--- title: How to Disassemble a Bed Frame for a Move url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to take apart a bed frame for moving # How to disassemble a bed A bed comes apart in six steps and comes apart with a screwdriver or Allen key: photograph, strip, remove the mattress and slats, unbolt the rails and headboard, bag the hardware and wrap the parts. Doing it the day before the move keeps the hardware from getting lost in the rush. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Six steps to take a bed apart - Photograph it. Take pictures of the assembled frame and each joint so you can rebuild it later. - Strip and lift. Remove bedding, then lift the mattress away and stand it against a wall. - Remove slats or the box spring. Lift out slats, supports or a platform and bundle them with tape or a strap. - Unbolt rails and headboard. Use the right tool, loosen all bolts before removing any, and support the headboard as the last bolt comes out. - Bag the hardware. Put every bolt, washer and cam in a labelled bag and tape it to the headboard or inside a rail. - Wrap and label. Pad the pieces with a blanket and label them with the room and bed name. Most bed frames are built to come apart. Taking one down makes it easier to carry through doors and around stairwells, and it lets the crew load it flat. The risk is the hardware, which is small and easy to lose, so keep it with the bed. ## Tools you need A screwdriver, an Allen key set and a small wrench cover almost every frame. A cordless driver speeds it up, but hand tools are less likely to strip a bolt. Keep the original instruction sheet or manual if you have it, or look up the model number before you start. ## Different frame types Metal frames with brackets slide apart and are usually quick. Wood frames with bolts and cam locks need care so the threads are not stripped. Platform beds with built-in storage are heavier, and drawers should be removed. Adjustable beds with motors need the power cord taken off and tied. ## Mattress and box spring Protect the mattress with a bag made for moving, which keeps it clean. Carry it flat or upright and do not fold it. See [how to pack a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/). ## Putting it back together Rebuild in reverse order, tighten bolts in a cross pattern and check the frame for wobble before the mattress goes back on. Wrap parts per [how to wrap furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/). If you prefer, ask the O'Brien's estimator about disassembly as part of a move. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [USPS, Mover's Guide](https://moversguide.usps.com/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to pack and move a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/) - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a couch](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-couch/) - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) - [How to move a treadmill and exercise equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-treadmill/) - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I have to take the bed apart? Not always, but most large frames travel more safely flat, and many will not fit through narrow doors otherwise. ### What if I lost the hardware? Most makers sell replacement packs by model number, and hardware stores stock common sizes. ### Should I take the headboard off the wall? Wall-mounted headboards need the wall fixings removed first, and the holes can be filled afterward. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) B Bruce E. December 25, 2024 My family moved exclusively with Bekins when I was young and O'Brien's made it a pleasure to return to this fine local company. I would be pleased to have any members of O'Brien's as friends and highly recommend O'Brien's to anyone needing the services they provide! ### Owner's reply Bruce thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. It was an extreme pleasure to work for you, please do not hesitate to call us for any help you need in the future. L Leticia H. November 1, 2024 O'Brien's Moving and Storage packing crew were great!! They were fast, friendly and most importantly, very professional. Thank you guys. M Michelle C. August 28, 2024 Extremely happy with the moving experience. The moving team showed up on time, friendly and polite. They did a wonderful job moving our boxes and furniture to the new location. We moved a three bedroom home and I could not be more pleased with the employees who assisted with the move. Highly recommend O'Brien moving for your move. ### Owner's reply Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We are so happy to hear about the move experience you had with our company and glad to know we met your expectations! It means a lot to us to know that. Thank you for choosing us as your moving partner. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070