How to Move Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Furniture

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) furniture, also known as “flat-pack,” is a staple in many modern homes. Whether you bought it from a big-box retailer like IKEA or an online store like Wayfair, these pieces are loved for being affordable, stylish, and easy to transport when they are still in the box.

Moving RTA furniture after it’s been put together is a different story. Unlike furniture made from solid wood, RTA items are usually built with particle board and held together by cam-lock fasteners. This construction is fine for everyday use, but it may not hold up to the vibrations, lifting, and twisting that happen during a move. Without the right preparation, you could end up at your new place with chipped finishes, loose joints, or stripped screw holes.

To make sure your RTA furniture arrives in good condition, you need a strategy. We’ll walk you through the steps to prepare, disassemble, and protect your pieces for a safe move.

Step-by-Step: How to Disassemble and Pack RTA Furniture

Moving flat-pack furniture is easier when you take it step by step. Use these instructions to help each piece arrive safely and ready to put back together.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand. RTA furniture sometimes requires specific tools you might not have in a standard kit.

• Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): It’s helpful to have a full set, as the original tool that came with the furniture can easily go missing.
• Screwdrivers: You will likely need both Phillips and Flathead types. (Check for Pozi-drive screws common in European furniture, like IKEA.)
• Ziploc Bags: For keeping hardware organized.
• Painter’s Tape & Marker: For labeling your hardware bags.
• Rubber Mallet: Useful for gently separating parts that are stuck together without damaging the finish.

Free Checklist: To help you get started, we’ve put together a packing materials checklist so you can make sure you have everything you need as moving day inches closer.

2. Photograph Everything Before You Start

During a move, it’s easy to forget how things fit together.

• Take a wide picture of the entire piece of furniture to remember how it looks fully assembled.
• Take close-up photos of complex joints, paying attention to where drawer rails connect or how the back panel is attached.
• If you still have the original instructions, keep them handy. If not, your photos will serve as your reassembly guide.

Tip: Even if you’ve lost the print instructions, you may be able to find assembly directions online. For IKEA furniture, try browsing the instructions on their website. For other RTA furniture, you can try to find the instructions on the product page.

3. Remove All Detachable Parts First

Start by making the main structure lighter and less complicated.

• Shelves: Take out any adjustable shelves.
• Drawers: Remove drawers completely from the unit.
• Glass: If there are glass doors or panels, remove them first. Pack them carefully in a mirror carton or wrap them securely in heavy bubble wrap.

Tip: If drawers aren’t removable, tape them shut using non-adhesive stretch wrap (moving plastic), not standard sticky tape. Sticky tape can peel the veneer off particle board.

4. Follow a Disassembly Strategy

For the best results, work from the top down.

1. Top Surface: If the design allows, remove the top panel first. This often exposes the cam locks that secure the side panels.
2. Unlock the Cams: RTA furniture relies heavily on cam locks, the small, circular metal discs that fasten onto screw posts. Use a screwdriver to turn them counter-clockwise to release the connection.
3. Vertical Sides: After the top is off, you can carefully detach the side panels. Do not use force. If a piece seems stuck, double-check for a hidden screw or a cam lock you may have missed.

This step is one of the most important for saving your sanity later.

• As you remove screws, bolts, and cam locks, put them directly into a Ziploc bag.
• Label the bag clearly with the name of the furniture piece (e.g., “Main Bedroom Dresser”).
• Tape the bag to one of the large furniture panels with painter’s tape to keep the hardware and the furniture together during transit.

6. Protect Each Piece

Particle board is prone to chipping, especially at the corners.

• Wrap Individual Panels: Use moving blankets or furniture pads to cover large, flat pieces.
• Use Corner Guards: If you have them, add cardboard corner guards to the sharp edges for extra protection.
• Bundle Carefully: You can tape two or three flat panels together to make them easier to carry, but place a layer of padding between them to prevent scratches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving RTA Furniture

Q: Do I really need to disassemble my RTA furniture, or can I move it in one piece?

A: We strongly recommend disassembling larger RTA items like bed frames, wardrobes, and large desks. Their cam lock and dowel connections are built for stability when stationary, not for the bumps and vibrations of a moving truck. Leaving them assembled often leads to broken joints or stripped screw holes. Smaller pieces, like nightstands or small bookcases, can usually be moved intact if wrapped properly.

Q: How can I move a large RTA wardrobe (like an IKEA PAX) without it breaking?

A: Large wardrobes are among the most challenging RTA items to move.

1. Empty it completely: Remove all shelves, drawers, and baskets. Pack these items on their own.
2. Remove the doors: Hinges are a point of weakness. Taking the doors off reduces weight and helps prevent the frame from warping.
3. Assess the frame: If the frame is still too large or heavy to move safely, it should be disassembled. Trying to tilt and carry a large, assembled wardrobe can cause the particle board frame to buckle.

Q: I lost the assembly instructions. How do I put my furniture back together?

A: Most major RTA manufacturers, including IKEA and Wayfair, keep digital copies of their assembly manuals online. Before you take anything apart, try searching online for the product name plus “assembly instructions PDF.” If you can’t find them, the photo method described earlier becomes your most valuable tool.

Q: Is it safe to use tape to keep drawers closed during a move?

A: Avoid using regular packing tape on RTA furniture; it can peel off the thin veneer and cause permanent damage. Instead, remove the drawers if possible. A better option is to remove the drawers. If you need to secure something, use moving stretch wrap, a plastic film that sticks to itself, not the furniture.

Q: Do professional movers handle furniture disassembly and reassembly?

A: Yes! Many moving companies, including ADSI Moving Systems, offer this as a standard service. Our team is trained to handle the disassembly and reassembly of RTA furniture. If you’d rather not do it yourself, ask us how we can help.

Let ADSI Moving Systems Handle Your RTA Furniture

If the thought of taking apart your wardrobe with an Allen wrench is causing you stress, let the professionals handle it.

The experts at ADSI Moving Systems will work with you to make sure your move is a success. We manage all the details, from packing and loading to transport and delivery. Worried about your RTA furniture? Ask us about our disassembly and protection services.

Get a free quote today and see how we can make your move simple!