How to Take Apart Ikea Bed | 10 Easy Steps (2024)

Are you struggling to take apart your Ikea bed? While IKEA furniture is known for its simple and user-friendly assembly instructions, disassembling it can be a bit trickier. Whether you are moving, selling or replacing your bed, learning how to take apart IKEA bed will save you time and effort.

Taking apart an Ikea bed may seem daunting, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a straightforward process. This guide is designed to walk you through each step of disassembling your Ikea bed, whether you’re moving, redecorating, or simply wanting to upgrade your mattress.

We’ll cover the essential tools you’ll need, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible. With a little patience and care, you’ll have your Ikea bed neatly dismantled and ready for its next chapter.

What are the Benefits of Taking Apart Your Ikea Bed?

Taking apart your Ikea bed can have numerous benefits, depending on the reason behind it. Some of the most common reasons for disassembling an Ikea bed include moving to a new house or room, selling it, or wanting to upgrade to a different size or model.

One significant benefit is that it makes transportation and storage much more manageable. A disassembled bed takes up less space and can be easily transported in a car or van. It also reduces the risk of damage during transportation, as individual pieces are less likely to get scratched or dented.

Moreover, taking apart your Ikea bed allows for easier cleaning and maintenance. With all the parts separated, it’s easier to access hard-to-reach areas and clean them thoroughly. This can help extend the life of your bed and keep it looking new for longer.

Lastly, disassembling an Ikea bed can make selling or donating easier. Many people may be hesitant to purchase a fully assembled bed due to transportation difficulties, but a disassembled one is much more appealing. Donating a disassembled bed can also make it easier for organizations to transport and use in their facilities.

What Tools Do You Need?

Before you begin the disassembly process, gathering all the necessary tools is essential. Here are the items you’ll need:

A screwdriver (either a flathead or Phillips head, depending on your bed)
An Allen wrench (usually provided with the bed)
A rubber mallet or hammer (optional but helpful for stubborn pieces)
Ziploc bags or small containers for hardware
Painter’s tape or masking tape (for labeling and organizing pieces)

Now that you have all the necessary tools let’s begin the disassembly process. It’s essential to follow the steps to avoid mistakes or confusion.

10 Easy Steps on How to Take Apart Ikea Bed

Step 1. Clear the Area Around Your Bed:

Before you start dismantling your Ikea bed, ensure you have enough space to work comfortably. Move any nightstands, lamps, or obstacles out of the way to prevent damage and make the process smoother. This step will give you a clear area to organize the dismantled parts and tools, making the whole process more efficient.

Step 2. Remove the Bedding and Mattress:

Start by removing all the bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillows. Once the bedding is removed, carefully lift the mattress from the bed frame and set it aside in a clean and safe area. Removing the mattress makes the frame lighter and easier to handle and prevents any accidental damage during the disassembly process.

Step 3. Unscrew the Slats or Support Beams:

The next step involves removing the slats or support beams holding the mattress. Depending on your Ikea bed model, these may be secured with screws or simply laid across the frame. If they’re screwed in, use your screwdriver to carefully remove the screws, and place them in one of your Ziploc bags or containers for safekeeping.

If the slats are not screwed in, you can gently lift them out of the frame and set them aside. Remember to label your storage bags with painter’s tape to know exactly where each screw and slat goes, making the reassembly process easier.

Step 4. Detach the Side Rails from the Headboard and Footboard:

Once the mattress support elements are removed, detach the side rails from the headboard and footboard. These parts are usually connected with bolts or screws. Utilizing your screwdriver or Allen wrench, start by unscrewing or unbolting one end, then proceed to the other.

It’s a good strategy to start with the footboard, as removing it first can offer better leverage when it comes to detaching the side rails from the headboard. Gently place each side rail aside once it’s free. Make sure to carefully store the screws or bolts in a labeled bag to ensure a hassle-free reassembly later on.

