Disassembly & Reassembly | Christofferson Moving & Storage

Whether it's business or residential, a move involves a lot of preparatory work and recovery work. One important aspect of both preparing to move and setting up in your new place is the disassembly and reassembly of furnishings. The good news is that professional movers can help with both tasks. But what do you need to know about using movers to help set up and break down items? Here are a few of the most important things.

1. Ask What Assembly Is Included

Before you begin analyzing your assembly and disassembly needs, talk with your moving service about what they automatically include.

Most companies include minor, routine disassembly when it makes the most sense for common furniture items. This frequently include things like tables, bed frames, dressers, baby cribs, and connected gas appliances. By knowing what will be disassembled without affecting the cost, you can plan ahead.

2. Assess Your Complex Items

Once the standard furnishings are out of the way, go through your home, property, and outbuildings to determine what else could benefit from professional disassembly/reassembly.

For example, if you outsource anything that takes a long time to disassemble, such as complex home theater or gaming equipment, you save significant time during a busy move. Other things, like pianos or gym equipment, should often be disassembled by those with experience doing so. Physically touring your property and inventorying these things prevents you from forgetting anything.

3. Make a Reassembly Plan

When outsourcing disassembly work, keep in mind that the items will need to be reassembled on the other end. Anyone moving locally may not have to worry about this factor because the movers are local as well. But if you're moving long distance, you won't have the movers available for a long period. This means being ready for your piano, home theater, or CNC machine to be placed and assembled right away. 

The best way to ensure your stuff is reassembled quickly is to know exactly where it all needs to go in the new house or office. This can usually only be done if you have detailed information about the new location, including measurements and photographs. The fewer decisions you must make on the fly after arrival, the better this will go.

4. Consider Assembly in a Package

Some household or business goods need special attention during the move. They may be fragile or heirloom pieces, very expensive tools or equipment, or awkward and bulky items. If something deserves special handling or custom crating, throw in the disassembly and reassembly at the same time. This assures continuity of quality packing, and you can often save money with a bundled service package.

5. Make a List and Share

After you inventory your home's disassembly and reassembly needs, write down what needs special attention. You might also note anything whose assembly will likely take longer than normal. Include photos, measurements, and special notes if possible.

Then, discuss this list with your professional movers. Even though you may have discussed (or will discuss) assembly needs in person, distributing a written list ensures everyone is on the same page. This protects the integrity of the pricing estimate, allows the movers to properly plan their labor needs, and includes enough time to get everything done on the big day.

Where to Start

Have particular questions about your assembly needs? Not sure if you can — or should — handle certain items? Want to know what is included within your price estimate? Start by learning more about assembly and other auxiliary services offered by Christofferson Moving & Storage. We'll get you the answers you need to make the best decisions and simplify your move as much as possible. Call today to get started.