ᐅ What is the best way to disassemble Ikea PAX wardrobes for moving?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to move soon and own several IKEA PAX wardrobe systems that I definitely want to take with me. Since these wardrobes are quite large and fairly complex in construction, I’m wondering what the best and most efficient way is to disassemble the PAX wardrobes to ensure safe transport without damage. Are there any specific tips or procedures you would recommend, especially regarding the removal of shelves, side panels, and fronts? How do you handle tasks like taking the doors off and disassembling the wardrobe frames – should everything be fully dismantled, or is it better to transport some parts intact? I would appreciate detailed advice, and if you know of any special tools or techniques that make this easier, please share. Also, any tips on managing fittings and screws to avoid losing them would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Hello mingu, I’m familiar with your issue regarding the PAX wardrobes and am happy to share some tried-and-tested tips. Before you start disassembling, you should remove all shelves, clothes rails, and drawers completely and pack them separately. This makes handling easier and protects the components from damage. Removing the doors is usually straightforward; with PAX wardrobes, it typically involves releasing the hinges, which can simply be clicked out. It is important to be very careful during this process to avoid damaging the doors. The wardrobe carcass can generally be safely taken apart into individual panels, but having a good Torx screwdriver is useful since Ikea often uses Torx screws. It’s best to note down where each fitting and screw belongs before disassembly – a simple organization system with labeled bags or boxes helps a lot. I also personally recommend taking photos of the wardrobe while it is still assembled to keep track during reassembly. Are you planning to disassemble the doors with glass panels? That requires extra care.

RON57 schrieb:
I personally also recommend taking photos of the wardrobe fully assembled to keep track during reassembly.

Good tip! To add to the previous post, I want to explain the procedure in more detail, as a PAX wardrobe can have some tricky points when disassembled. It is important to take it apart systematically, step by step.

- First: completely empty the wardrobe—whether clothes, boxes, or other items.
- Then remove all shelves, hanging rods, and drawers. Be sure to carefully detach the fittings for drawers and hanging rods.
- The next major point is the doors. Depending on the type (hinged doors, sliding doors, glass panels), removing them differs. Hinged and folding doors can usually be lifted off the hinges easily, while sliding doors require carefully removing the tracks.
- Disassembling the carcass is a bit more challenging: PAX wardrobes are held together with Minifix connectors and other fasteners. These can typically be removed with a Torx or Phillips screwdriver.

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Damage to the back panel: this is usually made of thin hardboard and can easily break if pulled apart together with the side panels.
- Avoid damaging the Minifix connectors and dowels: the pins break easily, making reassembly difficult.

I recommend completely removing the rear panel before separating the side panels. During disassembly, it often helps not to take the wardrobe apart completely from the top at once, but first release the back panel and then carefully separate the side walls.

Regarding tools: besides Torx screwdrivers, a rubber mallet (for gently tapping out dowels) and possibly a small flat-head screwdriver for prying can be useful.

How large are the wardrobes exactly, and which type of doors do you have installed? That can influence the method of disassembly.

Parbo schrieb:
What are the exact dimensions of the cabinets and which doors did you install? That can affect the disassembly method.

It’s really important to consider that! I once had several PAX cabinets with sliding doors – dismantling the tracks was a bit challenging at first, but with patience and the right sequence, it worked out great.

From my experience, I can also say:

- Once you’ve removed the doors, be sure to collect the fittings and screws in small bags. This will save you a lot of time during reassembly!

- It’s best to use screw magnets or small containers to avoid losing anything.

- When moving, I always transported the side panels upright to prevent warping.

- And very important: Take your time when disassembling, especially if you want to avoid damaging the cabinets. With a bit of practice, it becomes very quick!

Good luck, you can do it!