Putting Together and Taking Apart Your Bed: A DIY Guide

After two decades in the removals business, I’ve lost count of how many beds I’ve taken apart and put back together for clients. I know that putting together and taking apart your bed can feel daunting amid the chaos of moving. But with a bit of guidance and the right approach, even this challenging chore can become a straightforward step towards settling into your new home.

At North Removals, we see tasks like taking apart a bed not just as manual labour, but as an opportunity to make your move a little easier. I’ve dismantled squeaky bunk beds in kids’ rooms and carefully taken apart antique frames for grandparents, all with the same care. Over the years, I’ve learned that no two moves are the same, but they all go smoother with a bit of planning (our detailed  moving out for the first time can help!), patience, and know-how.

This guide will walk you through how to safely disassemble your bed for moving and then put it back together in your new home. I’m sharing advice drawn from real experiences across hundreds of moves. My goal is to help you save time, avoid frustration, and move with confidence, knowing even tricky furniture can be managed. You’ll see that with a little preparation, even this part of moving day can be surprisingly easy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling (and Reassembling) Your Bed

3. Store Those Loose Parts Safely

Once the central support leg and crossbar are free, set them aside in a dedicated spot. Proper organisation here is crucial; a missing bolt on moving day can quickly turn into hours of frustration. Keep all small hardware in one clearly marked container or plastic bag, then tape or clip that bag to a bed component (like the headboard or footboard) so it doesn’t vanish in the chaos of packing.

4. Loosen and Remove the Side Rails

Now, move on to the side rails. Carefully unscrew or unbolt one side rail at a time, using the same counterclockwise motion with your Allen key or wrench.

• Once the bolts are fully loosened, detach the rail completely.
• This step typically frees the slats (or platforms), letting you lift them off the bed frame.

5. Gather and Secure the Slats

With one side rail detached, you can safely gather the bed slats:

• Place them neatly on top of the mattress or another protected surface to avoid scraping floors or walls.
• Stack them all together and secure them with packing tape. This bundling method keeps them from shifting or scattering during transport.

6. Wrap the Slats for Extra Protection

A professional trick we use at North Removals is to wrap the taped slats in a moving blanket or thick protective material. This extra layer prevents scratching other furniture or walls and cushions them against any bumps during the move. By the way, if you’re dealing with heavier or more delicate items, you might find our guide on how to move an upright piano particularly useful for tips on safely handling heavy furniture.

7. Repeat with the Second Side Rail (and Any Metal Parts)

Following the same method, detach the other side rail. Group it with the first rail, then wrap and tape them together to prevent scratching or damage.

• Metal rails can especially cause dents or scrapes, so make sure to use padding if they’ll be in contact with other items in the moving van.

8. Keep the Hardware Bag Clearly Visible

Now that the main frame is fully disassembled, double-check all your hardware (bolts, screws, brackets). Taping that labelled bag firmly to a large bed component ensures it stays put. When it’s time to reassemble, you’ll know exactly where every part is.

9. Protect the Headboard and Footboard

If your bed has a headboard or footboard that you plan to keep leaning against a wall for a while, slide a few towels or a thin blanket behind it. This simple buffer prevents accidental marks on walls and protects the finish of the bed.

10. Preparing for Transport

Once everything is wrapped and secured, your bed is ready for loading:

• Carry the pieces out carefully, stacked or bound in groups (rails, slats, hardware).
• Place them in the moving vehicle in a way that minimises shifting during transit.

11. Reassembly: Reverse the Steps

After arriving at your new home, unwrap your bed parts and reassemble in reverse order:

1. Position the headboard and footboard.
2. Reattach the side rails.
3. Replace the crossbar and support leg.
4. Lay the slats back in place.
5. Finally, top it off with your mattress.

With everything well-labeled and organised, your bed should come together quickly—letting you settle in and enjoy a good night’s rest in no time.

