ᐅ How do I secure MALM furniture during moves?

Created on: 10 Oct 2019 08:53
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Edmundru
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Edmundru
10 Oct 2019 08:53
Hello everyone,

I am planning to move soon and own several MALM furniture pieces from IKEA, mainly dressers and bedside tables. Since I’ve read that assembling some parts can be quite tricky, I’d like to ask specifically: What is the best way to secure MALM furniture during moves to avoid damage while ensuring safe handling?

I am especially interested in tips for disassembly, safe transport, and how to ideally reassemble the furniture so that it does not become wobbly or unstable. Are there any tools or accessories that have proven particularly useful?

I look forward to your experiences and advice!
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diManuela
10 Oct 2019 09:37
Hello Edmundru,

first of all, it’s great that you are thinking ahead! MALM furniture is generally modular, which makes disassembly easier. My tip is to remove all drawers first to reduce weight and avoid damage. Then carefully loosen the back panel with a screwdriver or cordless drill. The back panel usually stabilizes the piece of furniture, so always handle it with care.

For transportation, it is recommended to wrap all components well with blankets or bubble wrap, especially since the surfaces are sensitive. Collect screws and small parts in labeled bags to prevent losing anything.

For reassembly, it’s best to use the original assembly instructions. If you no longer have them, you can usually download them from the IKEA website. Follow the assembly manual precisely to maintain stability.

If you want, I can also share special tips for handling the carcass and the connecting fittings.
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reni45
10 Oct 2019 10:12
Simply loosen all the screws, remove the back panel, and carefully cushion all parts. Take out the drawers to prevent damage.
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Wyatt
10 Oct 2019 11:44
Hello Edmundru,

I want to give you a more detailed guide on how to securely prepare MALM furniture for moving:

1. Preparation:
Remove all drawers and shelves. Take a photo or a short video to document the position of all screws – this will be very helpful later.

2. Disassembly:
Carefully loosen all visible screws using the appropriate Allen key or screwdriver without damaging them. Remove the back panel last, as it provides stability to the furniture.

3. Packaging:
Place the furniture parts upright on a hand truck or dolly to prevent warping. Wrap the side panels with blankets or bubble wrap, but avoid covering the screws too much so you can easily find them again.

4. Securing for transport:
To minimize movement, you can secure the furniture with sturdy straps or tie-down straps. This will reduce stress on the screw connections.

5. Reassembly:
Start with the main carcass by attaching the side panels first, then the back panel. Tighten all screws carefully but not too tightly to avoid damaging the material.

One important note: pay special attention to the so-called “dowels” in the MALM dressers; they must not be damaged during assembly, as this significantly affects stability.

Do you have any specific questions about particular pieces of furniture?
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gasidney
10 Oct 2019 12:01
Always remove the back panel last; otherwise, the unit can become unstable quickly. Take out the drawers and pack the parts carefully.
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diManuela
10 Oct 2019 13:18
gasidney schrieb:
Always install the back panel last,

Absolutely correct, because otherwise the back panel prevents twisting and keeps the furniture stable.

Additionally, I recommend not putting small screws into large bags, but rather sorting them by each side panel. This helps avoid confusion during reassembly.

Also, with MALM furniture, you should pay attention to how the plastic connectors fit, as many parts can be damaged if too much force is applied. I always pack the installed fittings into small bags before transport and label them with numbers.