ᐅ How easy is it to disassemble Ikea Brimnes furniture when moving?

Hello everyone, I am planning a move soon and I own some Ikea Brimnes furniture, mainly wardrobes and dressers. I would like to know how easy it is to disassemble this furniture. Specifically, it is important for me to find out whether common household tools are sufficient, how time-consuming the disassembly process is, if there are any particularly delicate parts to watch out for, and whether reassembling the furniture at the new location is similarly easy or more complicated. Has anyone had experience with taking down and handling this furniture during a move? Thanks in advance for any tips or experiences!

finan54 schrieb:
I’m curious about how easy it is to disassemble this furniture.

Well, I can only say that Ikea usually makes it pretty straightforward – Brimnes is no exception in that regard. You generally only need a Phillips screwdriver and possibly an Allen key, which is usually included in the package.

The good thing is that the furniture is modular, meaning the parts can usually be taken apart quite easily without having to become a furniture assembly expert. A bit of patience helps though, especially to avoid over-tightening the screws.

I think it’s important to keep the screws and small parts well organized when taking it apart, ideally putting them into labeled bags right away – otherwise you’ll spend ages searching for them when reassembling.

Oh, and don’t worry, it’s much easier than you might think – so don’t be discouraged!

The Ikea Brimnes series is designed for easy assembly, which also applies to disassembly. Tools: A Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient; some models have screws that require a hex key (Allen wrench), for which an appropriate hex key is recommended.

Procedure:
- Remove cover caps and back panels,
- Loosen the screws at the joints,
- Carefully separate the boards.

Special attention should be paid to the wooden dowels, which should remain undamaged during disassembly, as they are essential for stability when rebuilding. A systematic approach and documenting the sequence will help avoid problems during reassembly.

For transportation, it is recommended to wrap the individual parts in protective film to prevent surface damage.

KAULIS schrieb:
The Ikea Brimnes series is designed for easy assembly, which also applies to disassembly.

That is correct. I have taken apart and reassembled various Brimnes cabinets multiple times. My recommendations for a smooth disassembly:

- Be sure to take a photo of each side before disassembly, which is also very helpful for reassembly later.
- If possible, have the assembly instructions on hand or download them as a PDF from the internet.

Step by step:
1. Empty the cabinet completely – disassembling loaded furniture is more difficult and increases the risk of damaging the shelves.
2. Open the drawers and remove them. They are often secured with simple snap clips, so avoid using force.
3. Then remove the back panel – on Brimnes units this is usually attached with staples or small screws. Be careful, the back panel is typically thin and can break easily.
4. Next, loosen the screws in the connectors. Exercise caution to avoid pulling the adjacent panels apart. Loosen the screws without turning them if you feel strong resistance; if necessary, apply some lubricant.

Common pitfalls:
- Over-tightening or damaging screws,
- Breaking wooden dowels,
- Tearing the back panel.

I recommend doing the disassembly with at least one helper, especially for larger models. When reassembling, follow the same steps in reverse order, but do not overtighten the screws to protect the material.

Which type of cabinet do you have exactly? Dressers or large wardrobes? The effort varies somewhat.

kulau schrieb:
Which type of wardrobe exactly do you have? Dressers or large wardrobes? The effort involved varies somewhat.

Thanks for the detailed response! Mainly, there are two 3-door Brimnes wardrobes and two smaller dressers with drawers. So, more of the varied pieces from the series. The wardrobes are fully packed with the usual clothing, so you’re probably right that I should completely empty them beforehand. From your experience, is there any issue with the larger wardrobes having panels that are too heavy to handle during disassembly? Or is the material constructed so that the parts can be held securely? I’m a bit concerned about stability when carrying them.

The panels are not extremely heavy but bulky. It is best to disassemble and carry them with two people. The material (particleboard) is sturdy, but avoid stress from twisting or impacts while carrying.