Furniture assembly costs follow the hourly rate of CHF 80–120 and the time each piece needs – not flat per-item prices. This guide explains assembly and dismantling within a move, compares DIY and professional work, and covers wall fixing and damage risks.
What does furniture assembly include?
Furniture assembly covers proper assembly and dismantling – typically wardrobes, beds, shelving, chests of drawers and tables. Before the move, large pieces are taken apart so they fit through stairwells and lifts; at the new address they are rebuilt, aligned and often wall-fixed or fitted with anti-tip devices.
- Pre-move dismantling: screws, fittings and small parts sorted and labelled.
- Assembly at destination: build according to plan or manufacturer instructions.
- Wall fixing and anti-tip protection on tall units – especially in homes with children.
- Optional: packaging disposal and a quick function check (doors, drawers).
Professional furniture assembly saves time and lowers the risk of damage to furniture and walls. For moving individual pieces only, the guide Furniture transport costs is the better complement.
Furniture assembly costs: hourly rate and typical effort
At Koray Umzug, furniture assembly and dismantling typically sit at CHF 80–120 per hour – the same orientation as in the moving company costs guide. Instead of flat per-piece prices, hours per furniture type are the realistic planning aid: the more complex the fittings, height and wall fixing, the longer the job takes.
Orientation: typical time and cost band (CHF 80–120/h)
| Furniture type / service | Typical effort | Guide cost (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple shelf / chest of drawers | ca. 0.5–1 hr | ca. 40–120 |
| Bed (incl. slatted base) | ca. 1–2 hr | ca. 80–240 |
| Wardrobe / PAX system | ca. 2–4 hr | ca. 160–480 |
| Dismantling + assembly of one wardrobe | ca. 3–6 hr | ca. 240–720 |
| Built-in kitchen | → separate guide | much higher, quote separately |
Guide costs derive from the hourly rate of CHF 80–120 and typical time spans. Access, missing parts, out-of-square walls or anti-tip work can increase effort. A quote after inspection or photos is always what makes the price binding.
You will find the hourly band alongside other add-ons in Moving company costs. For built-in kitchens, see Kitchen moving costs – effort there is clearly higher than for freestanding furniture.
Dismantling and assembly in the move timeline
Ideally, large furniture is dismantled well before moving day – not only when the crew and truck are at the door. Many moving firms offer dismantling and assembly as an add-on; clarify in the quote what is included and what you handle yourself.
- Before the move: dismantle wardrobes and beds, label small parts and keep them in bags on the piece.
- Moving day: transport parts with protective materials.
- At destination: assembly, alignment, wall fixing where needed.
- Wrap-up: quick function check and disposal of packaging.
If you are packing boxes in parallel, see Packing moving boxes.
DIY assembly vs professional
Assembling yourself saves the hourly rate – but costs time, nerves and often replacement parts when screws go missing or walls get damaged. Tall units without anti-tip protection and the wrong tools are the most common DIY pitfalls.
When DIY is still realistic
- Few simple pieces with clear instructions.
- Enough time and suitable tools on hand.
- No critical wall fixing required.
When a pro makes more sense
- Many wardrobes or system furniture on moving day.
- Tall furniture with anti-tip protection and drilling.
- Time pressure or little experience with dismantling.
- Valuable or complex furniture where damage would be costly.
Damage and warranty – what to check
Reputable providers document condition before and after assembly and clarify in the quote what applies for transport or assembly damage. This is not legal advice: read the contract terms and report visible defects at handover if possible.
- Keep photos before dismantling and after assembly.
- Report missing screws or fittings before reassembly.
- Note wall damage and drill holes in the handover record.
- Clarify whether materials (plugs, rails) are included in the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does furniture assembly cost per hour?
At Koray Umzug the orientation for furniture assembly and dismantling is CHF 80–120 per hour. Total price depends on time on site – a simple shelf often needs under an hour, a large wardrobe several hours.
What does assembling a wardrobe cost?
A wardrobe or PAX system typically needs ca. 2–4 hours – roughly CHF 160–480 at CHF 80–120/h. Dismantling plus assembly at the new address can run ca. 3–6 hours (ca. CHF 240–720). Photos and exact dimensions make the quote binding.
Does the moving company handle dismantling and assembly?
Often yes – as an add-on. Check in the quote which furniture is included and whether wall fixing is part of the job. Anything not agreed must be sorted on moving day and usually costs more.
Do tall wardrobes need anti-tip protection?
For tall or freestanding wardrobes, wall fixing makes sense for safety – especially with children at home. Many pros offer anti-tip work as part of assembly; materials and drilling should appear in the quote.
Is kitchen assembly different from normal furniture assembly?
Yes. Built-in kitchens with connections and fit-out work are much more involved and are quoted separately. See the guide Kitchen moving costs; hourly rates for plain furniture assembly are only a rough building block there.