Taking apart a bed frame before moving makes transport safer, prevents damage, and often saves money on removal costs. Most bed frames can be dismantled in 30–60 minutes with basic tools. This guide covers how to disassemble different types of bed frames, what tools you’ll need, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to stripped screws or wobbly reassembly.
Why You Should Dismantle Your Bed Frame Before Moving
A fully assembled bed frame rarely fits through standard UK doorways without damaging the frame, walls, or door frames. Dismantled frames also take up significantly less space in a removal van—a king-size wooden bed might occupy a third of a medium van assembled, but stacks flat when broken down.
If you’re hiring a man and van on an hourly rate, doing the disassembly yourself can save 30–60 minutes of labour time—often £25–£40 depending on the operator.
Tools You’ll Need
Most bed frames require only a few basic tools for disassembly. Before starting, examine your bed’s fasteners to identify exactly what you’ll need:
Phillips head screwdriver — The most common fastener type on wooden bed frames. Have both a standard and stubby version for tight spaces.
Flathead screwdriver — Occasionally needed for older frames or slotted screws. Also useful as a lever for stuck joints.
Allen keys (hex wrenches) — Essential for IKEA beds and most modern flat-pack frames. IKEA beds typically use 4mm or 5mm Allen keys. If you’ve lost the original, a set of metric Allen keys costs under £10.
Adjustable spanner or socket set — Metal frames often use bolts with hex heads. An adjustable spanner handles most sizes, though a 10mm or 13mm socket speeds things up.
Rubber mallet — For tapping stuck joints apart without damaging wood or finish. Never use a regular hammer directly on bed frame components.
Ziplock bags and permanent marker — For organising and labelling hardware. This single step saves more reassembly time than anything else.
How to Dismantle a Bed Frame: Step by Step
1. Clear the Bed and Surrounding Area
Remove all bedding, the mattress, and any box spring or bed base. Lean the mattress against a wall away from your work area, or move it to another room entirely. Clear any furniture or items around the bed to give yourself space to work and prevent small parts rolling under nearby furniture.
2. Identify How Your Frame Connects
Before loosening anything, examine how the main components connect. Most bed frames have four key parts: headboard, footboard, two side rails, and slats or a base. Look for bolts, screws, cam locks (common on IKEA beds), or hook-and-slot connections (common on metal frames).
If you still have the assembly instructions, reverse them. If not, take photos of each connection point before removing fasteners—this makes reassembly significantly easier.
3. Remove Slats or Base First
If your bed has wooden slats, lift them out and set them aside. Many slat systems are connected by a fabric strip—roll these up carefully to prevent tangling. For platform beds with a solid base, check whether the base lifts out or requires unscrewing from the side rails.
4. Detach the Headboard and Footboard
Working on one side at a time, loosen the bolts or screws connecting the headboard to the side rails. Have someone hold the headboard steady as you remove the final fastener—once disconnected, headboards can topple. Repeat for the footboard. Set both pieces against a wall with padding between them and the wall to prevent scratches.
5. Separate the Side Rails
With the headboard and footboard removed, the side rails should lift away. Some frames have a centre support beam connecting the two rails—detach this before separating them. Metal frames often fold in half once disconnected; look for a hinge point at the centre.
6. Bag and Label All Hardware
Put all screws, bolts, washers, and small parts into labelled bags immediately. Use separate bags for different sections: “headboard bolts”, “footboard bolts”, “rail connectors”. Tape the bags to one of the larger frame pieces, or store them inside a drawer you’re also moving. Loose hardware in a pocket or toolbox often goes missing.
Dismantling Different Types of Bed Frames
Metal Bed Frames
Metal frames are typically the easiest to disassemble, often using wing nuts or hex bolts that can be loosened by hand or with a spanner. Many metal frames fold in half once the slats are removed. Work slowly when loosening connections—forcing bent metal can damage the frame permanently.
Wooden Bed Frames
Wooden frames require more care. Use the correct size screwdriver to avoid stripping screw heads, and turn slowly with steady pressure. If joints are stuck after removing fasteners, tap them apart with a rubber mallet—never force them. Particle board and MDF beds (common from IKEA and other flat-pack retailers) are particularly vulnerable to damage if forced.
IKEA Beds
IKEA beds use a cam lock and dowel system. Look for the circular cam locks inside the frame—turning them with an Allen key releases the connection. The arrow on the cam lock should point toward the piece you’re disconnecting. IKEA beds are designed for disassembly and reassembly, but particle board components can become less sturdy with each reassembly as screw holes widen slightly.
Divan Beds
Divan bases typically split into two halves connected by metal clips or Velcro strips. Lift one half slightly and separate the connection. If your divan has drawers, remove them before moving the base sections.
Storage Beds and Ottoman Beds
Storage beds with lift-up mechanisms or built-in drawers take longer. Remove drawers first, then internal dividers. For ottoman beds with gas struts, secure the lifted base before working—struts can slam the base down unexpectedly.
Adjustable Beds
Unplug the power before doing anything. Check your manufacturer’s manual—many adjustable bases fold for transport without full disassembly. Avoid disconnecting wiring unless instructed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a power drill: Bed frame screws aren’t heavy-duty. Power drill torque can strip screw heads or crack particle board. Always use hand tools.
Forcing stuck joints: If components won’t separate after fasteners are removed, check for hidden screws or clips. Tap gently with a rubber mallet rather than pulling.
Mixing up hardware: Headboard bolts often look identical to footboard bolts but are different lengths. Mixing them leads to wobbly frames after reassembly.
Skipping photos: Taking photos of connection points before disassembly takes 30 seconds and can save an hour of confusion later.
Packing Dismantled Components
Wrap headboards and footboards in moving blankets to prevent scratches. Bundle side rails together with tape or straps. Keep slats rolled or stacked flat. Metal components benefit from padding around edges; particle board pieces should be kept dry and handled carefully at corners, which chip easily.
FAQs
Should I take apart my bed frame to move?
Yes, in almost all cases. Dismantled frames are easier to carry, fit through doorways without damage, and take up less space in the van. The only exception might be a simple metal folding frame that collapses flat without disassembly.
How long does it take to dismantle a bed frame?
Most standard bed frames take 30–60 minutes to fully disassemble. Simple metal frames might take 10–15 minutes, while complex storage beds or IKEA particle board beds can take up to 90 minutes, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the design.
Can I disassemble an IKEA bed and reassemble it?
Yes, all IKEA bed frames are designed for disassembly. However, particle board components become slightly less sturdy with each reassembly as screw holes and cam lock fittings wear. Most IKEA beds handle 2–3 reassemblies without issues.
Why does my bed wobble after reassembly?
Wobbly beds usually result from loose bolts, mixed-up hardware, or cam locks not fully tightened. Go around each connection point and ensure all fasteners are fully secured. If screw holes have widened (common in particle board), wooden toothpicks with wood glue can fill the gap.
What if I’ve lost the assembly instructions?
Most manufacturers have assembly guides online as downloadable PDFs. For IKEA, search the product name plus “assembly instructions” on their website. For other brands, check the manufacturer’s support section.
Do removal companies disassemble beds?
Most full-service removal companies include bed disassembly and reassembly. If you’re hiring a man and van on an hourly rate, doing the disassembly yourself before they arrive can save 30–60 minutes of labour costs.
Planning a move and want to see what it might cost? You can get an instant quote from local drivers in your area.
