Furniture assembly and disassembly in Switzerland
Furniture assembly and disassembly is an unavoidable part of any move. Between built-in wardrobes, IKEA kitchens, bunk beds and custom bookcases, modern furniture often requires prior disassembly for transport, followed by precise reassembly at destination.
In Switzerland, where properties often have optimised spaces and narrow passages, disassembly is frequently the only way to get a piece of furniture out of a flat. Poorly executed disassembly can irreversibly damage furniture or make reassembly impossible.
What an assembly/disassembly service includes
A professional assembly and disassembly service in Switzerland includes:
- Identifying all fixings and planning the disassembly order
- Methodical disassembly of each piece of furniture in reverse assembly order
- Labelling every part and screw with a clear numbering system
- Bagging of hardware (screws, nuts, dowels, hinges) in numbered bags attached to the furniture
- Photographing each stage to aid reassembly
- Wrapping fragile elements (glass, mirror, lacquered surface) — see also our professional packing page
- Reassembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions or disassembly photos
- Levelling and adjustment (feet, doors, drawers)
- Wall mounting if necessary (shelves, anti-tip furniture per Swiss safety standards)
- Function testing: doors, drawers, mechanisms
- Cleanup of residue (sawdust, packaging)
Services offered
Disassembly before a move
Professional disassembly guarantees:
- Identification of all fixings before disassembly
- Methodical disassembly in reverse assembly order
- Labelling every part and screw with a numbering system
- Bagging of hardware in numbered bags attached to the furniture
- Wrapping fragile elements (glass, mirror, lacquered surface)
- Photographing each stage to aid reassembly
Reassembly at destination
Professional reassembly includes:
- Checking all parts on receipt
- Assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions or disassembly photos
- Levelling and adjustment (feet, doors, drawers)
- Wall mounting if necessary (shelves, anti-tip furniture)
- Function testing: doors, drawers, mechanisms
- Cleanup of residue (sawdust, packaging)
Assembly of new furniture
A service independent of the move:
- Flat-pack furniture: IKEA, Conforama, JYSK, Pfister, Micasa
- Kitchens: full assembly with connections (excluding certified plumbing/electrical work)
- Custom wardrobes and dressing rooms
- Office furniture: adjustable desks, pedestals, shelving — see also our commercial moving page
Assembly / disassembly prices (2026)
Hourly rate
- Independent fitter: 45 – 65 CHF/h
- Service via mover: 50 – 70 CHF/h (often partially included in the quote)
- Specialist service (kitchen, dressing room): 65 – 90 CHF/h
- Minimum charge: generally 1 to 2 hours
Price by furniture type
| Furniture | Disassembly | Reassembly | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single bed (frame + slats) | 30-50 CHF | 40-60 CHF | 70 – 110 CHF |
| Double bed (frame + slats) | 40-70 CHF | 50-80 CHF | 90 – 150 CHF |
| Bunk bed / mezzanine | 60-100 CHF | 80-120 CHF | 140 – 220 CHF |
| 2-door wardrobe | 40-70 CHF | 50-90 CHF | 90 – 160 CHF |
| 3-4 door wardrobe | 60-100 CHF | 80-130 CHF | 140 – 230 CHF |
| Walk-in wardrobe (large) | 80-150 CHF | 100-200 CHF | 180 – 350 CHF |
| Desk (simple) | 20-40 CHF | 30-50 CHF | 50 – 90 CHF |
| Corner / L-shaped desk | 40-60 CHF | 50-80 CHF | 90 – 140 CHF |
| Bookcase / shelving (IKEA type) | 30-60 CHF | 40-70 CHF | 70 – 130 CHF |
| Extending table | 20-40 CHF | 25-45 CHF | 45 – 85 CHF |
| IKEA kitchen (per unit) | 30-50 CHF | 40-70 CHF | 70 – 120 CHF |
| Complete kitchen (8-12 units) | 300-500 CHF | 400-700 CHF | 700 – 1,200 CHF |
| TV unit | 20-40 CHF | 30-50 CHF | 50 – 90 CHF |
| Chest of drawers | 20-40 CHF | 30-50 CHF | 50 – 90 CHF |
Common packages
| Package | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom package | Bed + wardrobe + bedside table | 200 – 400 CHF |
| Living room package | Bookcase + TV unit + table | 150 – 300 CHF |
| Office package | Desk + pedestal + shelving | 120 – 250 CHF |
| Full package (3 rooms) | Disassembly + reassembly of everything | 500 – 1,200 CHF |
Step-by-step process
1. Assessment
- Identify the furniture that needs disassembly (items that won’t fit through doors or staircase)
- Check whether you have the original assembly instructions
- Request a quote via DemenagementPasCher.ch specifying the number and type of furniture
2. Disassembly (old property)
- The fitter photographs the furniture before starting
- Methodical disassembly, piece by piece
- Labelling and bagging of all hardware
- Protection of fragile elements
3. Transport
- Disassembled furniture takes up less space in the truck
- Panels are protected with blankets
- Hardware bags remain attached to the furniture
4. Reassembly (new property)
- Checking all parts
- Reassembly using photos and instructions
- Adjustment and levelling
- Function testing
IKEA furniture: the most common case
IKEA is the leading furniture supplier in Switzerland with several stores (Spreitenbach, Aubonne, Vernier, Lyssach, St. Gallen). IKEA furniture assembly and disassembly has its own specifics:
Characteristics
- Dowel and screw assembly: relatively simple to disassemble/reassemble
- Chipboard panels: be careful with screws removed and reinserted (the thread wears down)
- Instructions available online at ikea.com (useful if the original is lost)
- Spare parts: available free of charge in store
Tips for IKEA disassembly
- Photograph the assembled furniture before starting
- Download the assembly instructions from ikea.com
- Never force: if a screw won’t budge, check for a hidden lock
- Number the panels with masking tape
- Gather all screws and parts in a bag attached to the furniture
- Be careful with PAX, BESTA and KALLAX: these modular systems are particularly fragile once disassembled (thin melamine panels)
Should you disassemble IKEA furniture for a move?
