One of the easily forgotten parts of moving is item assembly and disassembly. Check out these tips for help with the process:
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Keep the manual!
New or old furniture? Maybe you have a large treadmill, sports equipment, or bed? Save headaches by taping the manual to the item before throwing out the box. If you no longer have the manual, sometimes more recent ones are found online at websites like this one or the manufacturer’s website.
Working without a manual
Sometimes you may have an old piece of furniture or one where you cannot find the manual. Take pictures of the item before starting in detail. Slowly disassemble items, write notes and take pictures for reference. Keep small pieces in labeled bags to make them easier to find. Generally, keep in mind how the pieces hold the weight together to choose between two screws or pieces without a guide. For example, if constructing a table, large screws are usually used for connecting the legs to the table top over smaller ones.
Keep parts together
Keep everything together and check any packaging for loose items before starting. Before going too far, do a rough check to see if all the pieces are there. Sometimes a screw or small part might be missing. When a part is missing, bring one of the same pieces to a hardware store, they usually have a similar replacement. Label a plastic bag or container with the small parts to make sure they do not get mixed up when moving.
Bring the right tools
Most furniture will need a screwdriver and Allen wrenches to assemble. An electric screwdriver and rubber hammer come in handy if assembling or disassembling a lot of furniture. Regular hammers can damage delicate or expensive items. A soft surface to assemble or disassemble items on is important to prevent damage.
Packaging
When disassembling items, package items to protect from impact for a move. Plastic or bubble wrap are good insulators for wood furniture, large items like treadmills, and beds.
