How to Disassemble the Head & Foot Board From a Bed

Remove pillows and all bedding and fold them up carefully. Set them aside or pack them so you can easily remake the bed when it gets to its new location. Wash the bedding first if necessary.

Remove the mattress and box spring. If the bed is any larger than a twin-size, you will need extra help to lift and carry them from the room. If the bed is constructed of under-mattress slats, remove them also and set them aside.

Examine the type of bed construction. There are two main types of bed construction. One style utilizes ball and joint mechanics. This type of bed is mostly found in antique bed construction and is the more sturdy and long-lasting of the two. Although this type looks complicated, it is actually simple to maneuver. The other type is the modern style of bed construction that "hooks" the sides of the bed frame into the inside legs of the headboard and footboard. Both styles may require the use of slats that support the box spring and both use the same upward push technique to disassemble.

Take a medium-size rubber mallet and gently tap the bottom of one of the side rails closest to the footboard. With just a few taps, it should loosen and then release itself from the footboard. Repeat the process on the other side of the bed. Hold the footboard steady and then lower gently to the floor. Keep both side rails even to continue to balance the bed rails with the headboard.

Lower the released sides at the end of the bed to the floor. Gently tap the bottom side of the rail close to the headboard with the rubber mallet until it, too, is released. Lower the rail to the floor. Repeat the process on the other side of the headboard. Lower the rail to the floor as the headboard is held steady to keep it from falling forward. Pick up the side rails and set them aside. Ask for help with carrying the headboard and footboard as they, too, are stored or loaded into the moving van.