How to Move a Wardrobe (and When to Dismantle It)

Wardrobes are big, heavy and often the trickiest item in the house. Whether to move one whole or dismantle it depends mostly on what it's made of.

Empty it and remove the loose parts

Take everything out, remove drawers and shelves, and take off or secure any mirrors. An empty wardrobe is far lighter and safer to handle.

Solid wood: often movable whole

A well-built solid-wood wardrobe can usually be moved assembled if access allows — measure doorways, stairwells and turns first, tape the doors shut, and blanket-wrap the corners. You'll want at least two strong people.

Flatpack: usually dismantle it

Flatpack wardrobes (chipboard/MDF, like IKEA PAX) are heavy, flex under their own weight and can fall apart if carried assembled — so they're usually best dismantled. Bag and label the fittings, and keep the cam locks together. Be aware that some flatpack fixings weaken each time they're taken apart and rebuilt, so work gently.

Measure before you decide

The deciding factor is often access: if the wardrobe won't fit through the door, round the stairs or into the lift, it has to come apart. Measure the item and the route first.

Not sure, or short on muscle? Many drivers on We Got The Move offer dismantling and reassembly — just ask in your job description. Get removal quotes →