The IKEA PAX wardrobe is the ultimate storage solution. But when it's time to move, this dream wardrobe often turns into a logistical nightmare. With dimensions up to 236 cm high and 100 cm wide, it barely fits through stairwells or in standard moving vans.
Moreover, the wardrobe is made of chipboard. This material is incredibly strong once it is standing, but very fragile during transport or dismantling. What is the best approach: moving the wardrobe in its entirety, or taking it completely apart?
Option 1: Moving the PAX Wardrobe in One Piece
If you are moving from a ground floor to another ground floor (or have a large moving lift and French windows), moving a wardrobe element (base element) in its entirety is very attractive. After all, it saves hours of tinkering.
However, you must extensively 'strip' the wardrobe:
- Remove the doors: Doors (especially mirror doors) are extremely heavy. The center of gravity of the wardrobe lies too far forward with doors. Remove the hinges and lay the doors flat in the moving van (protected by blankets).
- Remove all drawers and shelves: Do not leave any shelves or Komplement interior parts in the wardrobe. During lifting, the frame can twist (bend) slightly. This can cause drawer runners to tear out or shelves to fall out and seriously damage the inside of the chipboard.
- Transport the empty 'skeleton': You are now left with a light, empty base element. Make sure you leave the back panel in place. The thin back panel keeps the wardrobe square. Without the back panel, the wardrobe will collapse like a plum pudding when you pick it up.
- Lifting: Lift the wardrobe with two people, preferably with moving straps. Do not drag it across the street; the corners of the chipboard will break off immediately.
Option 2: Completely Dismantling the PAX Wardrobe
Does the wardrobe have to go down a spiral staircase? Then there is no other option than to completely dismantle the wardrobe. Extreme caution is required here. Taking an IKEA wardrobe apart is riskier than putting it together.
Step-by-Step Dismantling
- Label everything: Use painter's tape and a marker to label each part (e.g., "Bottom Cabinet 1", "Side Wall Left 2"). Keep all screws and bolts in resealable freezer bags and tape them to the corresponding wall.
- Remove shelves and doors: Just like in option 1.
- Carefully remove the back panel: This is the trickiest part. The back panel is nailed in. Try to carefully pry the nails out with small pliers or the back of a claw hammer. If you pull too hard, you will tear open the chipboard of the side walls and the back panel will have no grip during assembly.
- Lay the wardrobe down: Remove the wardrobe from the wall (remove the wall anchors). Lay the wardrobe flat on its back on the floor (preferably on a rug).
- Remove cams and screws: Loosen the round fasteners (cams) on the inside (a half turn) and carefully slide the top and bottom panels out of the long side panels. Watch out for the wooden dowels; do not break them off.
The Risk of Chipboard
The biggest risk during dismantling is that the holes in the chipboard become 'loose' or tear out. IKEA furniture is designed to be put together firmly once. If you take the screws out and screw them back in later, they often have less grip (especially the screws of drawer runners or hinges).
Tip for assembly after moving: Use a little wood glue in the holes of the dowels and possibly small drops in the loosened screw holes (let dry before you screw it in) to regain sturdiness.
Overview: In One Piece or Dismantle?
| Situation | Best approach |
|---|---|
| Ground floor to ground floor, large lift | Move in one piece (stripped) |
| Spiral staircase or narrow stairwell | Completely dismantle |
| Long distance / moving van | Dismantle for safety |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I move a PAX wardrobe in one piece?
Yes, if you are moving from a ground floor to another ground floor (or have a large moving lift and French windows). You must extensively strip the wardrobe: remove the doors, all drawers and shelves, and leave the back panel in place to keep the wardrobe square. Lift with two people and moving straps.
Why must I remove the doors and drawers when moving?
Doors (especially mirror doors) are extremely heavy and shift the center of gravity forward. During lifting, the frame can twist slightly, causing drawer runners to tear out or shelves to fall out and seriously damage the chipboard.
How do I prevent damage to the chipboard when dismantling?
Label every part, keep all screws in resealable bags, carefully pry the nails out of the back panel, and lay the wardrobe flat on its back before loosening the cams. Use a little wood glue in the holes of the dowels when reassembling to regain sturdiness.
Prevent Moving Stress
Don't have the time or energy to expertly dismantle a complete wardrobe wall and build it up level (and anchored to the wall) in your new home?
Leave the assembly in your new home to professionals! The experts at Montage Vandaag can quickly and safely assemble and adjust dismantled PAX wardrobes for you in your new home. Request a free quote and enjoy a stress-free move.