Written by Move and Care Team
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
Updated: January 13, 2024
SOME DISASSEMBLY REQUIRED
The biggest trick to know when it comes to moving furniture from one house to another? Things come apart. Ideally, you want them to come apart before you move, and not during the move—which is why we always recommend removing the legs from dining tables, desks, and any other large pieces of furniture before you try carrying them out of your house.
Taking the legs off of furniture is simple—it usually only requires a screwdriver at most. Any resulting screws and attachments should be stored in a Ziploc bag and taped to the bottom of the table, desk, or what-have-you; this way, they don’t get lost during the move, and it’s clear after the fact which screws go with what furniture piece. Ditto for any assembly instructions you may have lying around.
BREAK IT DOWN, WRAP IT UP
A legless dining table is approximately one hundred times easier to navigate out of a house than one with legs attached—corners and doorways are simple, and there’s no fear of breaking off a leg (or dinging drywall) when trying to coordinate movements. Deconstructed furniture is also easily packed into a moving truck, as tabletops and surfaces can be stacked up against each other and restrained for the drive.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
When it comes to moving dining tables, a little preparation goes a long way—but skipping the small details can lead to big headaches. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting to Secure Screws
One of the easiest ways to derail your move? Losing the screws and attachments needed to put your furniture back together. Make it a point to collect all screws, bolts, and brackets as you disassemble the table, and store them in a labeled Ziploc bag. Better yet, tape the bag securely to the bottom of the tabletop so you know exactly where to find it when it’s time to reassemble.
Skipping the Moving Blanket
Dining tables take center stage in any room—and their surfaces are often delicate or prone to scratches. Without proper protection, moving a table can leave you with nicks, dents, or gouges that are hard to repair. Before you move, wrap the tabletop (and any detached legs) in a thick moving blanket, and secure it with packing tape to prevent shifting during transport.
Overstacking Furniture in the Truck
A moving truck is like a game of Tetris, but overloading it with furniture can do more harm than good. Stacking too many items on or around your dining table can lead to scratches, dents, or worse—broken legs or surfaces. Instead, keep heavy items off the table and use tie-downs or restraints to secure everything in place for the drive.
By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you’ll save yourself from stress, unexpected damage, and unnecessary headaches on moving day.
FAQs About Moving Dining Tables
Answer: Wrap the legs in moving blankets and secure them with tape to prevent damage during transport. This adds a layer of protection and helps ensure safe handling.
Answer: If your table is especially heavy or ornate, consider hiring professionals to avoid injury or damage. Professional movers have the tools and expertise to handle challenging furniture pieces safely.
💡 FINAL TIP: Moving blankets! Wrap your dining tabletop in a moving blanket and secure it with packing tape. This protects the table’s surface from scratches and nicks during the moving process and adds a protective layer of padding between furniture items in the truck.
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