ᐅ Disassembling a Billy Shelf for Moving: What Should I Keep in Mind?

Hello everyone,

I will be moving soon and have an Ikea Billy bookcase that I would like to disassemble for safe transport. I am wondering: what should I pay special attention to when taking apart the Billy bookcase during the move?

Specifically, I am interested in how to best dismantle the individual parts, which screws should be removed first, whether I can take off the back panel or if it’s better to keep it attached, and how to reassemble the bookcase later without losing stability.

If anyone has experience with disassembling and transporting Billy bookcases, especially older models, I would be very grateful for helpful tips and advice on what to watch out for to avoid damaging the bookcase during the move.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Lomau schrieb:
Which screws should be removed first, whether I can take off the back panel or if it’s better to leave it on

These are the most important questions for me! I was once afraid of damaging the Billy bookshelf myself because I thought the back panel absolutely had to stay in place. In fact, removing the back panel helps a lot since it is usually only fixed with nails, making the shelf more flexible.

Make sure to remove screws and dowels systematically—it's best to note the order or take photos so you don’t mix anything up later. If you remove the back panel, be careful when pulling out the nails—using a small lever tool works best to avoid damaging the wood.

I also found it helpful to take out the shelves individually before loosening the side panels. This makes the unit lighter and reduces the risk of splitting the wood at a corner.

Don’t stress—this worked for me, and I was able to reassemble everything without any problems.

Hello Lomau,

I would like to add that although the Billy shelf is relatively simple in construction, there are a few small details you definitely should not overlook when taking it apart.

The back panel is often only fixed with thin nails, but these greatly stabilize the shelf during assembly. So when it’s removed, be sure to secure the other parts well during transport to prevent shifting and warping of the frame.

I also recommend keeping all screws and connecting parts like dowels together in a small bag labeled with a note or tape. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose track of which piece belongs where.

When unscrewing, it’s best to start with the shelves, then the side and back panels, and finally the connecting elements. This way you avoid parts breaking under their own weight or the wood coming under stress.

If you have an older model: some Billy shelves have additional metal brackets or fasteners that aren’t always obvious. So check carefully before forcing anything apart.

For reassembly: arrange the parts sorted and labeled, and secure the side panels firmly before inserting the shelves. This will keep the shelf stable.

If you want, I can put together a small checklist for you.

Always remove the back panel first, carefully pry out the nails using a small lever.

Number the screws and remove them in order.

Remove the shelves first, then loosen the side panels.

If possible, transport the shelving unit lying flat.

klo61 schrieb:
Lay out the parts sorted and labeled, and firmly screw the side panels in place before inserting the shelves.

Great tip! It really saves a lot of stress, especially if you don’t have a tradesperson around later. 😅

I would also recommend marking the individual boards discreetly with a felt-tip pen when dismantling, for example, “S1” on the top left back corner. That way, it’s easier to find the correct order when reassembling.

And very important: Don’t use too much force when unscrewing! A bit of patience and care often makes all the difference; otherwise, you risk damaging the wood.

Oh, and if you’re moving like I did with friends: Don’t rely on everyone handling the boards carefully. It’s best to wrap everything in blankets or bubble wrap—that offers the most protection. Good luck and stay calm – you’ll manage! 🙂