Moving an IKEA KURA Bed? How to Take It Apart, Move It and Rebuild It

Moving house with kids usually means moving a kids’ bed, and the IKEA KURA is one of the most popular ones in London, Ontario homes. We recently took one apart, moved it to a family’s new home and rebuilt it. Here is what we learned, plus tips to help your KURA move go smoothly whether you do it yourself or book help.

1. Take photos before you touch a single screw

The KURA is reversible, so it can look very different depending on how it was set up. Take a few photos from different angles before you start. They make rebuilding much faster, especially if you want the same setup in the new room.

2. Bag and label the hardware

Put the bolts, barrel nuts and dowels from each section into their own zip bag and write on it (for example “ladder” or “guard rail”). Tape the bags to the matching panel. Lost hardware is the number one reason a quick rebuild turns into a trip to the store.

3. Take it apart in the reverse order

Remove the slatted base first, then the guard rails and ladder, then the side panels and end frames. The slats roll up, which makes them easy to carry. Keep long rails together so nothing gets bent in the truck.

4. Protect the white panels

The KURA’s white fibreboard panels scratch and chip easily at the corners. Wrap them in a moving blanket or cardboard and keep them standing on their long edge during the move.

5. Decide: low bed or loft bed?

The same parts build two different beds. Flipped one way it is a low bed close to the floor. Flipped the other way it becomes a loft bed with space underneath for play, a reading nook or storage. On our recent job we rebuilt it as a low bed first, then flipped it to the loft position so the family could see both.

If you choose the loft position, check the age and safety guidance in IKEA’s instructions for your child, make sure the guard rails are fully installed, and use a mattress no thicker than the instructions allow so the guard rail still does its job.

6. Check everything is tight and level

Once it is built, give the bed a firm shake. It should not rock or creak. Re-tighten the bolts after the first couple of weeks, because wood settles, especially after a move.

Want us to handle it?

Triple Home Service takes beds apart, moves them and rebuilds them across London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Strathroy and nearby. See more real photos on our projects page, learn about our bed frame assembly and moving help, or call (416) 825-7672 for a free quote.