Furniture preparation

Furniture dismantling and reassembly checklist

Some furniture can move in one piece; other items need parts removed to fit the route or travel safely. Measure first, identify the item and ask AA to confirm any dismantling or reassembly work in the written quote.

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Before taking anything apart

Check the item and the route together.

Dismantling is useful only when it is suitable for the furniture and solves an actual access or handling problem.

Identify the furniture

Record the item, brand and model where known. Photograph it assembled, including joints, fasteners, shelves, doors and any manufacturer label.

Measure the assembled item

Write down height, width and depth. For beds, tables, modular sofas and shelving, note the size of the largest section after any approved parts are removed.

Measure the carrying route

Check door openings, hallways, corners, stairs, lifts and gates at collection and delivery. Show AA the tight points rather than assuming an item must be dismantled.

Confirm the requested work

State which items you want dismantled, reassembled or moved as they are. The written quote should identify the accepted work; an inventory note alone does not confirm it.

If you are preparing it yourself

Keep every part with the correct item.

Use the manufacturer’s instructions where available and stop if the furniture is damaged, unstable or uses a fixing you do not understand. Take photos before and during disassembly so the original order and orientation are clear.

Label panels and removable parts without marking visible finishes. Put screws, bolts, brackets, shelf pins and the correct tool into a sealed, labelled bag for that item. Keep the bag in a clearly identified parts box or secure it only where it cannot scratch the furniture or come loose.

Do not make a large or unstable item harder to control simply to save space. Tell AA what will remain assembled and what has already been taken apart.

Fixed, connected or specialist items

Do not treat every fitting as ordinary furniture.

Built-in cabinets, wall-mounted furniture, stone components and items fixed to floors or walls may need property approval, specialist assessment or a qualified trade. Identify whether the item is freestanding or fixed and provide photos before requesting removal.

Connected appliances are a separate job. Gas, electrical and plumbing disconnection or reconnection must follow the applicable licensing and manufacturer requirements; do not assume that work is part of a furniture quote.

Read the appliance preparation guide

Moving-day plan

Make the scope and parts easy to verify.

At collection

Show the crew the furniture list, parts box and any items that must remain assembled. Keep the carrying route clear and do not lift large panels yourself to demonstrate the job.

During transport

Removable shelves, doors, legs and hardware must be identified and accounted for. Tell the crew about glass, weak joints, loose sections or finishes needing particular care.

At delivery

Choose the final room and position before reassembly begins. Check that all labelled parts are present and that any reassembly included in the written scope is complete before the crew leaves.

WorkSafe Victoria identifies large, heavy, bulky or difficult-to-handle furniture, awkward posture, cluttered access and unsuitable equipment as manual-handling risks. Leave heavy or unstable handling to the planned crew and equipment rather than testing it yourself.

Read WorkSafe Victoria’s moving and lifting guidance ↗

Common questions

Does AA dismantle and reassemble furniture?

Ask for the specific items and work in your enquiry. AA will assess the furniture, access, time and equipment, then state any accepted dismantling or reassembly in the written quote.

How do I know whether furniture needs to come apart?

Measure the assembled item and every tight point on the route at both properties. Send the dimensions and photos to AA rather than dismantling it only because it looks large.

What should I do with screws and fittings?

Keep the hardware for each item in its own sealed, labelled bag with any required instructions or tool. Store those bags together in a clearly identified parts box.

Can built-in or wall-mounted furniture be included?

Identify the fixing method, ownership or property approval and the work requested. Fixed items may require a specialist or qualified trade and are included only when the written scope confirms them.

What if flat-pack furniture is already damaged?

Photograph and disclose loose, swollen, cracked or missing parts before the move. The team can then assess whether dismantling, transport or reassembly can be accepted.

Ready to prepare the item list?

Send the furniture, measurements, photos and requested work.

Request a moving quote