Reputable Movers Will Disassemble & Reassemble Your Furniture.
- American National Movers
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Professional moving companies licensed by the FMCSA should always disassemble and reassemble your furniture. If your long-distance movers ask you to do this yourself, they might be a smaller company with fewer resources or lower standards.
We recently found an article online linked to Alliance stating, "Movers generally are happy to take care of this process for you," yet later recommending that customers handle some furniture disassembly themselves. At American National Movers, we disagree with the approach of recommending a consumer to dismantle their furniture to save money—here is why:
Why Professional Movers Disassemble & Reassemble Furniture.
Reliable long-distance movers should never expect you to handle furniture on your own. Any reputable moving company will take care of disassembly and reassembly to protect your items and avoid damage claims.
Why?
Most people hiring movers don't have experience in safely handling or dismantling furniture. This is exactly why you hire professionals—to make your move smooth and worry-free.
Allowing customers to handle their furniture increases the risk of damage to walls, floors, and furniture. In the busy process of packing, disassembling, and reassembling, you might not notice damage until the movers have left. This can lead to misunderstandings, with customers wrongly blaming the moving company for damage caused by improper handling.
Items Movers Hesitate to Disassemble & Reassemble.
Although professional movers usually handle furniture assembly, some items may require special skills, advance notice, or extra fees:
Wall-Mounted TVs.
Taking a flat-screen TV off the wall or mounting it requires special tools and skills, unlike simpler items like beds or tables.
Estimated Charge: $75 to $150
Tip: Tell your movers in advance if you need this service.
Washer & Dryer Units.
Because washers and dryers require connections to water and electricity, some movers may refuse to handle them or recommend hiring specialists.
Estimated Charge: $100 to $300
How Movers Handle Washers & Dryers:
Disassembly (at origin):
Shut off the water and disconnect the hoses.
Unplug electrical cords and secure them safely.
Remove any brackets or stacking kits.
Secure the drum and internal parts to prevent damage.
Reassembly (at Destination):
Reconnect water hoses carefully and check for leaks.
Plug-in electrical cords securely.
Level and balance the units so they work smoothly.
Important Note:
Because these steps take extra skill and care, inexperienced movers might decline or suggest hiring professionals.
Grandfather Clocks.
Grandfather clocks are delicate and intricate, requiring specialized knowledge to disassemble safely. Even experienced movers typically avoid handling these clocks themselves.
Estimated Charge: $250 to $500 (varies by complexity and location)
How Professionals Handle Grandfather Clocks:
A clock technician carefully removes weights, pendulums, and delicate internal parts.
Upon delivery, the technician reassembles, recalibrates, and resets the clock correctly.
Important Note:
Due to these detailed steps, even large moving companies often employ specialized technicians rather than handling grandfather clocks directly.
Bottom Line: Choose Movers Who Handle Furniture With Care.
Reliable long distance movers offer comprehensive disassembly and reassembly services to ensure they're safely transported and set up at your new home. If movers can't handle certain specialized items, they should inform you upfront so that you can seek other moving options.
At American National Movers, we promise careful handling, transparent communication, and professional furniture services as a standard. Ensure any company you hire offers the same level of care and transparency.
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