Furniture Assembly and Disassembly During a Move in Dubai: The Complete Guide

Why Furniture Assembly Matters More Than You Think

Furniture assembly and disassembly is one of the most underestimated aspects of a move. A bed that was delivered and assembled by the retailer two years ago now needs to be taken apart, transported safely, and rebuilt at your new home — often under time pressure and without the original instructions. Wardrobes, desks, dining tables, bunk beds, and shelving units all require careful handling.

In our experience at SAMA Movers, furniture assembly issues account for a significant portion of post-move complaints across the industry. Stripped screws, missing hardware, cracked panels, and wobbly structures are common when assembly is rushed or done without the right tools. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Disassembly Before Your Move

What Should Be Disassembled?

Not everything needs to come apart. Here is our rule of thumb:

• Always disassemble: Bed frames, bunk beds, large wardrobes (especially IKEA PAX systems), modular shelving, sectional sofas, dining tables with removable legs, and desks with detachable tops.
• Usually leave assembled: Small side tables, solid wood coffee tables, TV stands under 120 cm, and single-piece bookcases under 150 cm tall.
• Never disassemble: Items that were not designed for disassembly — solid wood antique furniture, upholstered pieces with integrated frames, and marble-top tables (the top lifts off but the base stays together).

The Disassembly Process

1. Photograph everything: Before removing a single screw, photograph the item from multiple angles. Focus on connection points, hinge positions, and cable routing. These photos will be invaluable during reassembly.
2. Empty all contents: Remove clothes from wardrobes, books from shelves, and items from drawers. Drawers themselves should be removed and wrapped separately.
3. Label every component: Use masking tape and a marker to label each panel. For example, "PAX wardrobe — left side panel" or "desk — front rail." Number matching parts (e.g., "shelf 1 of 4").
4. Bag all hardware: Place screws, bolts, dowels, cam locks, and connectors in labelled zip bags. Tape the bag to the main panel of the item. Losing a single cam lock can make an entire IKEA unit impossible to reassemble without a replacement part.
5. Wrap panels individually: Each panel, shelf, and door should be wrapped in moving blankets or bubble wrap. Exposed edges are especially vulnerable to chipping.

IKEA Furniture: Special Considerations

IKEA furniture is the most common type we disassemble and reassemble during Dubai moves. It is popular, affordable, and available locally from the IKEA stores in Dubai Festival City and Jebel Ali — but it has specific characteristics that affect moving:

• Cam lock connectors: IKEA uses cam locks (round metal discs that grip a bolt) as the primary connection method. These have a limited number of reassembly cycles — typically 2-3 times before the chipboard hole becomes too loose to hold. If a cam lock spins freely, the hole needs to be filled with wood glue and re-drilled.
• Chipboard construction: Most IKEA products use particleboard (chipboard) which is lighter and cheaper than solid wood but more fragile. It splits easily if screws are over-tightened or if panels are dropped on corners.
• Dowel alignment: IKEA joints rely on precise dowel placement. During reassembly, ensure all dowels are inserted before tightening cam locks. Forcing panels together without proper dowel alignment will crack the chipboard.
• Back panels: The thin hardboard back panels are often nailed in place. Remove nails carefully — pulling them through can tear the panel. Use the flat end of a pry bar or a claw hammer with gentle pressure.

IKEA Products That Are Difficult to Move

• PAX wardrobes: The most common IKEA item we handle. A full-height PAX (236 cm) must be disassembled — it will not fit through most doorways assembled. Allow 30-45 minutes for disassembly per wardrobe.
• KALLAX shelving units: The 4x4 KALLAX is 147 cm x 147 cm and surprisingly heavy. It must be emptied and can usually be transported assembled if doorways allow, but disassembly is safer for larger configurations.
• MALM bed frames: The MALM with storage drawers requires removal of all drawers, the mattress platform slats, and the headboard before transport. Keep the hex key from the original assembly — IKEA uses a specific size (4 mm Allen key).
• BESTA TV units: Wall-mounted BESTA units must be removed from the wall first. The wall brackets need to be unscrewed, and the mounting holes in your old apartment should be filled (your landlord may deduct from the deposit otherwise).