Not always. Some IKEA items are compact enough to be transported assembled:
- KALLAX (small sizes): can be transported assembled
- LACK (tables): can be transported assembled
- MALM (chests of drawers): disassembly recommended for large sizes
- PAX (wardrobes): disassembly required (too tall and fragile)
- BESTA (TV units): depending on size, disassembly often necessary
When to hire a professional
Professional disassembly is recommended for:
- Fitted kitchens (connections, worktops, plumbing)
- Built-in or custom wardrobes
- Antique or valuable furniture (risk of breakage)
- Beds with mechanisms (ottoman beds, wall beds)
- Wall-mounted bookcases fixed to the wall
- Very heavy furniture requiring several people
- Any furniture for which you no longer have the instructions
- Professional office furniture as part of a commercial move
You can do it yourself if:
- The furniture is simple (table, chair, small IKEA item)
- You have the instructions and the tools
- You are comfortable with DIY
- The furniture is not particularly valuable (acceptable risk of breakage)
Tips and tricks
- Photograph before disassembly: take photos from all angles, especially fixings and connections
- Label everything: use numbered masking tape on every panel and hardware bag
- Never force: a blockage often signals a hidden lock or fixing
- Keep the instructions: download them from the manufacturer’s website if you’ve lost them
- Invest in a good drill driver: a cordless drill with various bits is indispensable
- Have spare screws ready: IKEA chipboard screws don’t always withstand a second assembly
- Reinforce holes: use wood glue or metal threaded inserts for worn holes
Tools needed
Basic kit for disassembly/reassembly
- Screwdriver: Phillips (PH2) and flat
- Cordless drill driver with various bits
- Allen keys (complete set from 1.5 to 10 mm)
- Adjustable spanner
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Multigrip pliers
- Zip bags and marker for screws
- Masking tape for numbering parts
Specialist tools (pros)
- Professional drill driver with adjustable torque
- Jigsaw (for worktop adjustments)
- Stud finder (for wall mounting)
- Professional anchoring (for different wall types)
- Laser level (for precise alignment)
Combining assembly/disassembly with the move
The most efficient approach is to include assembly/disassembly in the overall moving quote:
- Morning: disassembly at the old property while the team packs
- Transport: disassembled furniture takes up less space in the truck
- Afternoon/next day: reassembly at the new property
This approach allows for optimal coordination and a preferential rate compared to separate billing.
Request a quote including assembly/disassembly
Frequently asked questions
Questions fréquentes
For a standard 2-door wardrobe, expect between 90 and 160 CHF (disassembly + reassembly). For a large 3-4 door wardrobe, the price rises to 140-230 CHF. A full walk-in wardrobe or custom wardrobe can cost 180 to 350 CHF. These prices include labelling of parts and bagging of hardware.
No, only furniture that won't fit through the doors or staircase needs to be disassembled. Small items (coffee tables, chairs, low chests) are generally transported assembled. Large furniture (wardrobes, beds, tall bookcases) almost always requires disassembly. Your mover will assess during the quote which items need disassembling.
Yes, in most cases. However, chipboard panels don't cope well with repeated disassembly/reassembly as the screw threads wear in the wood. After 2-3 cycles, the holes may no longer hold. To reinforce them, you can use wood glue in the holes before re-screwing, or metal threaded inserts.
It depends on the provider. Some include basic disassembly/reassembly (beds, tables) in their package. Others charge it as a supplement. Check this specific point in the quote. On our platform, you can specify that you need this service to receive complete and comparable quotes.
Allow 3 to 5 hours for a standard kitchen of 8 to 12 units, excluding electrical and plumbing disconnections (which must be carried out by certified professionals). Reassembly generally takes 4 to 7 hours, plus connection time. A complete kitchen disassembly + reassembly costs 700 to 1,200 CHF.
If disassembly is carried out by a professional, their liability insurance covers the damage. Report it immediately. If you do it yourself, check the manufacturer's website for spare parts (IKEA provides parts free of charge). For custom or antique furniture, a cabinet maker can often repair or remake the damaged part.
Yes, wall mounting is part of the services offered. It is particularly important for shelving, tall furniture (anti-tip per Swiss safety standards) and bathroom furniture. The fitter has the right equipment for each type of wall (concrete, brick, plasterboard) and uses appropriate anchors. This service is generally charged at the standard hourly rate.