Step 5. Remove the Headboard and Footboard:

After the side rails have been successfully detached, the next step is to remove the headboard and footboard. This part of the process requires maneuvering, especially if your bed’s headboard or footboard is particularly large or heavy.

Carefully lift or slide them away from the bed’s main frame, avoiding damage to the bed pieces or your flooring. If they are attached with additional screws or bolts, make sure to remove these first and store them safely in your labeled bags or containers. This dismantling phase delivers a sense of accomplishment, as you will now see the main structure of your bed completely disassembled.

Step 6. Organize and Label All Dismantled Parts:

With all the major components of the bed disassembled, it’s crucial to organize and label each part to ensure a smooth reassembly process. Use painter’s tape or masking tape to label each piece and its corresponding location (e.g., “left side rail,” “headboard top”). Similarly, ensure all screws, bolts, and small parts are securely stored in Ziploc bags or containers, with clear labels indicating their original placement on the bed. This step minimizes confusion and makes it easier to put your Ikea bed back together, whether in a new location or after an upgrade.

Step 7. Clean Each Piece Before Storage or Transportation:

Now that your Ikea bed is fully disassembled take this opportunity to clean each piece before you store or transport them. Wipe down the headboard, footboard, side rails, and slats with a damp cloth to remove dust and any stains. For tougher stains or marks, consider using a mild cleaning solution or wood cleaner, depending on the material of your bed.

This step keeps your bed pieces in good condition and prepares them for a fresh setup, ensuring they look their best whether you’re reassembling them in a new place or passing them on to someone else.

Step 8. Ensure All Parts Are Accounted For:

Before moving on to storage or transportation, take a moment to ensure that all parts of your bed are accounted for. Check against your initial inventory of parts and tools to make sure everything is present and noticed.

This includes double-checking the screws, bolts, slats, and any small components that were disassembled. It’s also a good idea to cross-reference the labels you’ve placed on each part and storage bag. Ensuring everything is complete and properly accounted for now can save you a lot of trouble and frustration when it comes time to reassemble the bed in its new location or for its new owner.

Step 9. Pack for Transportation or Storage:

Once you have confirmed that all parts of the bed have been accounted for and properly labeled, the next step is to pack them securely for transportation or storage. Start by wrapping the larger pieces, like the headboard and footboard, in moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect them from scratches and damage. Use additional tape as needed to keep the wrapping in place, but avoid placing tape directly on the furniture to prevent damage to the finish.

For screws, bolts, and smaller components, ensure they’re sealed in their labeled bags, and consider placing these bags in a larger, clearly identified box or container. This preparation limits the risk of losing any parts during the move and helps ensure that reassembling your Ikea bed will be as straightforward as possible.

Step 10. Reassemble Your Ikea Bed at the New Location:

Begin the process of reassembling your Ikea bed by referencing the labels and organization you established during disassembly. It’s advisable to start by arranging the frame’s base—setting up the headboard and footboard in their respective positions. Following this, reconnect the side rails to the headboard and footboard, ensuring each bolt and screw is securely fastened. Once the frame is stable, reinsert the slats or support beams for the mattress.

Finally, place the mattress back onto the frame and add any additional components, such as end caps or decorative elements. This step, executed with patience and attention to detail, will ensure your Ikea bed is as sturdy and comfortable as it was before disassembly.

By following these ten simple steps, you can easily disassemble and reassemble your Ikea bed for transportation or storage.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Label Everything: Before you start dismantling your IKEA bed, it’s wise to label parts and screws as you go. You can use masking tape and a marker to do this. It’ll save you a lot of guesswork when it’s time to reassemble your bed.
Use the Right Tools: While IKEA furniture typically comes with the tools needed for assembly, using your own set of screwdrivers and a small hammer can make the disassembly process much smoother and quicker.
Photograph Each Step: Taking photos with your phone as you disassemble the bed can be a helpful guide for reassembly. This is especially useful for complex structures or if you plan to store the bed for a while before setting it up again.
Ask for Help: Some parts of the bed, like the headboard or slats, can be unwieldy and heavy. Having a second pair of hands not only makes the disassembly process safer but can also help you keep track of parts and tools.
Store Screws and Small Parts in Bags: Once removed, small parts like screws, bolts, and washers can easily get lost. Keep these items organized by storing them in small, zip-lock bags. Label each bag according to the bed part it corresponds to for hassle-free reassembly.

