Standard Disassembly Included in Most Ottawa Moves
Most reputable Ottawa moving companies include basic furniture disassembly and reassembly in standard moving service. Standard inclusions typically cover:
- Bed frames (separating headboard, footboard, side rails)
- Dining tables (removing legs)
- Standard desks (removing legs or hutches)
- Bookcases requiring shelf removal for transport
- Armoires and dressers (removing mirrors)
- Patio furniture and outdoor sets
The crew handles these as part of normal loading time. They don't add extra charges for routine disassembly because it's faster to disassemble than to fight bulky pieces through doorways and hallways.
What Disassembly Costs Extra
Some disassembly falls outside standard service and incurs extra charges:
- IKEA wardrobes (PAX, etc.): Often charge $40-$80 per unit due to time required.
- Murphy beds and wall-mounted beds: $100-$300 per unit due to wall-attachment complexity.
- Sectional sofas: Most include basic split, but custom configurations may add $40-$100.
- Bunk beds and loft beds: $50-$150 per set depending on complexity.
- Office systems (cubicles): $200-$500 per workstation for commercial moves.
- Pool tables, billiard tables: $400-$800 (specialty service required).
- Workout equipment (treadmills, ellipticals): $50-$150 if disassembly required.
- Custom built-ins: Often quoted separately, varies widely.
Items Ottawa Movers Won't Disassemble
Some items most Ottawa movers refuse to disassemble due to complexity, risk of damage, or specialty knowledge required:
- Pianos (specialty piano movers required)
- Hot tubs (specialty service required)
- Plumbed appliances (washing machines with hard connections)
- Wall-mounted TV brackets (homeowner responsibility)
- Built-in cabinetry attached to walls
- Custom millwork and built-in shelving
- Trampolines and large playground equipment
- Storage sheds (typically require professional shed movers)
For these items, you have three options: hire specialty contractors before move day, sell or donate the items, or take them with you only if you have time and tools to disassemble yourself.
Reassembly at Destination
Standard Ottawa moving service includes reassembly of items the crew disassembled. The same crew that disassembled at origin reassembles at destination using the same hardware (collected and bagged during disassembly).
Reassembly typically happens during unloading, with major furniture (beds, dining sets) reassembled before the crew leaves. If you're not present at destination during unloading, leave clear instructions about furniture placement — crews will assemble in the rough location indicated.
For hardware-intensive reassembly (bed frames with 30+ screws, beds with wooden bolts), reassembly takes 30-60 minutes per item. The crew does this within their hourly rate as long as it was disassembled by them at origin.
Hardware Tracking and Loss Prevention
Hardware loss is the most common disassembly problem. The best Ottawa movers prevent loss through:
- Sealed bags labeled with item name (e.g., "Master bedroom bed frame")
- Bags taped directly to item being disassembled
- Photos of disassembly process for reference at reassembly
- Inventory of hardware bags noted on move documentation
If you're disassembling yourself before mover arrival, follow the same practices: ziplock bags, taped to the item, labeled clearly. Take photos of each step in case you need them for reassembly. Don't lose hardware in the chaos — replacement screws may not match original, and some items use proprietary hardware not available in stores.
DIY Disassembly Pros and Cons
You can disassemble furniture yourself before moving day. Pros:
- Saves crew time during the move (typically 30-90 minutes)
- You control timing and care
- Allows space for cleaning behind/under furniture before crew arrives
- Slightly reduces total moving cost (less crew hours)
Cons:
- Requires your time and tools the day before move
- Risk of stripping screws or breaking parts without crew expertise
- If movers normally include reassembly free, you may need to do reassembly yourself or pay extra
- Disassembled furniture can't be used the night before move (no bed to sleep in)
Pre-Move Preparation Tips
Maximize disassembly efficiency on move day:
- Empty drawers and shelves: Crews don't transport items inside furniture (clothing in dresser, books on shelves).
- Remove decorative items: Pictures off walls, lamps unplugged and packed.
- Locate assembly instructions: If you have original IKEA or assembly instructions, leave with the item for reassembly reference.
- Identify unusual items in advance: Tell movers about any non-standard furniture during the in-home estimate.
- Provide tools if requested: Most movers carry standard tools, but specialty hex keys or proprietary tools may need provision.
- Photograph furniture before disassembly: Helps reassembly match original configuration.