Do Movers Take Apart Furniture? What Ottawa Tenants Need to Know Before Move-Day

Moving furniture isn't just about lifting heavy stuff—it's about getting bulky items out of tight spaces without destroying your walls, your belongings, or your sanity.

So let's get straight to the point: yes, most professional moving companies will disassemble furniture, but the details vary quite a bit depending on who you hire and what kind of move you're doing.

What Furniture Typically Needs Disassembly?

Not everything needs to come apart. Movers generally focus on pieces that are either too large to fit through doorways or too awkward to carry safely when fully assembled.

The usual suspects include bed frames (especially those platform beds with storage drawers), large dining tables, sectional sofas, modular shelving units, and desks with multiple components. IKEA furniture is particularly common in Ottawa apartments, and while it's designed to be taken apart, those tiny cam locks and wooden dowels can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing.

Dressers, nightstands, and smaller tables usually stay intact. The general rule is that if it fits through the door and can be carried by two people without major gymnastics, it's staying assembled.

What's Included in Your Moving Quote?

Here's where things get interesting, and honestly, where a lot of people get caught off guard.

Basic disassembly and reassembly are often included with full-service moves. This typically covers bed frames, simple tables, and standard furniture pieces. However, "included" doesn't always mean "everything you own." Complex items like wall-mounted units, elaborate entertainment centers, or furniture requiring specialized tools might come with extra charges.

When you're getting quotes from apartment movers in Ottawa, ask specifically about furniture disassembly. Get clarity on which pieces are covered and whether reassembly at your new place is part of the deal. Some companies charge separately for putting things back together, which can add up fast if you've got a bedroom set, dining room furniture, and a home office to reconstruct.

Should You Disassemble Furniture Yourself?

You might be tempted to save money by taking everything apart before the movers arrive. Sometimes this makes sense. Other times, it backfires spectacularly.

The case for doing it yourself: You'll save time on moving day, which could reduce your hourly charges. You also maintain control over how things come apart and can keep all the hardware organized exactly how you want.

The case for letting professionals handle it: Experienced movers disassemble furniture constantly. They're fast, they know the common pitfalls, and they're less likely to strip screws or crack particle board from forcing something. They also carry liability insurance, so if something does go wrong, you're covered.

My honest advice? If you've got simple IKEA stuff and you're handy with an Allen key, go ahead and knock it out the night before. But that antique dining table your grandmother left you? Let the professionals deal with it.

Special Considerations for Office Moves

Moving a business brings a whole different set of challenges. Cubicle systems, conference tables, and modular office furniture often require specialized knowledge and tools that go beyond typical residential moves.

If you're relocating a workspace, working with dedicated office movers is worth the investment. These crews understand how to label and track components so your workstations go back together correctly, minimizing downtime for your team.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before you sign anything, get answers to these questions:

Which furniture pieces are included in disassembly and reassembly services? Is there a separate charge for complex items? Do movers bring their own tools, or should you have hardware available? What happens if a piece is damaged during disassembly? Will the same crew handle both taking apart and reassembling?

The Bottom Line

Most Ottawa moving companies will absolutely help with furniture disassembly—it's a standard part of the job. But "standard" doesn't mean "unlimited," and assumptions lead to moving-day headaches. Have a direct conversation about your specific furniture, get the details in writing, and you'll avoid surprises when the truck shows up.

Moving is stressful enough without discovering at the last minute that your bed won't fit down the stairwell. A few minutes of planning ahead saves hours of frustration later.