Special Disassembling Consideration: Beds with Storage Drawers

Built-in drawers are a fantastic day-to-day solution for stashing extra bedding or out-of-season clothes, but they can become a bit tricky to handle when it’s time to move. Let me share a few tricks I’ve picked up after more than one near-miss where a rogue drawer decided to escape mid-hallway:

1. Empty and Remove the Drawers Completely
   Clear out every single item—whether it’s spare blankets, the fluffy winter duvet, or those knickknacks you only remember when packing—and lift the drawers free of the bed frame. This not only prevents them from sliding around during transport but also lightens the overall load.
2. Protect and Label Each Drawer
   Place drawers in a safe, out-of-the-way spot to keep them from accidental knocks (and from becoming makeshift stepping stools—trust me, it happens). When moving long distance like Melbourne to Geelong, I like to wrap each drawer in a bit of moving plastic or a blanket, adding labels to remember which side or section they came from. A little detail now can save a lot of head-scratching later.
3. Remove Rails and Hardware with Care
   If the drawer tracks or rails are screwed into the bed frame, take them off only if absolutely necessary—then bag and label their screws promptly. Sometimes, leaving them attached is simpler, sparing you the hassle of matching up tiny bolts when reassembling.
4. Follow Your Usual Disassembly Steps
   With the drawers safely out of the picture, you can dismantle the rest (side rails, panels, etc.) just as you would any bed. Some designs have a big drawer unit that doesn’t come apart easily; in that case, keep it intact to avoid damaging the wood or metal. When in doubt, less force is usually better.

Ultimately, you want to reduce the overall weight of the bed and prevent those drawers from turning into unexpected projectiles. Good prep and a steady, methodical approach will get the job done smoothly.

Special Disassembling Consideration: Gas-Lift Storage Beds

Gas-lift storage mechanisms are brilliant for stashing away suitcases, off-season clothing, or those sentimental boxes you only open once a year. However, when moving house, their pressurised pistons demand a bit of extra caution:

1. Safety First
   Remove the mattress and verify that the lift mechanism is properly secured. Some designs have a safety latch or support bar to hold the platform open—use it to avoid any sudden closures. If there’s no latch, enlist a friend or family member to help keep the platform steady.
2. Detach the Pistons Gently
   Pistons or gas struts usually connect with pins, bolts, or small clips. Start by removing the fixings on the bed-frame side, gently easing them out to avoid sudden tension release. Keep your hands clear of the piston’s range of motion—trust me, a quick slip can turn your moving day into a trip to the hardware store (or worse).
3. Never Tamper with the Gas Cylinders
   These cylinders are pressurised at the factory. Attempting to disassemble or open them is dangerous and not worth the risk. Once removed, I recommend wrapping them in bubble wrap or a sturdy cloth to protect them and the rest of your furniture, especially if you are relocating from Melbourne to Ballarat where they can damage.
4. Disassemble the Bed Frame as Normal
   With the lift platform secured or removed, you can unscrew legs, side rails, and headboard just like any standard bed. Stay organised by labelling screws and bolts in separate bags. There’s nothing more frustrating than having half your hardware missing when you’re finally ready to rebuild.
5. Reattach Pistons Carefully During Reassembly
   At your new place, reverse the process. Secure the pistons first to the bed frame, then—with someone’s help—connect them to the platform. Avoid forcing any part of the mechanism; let the piston do its job of aligning into place.

Gas-lift storage beds are marvellous for maximising space, yet they need that extra bit of mindfulness on moving day. With a careful approach and maybe an extra set of hands, you’ll keep both your furniture and your fingers intact.

Need Help Assembling or Disassembling Your Bed? North Removals is Here to Help

By now, I hope you’ve picked up some handy tips to make bed disassembly and reassembly a breeze. A little planning goes a long way: things like gathering the right tools, keeping track of screws and parts, and protecting your bed frame can all make a big difference. The key takeaway is that with patience and organisation, what once seemed like a daunting task can be done smoothly and safely.

At North Removals, we cover all sorts of tricky moving scenarios, from safely moving a fridge upstairs to carefully transporting a TV. But if you’d rather leave bed disassembly—or any other part of your move—to the professionals, our expert packing and moving services in Melbourne can help ensure everything goes smoothly.

And remember, if you are looking for the best removalist in Victoria, at North Removals we are regional removalists experts and we are just a call away. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.