Tools You Need for Furniture Assembly

A basic furniture assembly toolkit should include:

• Cordless drill/driver: The single most useful tool. Use it on low torque settings for chipboard to avoid stripping. A quality cordless drill costs AED 150-400 at ACE Hardware or Danube.
• Allen key set (hex keys): Sizes 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm cover 95% of furniture hardware.
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers: Both sizes #1 and #2.
• Rubber mallet: For tapping dowels and panels into place without denting the surface.
• Level: For ensuring shelves, wall units, and desks are straight.
• Tape measure: For checking clearances and confirming item placement.
• Zip bags and masking tape: For hardware storage and labelling.
• Wood glue: For repairing loose dowel holes or tightening cam lock connections.

Common Assembly Mistakes to Avoid

These are the errors we see most often when clients attempt their own furniture assembly after a move:

1. Over-tightening screws in chipboard: Once a screw strips in chipboard, the hole is ruined. Use low torque and hand-finish the last few turns.
2. Assembling panels in the wrong order: Many flat-pack designs require a specific assembly sequence. If you attach the top before the back panel, you may need to disassemble and start over. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions or your disassembly photos.
3. Forgetting to install back panels: The thin back panel provides critical structural rigidity. A wardrobe without its back panel will wobble and eventually collapse under its own weight.
4. Not anchoring tall furniture to walls: In Dubai, this is especially important in households with children. All wardrobes, bookcases, and storage units taller than 120 cm should be anchored to the wall with anti-tip brackets.
5. Using the wrong screw type: Mixing up screws between different furniture items is easy when hardware bags are unlabelled. One wrong screw can crack a panel or create a weak joint.

Professional Furniture Assembly Services in Dubai

If you would rather leave assembly to the experts, professional services are available:

• As part of your move: Our handyman services team handles furniture disassembly before your move and reassembly at your new home. This is the most efficient option because the same people who take furniture apart are the ones putting it back together.
• Standalone assembly service: If you have purchased new furniture from IKEA, PAN Emirates, Home Centre, or any other retailer and need it assembled, our handyman team can assemble flat-pack furniture at your home. Typical rates are AED 100 to 250 per item depending on complexity.
• IKEA delivery assembly: IKEA offers its own assembly service at AED 99 and up per item, but availability can be limited and lead times may be 5-10 days.

Our team handles assembly for items purchased from any retailer — not just items we have moved. Whether it is a new PAX wardrobe, a children's bunk bed from JVC, or an office desk in Business Bay, we bring the tools, the experience, and the patience.

After Assembly: Safety Checks

Once furniture is assembled at your new home, run through these checks:

• Shake each item gently. If it wobbles, a bolt or dowel is loose.
• Open and close all doors, drawers, and hinges. They should operate smoothly.
• Check that all shelves are level and properly seated on their supports.
• Verify wall-mounted items are securely anchored — pull gently to confirm.
• Ensure anti-tip brackets are installed on all tall freestanding furniture, especially in rooms accessible to children.

Need professional furniture assembly in Dubai? Our handyman team assembles, disassembles, wall-mounts, and repairs furniture across all Dubai communities. Get a free quote today.

How much does furniture assembly cost in Dubai?

Professional furniture assembly in Dubai typically costs AED 100 to 250 per item, depending on the complexity and size of the piece. A standard IKEA PAX wardrobe costs AED 150 to 200 for assembly. Bunk beds, large desks, and modular shelving systems are at the higher end. IKEA's own assembly service starts at AED 99 per item but availability can be limited.

Can IKEA furniture be disassembled and reassembled?

Yes, most IKEA furniture can be disassembled and reassembled, but with limitations. IKEA uses cam lock connectors and chipboard, which tolerate 2-3 reassembly cycles before connections loosen. Careful handling, proper labelling of parts, and avoiding over-tightening screws are essential. If a cam lock hole becomes loose, wood glue can restore the grip for one more assembly.

Should I disassemble furniture before moving?

Yes, disassembling large furniture before a move is recommended for safety and logistics. Bed frames, large wardrobes, dining tables with removable legs, and modular shelving should always be taken apart. This reduces weight, prevents damage to doorways and elevators, and allows items to be wrapped and protected individually. Always photograph and label each component before disassembly.