cost extra money, it’s well worth it if you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget. At NYC Great Movers, we provide basic disassembly with our standard moving service, so you don’t have to pay an additional disassembly fee.
FAQ
Will movers unhook and hook up major appliances?
No. Movers are not qualified to remove and install any major appliances, as they would need to disconnect and reconnect them to things like the gas or water lines. You should hire a plumber to help out if you are moving large appliances.
Will movers hook up my TV?
It depends. Many might avoid doing so as the task involves certain levels of liability. If you’re curious, just ask beforehand. Hourly moves will simply tack on the additional hours to your final bill.