With these additional tips and tricks, disassembling your IKEA bed will be easier and more efficient.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Avoid Using Excessive Force: It can be tempting to use brute strength to dislodge stubborn parts, but applying too much force can damage the bed’s structure or the individual components. Always opt for gentle, measured movements.
Don’t Lose the Assembly Instructions: Keeping the original assembly instructions safe is crucial. They contain valuable information that will significantly aid in the reassembly of your bed. Losing them can make the process much more difficult.
Avoid Disassembling Alone if Possible: While it’s not always necessary to have help, trying to manage larger pieces by yourself can lead to accidents or damage. Enlist a friend or family member to assist you.
Don’t Mix Parts from Different Furniture: If you’re disassembling multiple pieces of furniture simultaneously, avoid mixing their parts. This can lead to confusion and difficulty during reassembly. Always keep the components of each item separate.
Avoid Rushing Through the Process: Taking apart your IKEA bed requires patience and attention to detail. Rushing can lead to mistakes, lost parts, or damage. Allocate enough time to the task to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll have a stress-free experience when disassembling your IKEA bed.

How Do You Take Apart a Bed Frame?

Disassembling a bed frame may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done efficiently. Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to take apart a bed frame:

Remove all bedding and mattresses from the bed frame.
Begin by taking off any attached headboard or footboard.
If your bed frame has slats, remove them one by one and set them aside.
Start at one corner of the frame and unscrew any bolts or screws that are holding it together. It may be helpful to label these pieces or take photos for reference during reassembly.
As you work your way around the frame, continue to unscrew all bolts and screws until the frame is fully disassembled.
Once all the pieces are separated, use a small hammer or mallet to gently tap out any stubborn connections that may be stuck together.
If you plan on storing the bed frame, make sure to wrap any sharp edges with padding or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transport.
Keep all screws and smaller parts organized in labeled bags for easy reassembly.
If you’re planning on moving the bed frame to a new location, consider using straps or ropes to secure larger pieces together for easier transportation.
When ready to reassemble the bed frame, simply follow these steps in reverse order, starting with connecting the main pieces and working your way toward adding the slats and smaller components.

By following these steps and using the tips and tricks mentioned above, you’ll be able to take apart your bed frame with ease.

What Type of Bed Frames Can You Disassemble?

Most bed frames can be disassembled as long as they are not attached to the headboard or footboard. This includes metal, wooden, and upholstered bed frames. However, some platform beds may be more challenging to take apart due to their integrated design.

If you’re unsure if your specific bed frame can be disassembled or if you’re having trouble with a particular step, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance. With proper precautions and techniques, disassembling your bed frame can be a simple and stress-free process.

So don’t hesitate to take apart your bed frame for easier transport, storage, or relocation.

Conclusion

Disassembling an IKEA bed may initially seem a complex task, filled with the potential for frustration and confusion. However, armed with the proper knowledge, tools, and a bit of patience, it becomes a manageable and even straightforward process. Remembering to label parts, use the right tools, take photographs, ask for assistance, and organize screws and small parts can transform what could be a chaotic experience into a smooth operation.

Equally, being mindful of what to avoid – such as using excessive force, losing instructions, mixing parts, and rushing the process – ensures the integrity of your furniture for future use. Whether you’re moving, making more space, or simply changing your room’s layout, the ability to efficiently disassemble your IKEA bed is an invaluable skill, proving that with the right approach, even seemingly complicated tasks can be handled with ease.

Hopefully, the article on how to take apart IKEA bed has equipped you with the necessary information and confidence to successfully disassemble your bed frame. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest on your newly disassembled and reassembled bed in no time!