How to Disassemble a Bedframe
Bedframes are typically too heavy and cumbersome to move as a single piece. Taking them apart not only makes them easier to carry, it’s also the best way to protect them and your home from damage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, explaining how to dismantle your bedframe quickly and safely.
Gather Your Tools
Taking apart a bedframe requires a few simple tools. Some are probably in your home already and anything you don’t own can be purchased from your local hardware store. Before starting, you’ll need:
- Phillips or Flathead Screwdriver
- Allen Wrench
- Pliers
- Resealable Plastic Bags
- Painter’s Tape
- Moving Tape
- Moving Blankets
- Bungee Cords
- Bubble Wrap
- Mattress Bag
- Moving Boxes
- Garbage Bag
- Marker
If you have an old bed, you may want to purchase a rubber mallet and some WD-40 as well, to loosen screws and bolts that are stuck due to age. If you don’t have moving blankets, thick towels, rugs, and bedding work as well.
How to Disassemble a Bedframe
The first step is to remove the bedding and mattress. Sheets and comforters should be stored in a large box and placed off to the side. If you’re short on boxes, a plastic trash bag works just as well. If you’re moving long distance, you may want to launder your sheets before packing them, to make sure they’re fresh when you reassemble your bed.
A mattress can weigh 50-150 pounds, so for safety, ask a friend or family member to help you lift it. To keep it from getting dirty, consider placing your mattress in a mattress bag. Made from heavy duty plastic, they keep your mattress safe and even come with handles to help you carry them. Once the bedding and mattress are out of the way:
Remove the Bed Slats
Some bed slats can be folded up, which makes them easy to store and transport. If your bed has a “slat roll” design, you can simply gather up the slats, wrap them in a moving blanket, and secure them with a bungee cord or packing tape.
On the other hand, if your slats are secured to the bedframe, you’ll have to unscrew them one at a time. Screws are easy to misplace, so put them in a plastic bag as you remove each one. Putting all the nuts, bolts, and screws together in one bag might seem like a good idea, but it makes reassembly a bit of a headache. Instead, store the hardware for each component in its own bag, so it’s easier to find what you need.
Once the slats are free, remove their support legs. These are normally attached to the center of the slat with a single screw. After you’ve got them all free, cover the legs in bubble wrap and box them up. Use a small box and fill empty space with packing peanuts or packing paper, to prevent your items from sliding around during transit. Then roll the slats up in a moving blanket and secure them with bungee cords or packing tape.
Detach Headboard and Footboard
Most headboards and footboards are connected to the frame with a few bolts or screws that can be removed with a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Ask a friend to hold the pieces steady as you loosen their hardware, then drape a blanket over them and lay them gently against the wall. The blanket will protect them while you concentrate on the rest of the frame. Walls aren’t particularly rough, but you’d be surprised how easily they can scratch your furniture.
Unfasten the Side Rails and Crossbars
Some headboards and footboards are constructed from a single piece of wood or metal, while others use side rails and crossbars for support, allowing you to break them down even further. If this is the case, you’ll want to unscrew them as well. These pieces can often shift unexpectedly as you dismantle them, so hold them tight as you take out their connecting hardware. After you’ve finished, wrap each part in a moving blanket and secure it with packing tape or a bungee cord.
Organize Your Hardware
As mentioned earlier, the screws, bolts, nuts, and washers used to secure each component should be stored in their own separate bag. Label each one clearly and tape it to its associated piece. Because packing tape can damage the finish, use painter’s tape instead.
How to Reassemble a Bedframe
To assemble a bedframe, simply reverse the steps listed above. After unloading the components, carry them into your bedroom and unwrap them. Once you’ve located the side rails and crossbars, fasten them to the headboard and footboard. Then attach the headboard and footboard before replacing the slats and lifting the mattress back into place.
Other Considerations
In most cases, disassembling a bedframe is simple and straightforward. However, there are some instances where taking apart your bed can be a bit more challenging.
- Stuck Bolts and Screws. If your hardware is rusted in place, don’t try to force it out or you might end up stripping the threads, making it impossible to put the bed back together. Use some silicone spray like WD-40 instead. It seeps into cavities and dissolves the oxidized bonds holding your hardware in place. Rubber mallets help as well. Banging them gently against the frame generates a vibrating force that helps loosen stubborn hardware. While it's unlikely a rubber mallet could damage your furniture, you can lower the risk even further by covering the frame with a towel.
- Canopy Beds. Dismantle the bedposts and top frame before disassembling the main frame. Keep in mind that while bedposts look alike, they aren’t always interchangeable. Some attach to the frame in a specific way, so label each one after detaching it.
- Lost Hardware. It’s not uncommon to lose one or two screws while disassembling your bed. Often, people don’t realize their hardware is missing until it’s time to put everything back together. Fortunately, most beds use ordinary bolts and screws, so you can purchase replacements from your local hardware store.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. While disassembling a standard bedframe is relatively easy, oversized beds are considerably more difficult. They’re not only heavier, but often contain specialized components and complex designs. Beds with adjustable bases are even more laborious. Their electronic components and welded frames are hard to handle without the right tools and training.
Allied Household Moving Services
Moving can be a challenge, but the right team keeps things running smoothly from beginning to end. Allied has been helping households relocate for nearly 100 years. No matter how far you’re going, our full-service moving teams have the tools, skills, and experience to get you there safely.
From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, there’s nothing we can’t help with. Whether it's ordinary household objects like beds, sofas, and bookcases, or specialty items like pool tables and pinball machines, count on Allied to handle the job properly. Contact us today for a free quote!