How to Disassemble a Wardrobe Before a Move

Most wardrobes will not fit through a doorway or down a staircase in one piece, so taking one apart before moving day is often the only option. It looks daunting the first time, but with the right tools and a bit of patience it is a job most people can do themselves in under an hour.

What You Will Need

A cordless drill or screwdriver with the correct bit (Phillips and flathead cover most flatpack furniture), an Allen key set for cam locks, a small container or bag for screws, a marker pen or masking tape and pen, and a soft blanket or towel to lay panels on so you do not scratch them.

Step 1: Empty It Completely

Remove every item of clothing, every shelf insert, and any drawers. Take out drawers fully rather than leaving them in, as the extra weight puts strain on the frame while you are working and makes the whole unit harder to move safely.

Step 2: Remove the Doors First

Doors are usually the heaviest and most awkward part, so take them off before anything else. Most hinges either unclip with a small lever or come away with a couple of screws. Have someone support the door while you remove the last screw, since it will drop as soon as it is free.

Step 3: Take Out Shelves and Rails

Hanging rails and internal shelves are normally held in with pegs, cam locks, or a couple of small screws. Work from the top down so you are not reaching over loose shelving. Wrap any glass shelves in a towel and set them aside somewhere safe immediately.

Step 4: Separate the Frame

Flatpack wardrobes are usually held together with cam locks and dowels, which you loosen with an Allen key by turning each cam a quarter turn. Fitted or older solid wardrobes may use screws or bolts through the back and sides instead. Work methodically, panel by panel, rather than trying to pull the whole thing apart at once.

Step 5: Label Everything as You Go

This is the step people skip and regret. Put screws, cam locks, and small fittings from each section into a labelled bag, and tape it to the matching panel if you can. Take a quick photo of the wardrobe before you start and another halfway through, so you have something to check against when it comes to putting it back together.

Step 6: Stack and Protect the Panels

Stand large panels on their edge rather than laying them flat, and separate them with an old blanket or cardboard to stop them rubbing against each other in transit. Keep all the bags of fittings together in one clearly labelled box rather than loose in the van.

If you would rather leave the dismantling, transport and rebuilding to someone else, our furniture assembly and disassembly service covers wardrobes, beds and flatpack furniture as part of any removal booking.