How to Tackle Tough Moves: Tips for Dismantling Bulky Items Like Pool Tables

Ever try to move something big by yourself? Like a pool table?

Yeah… It’s not as easy as it looks in the movies. One minute you’ve got an idea; the next, you’re stuck halfway through, under a slate board, trying not to panic.

That’s why planning matters. And today, we’re going to walk through tips that make a difference. Especially when you’re dismantling a pool table—or anything else that’s heavy, awkward, or expensive to mess up.

When Bigger Means Complicated

I’ll never forget the time we tried to move a pool table ourselves.

We said, “Let’s just lift it.”

Famous last words.

The table didn’t just weigh a lot. It had hidden complications—slate surfaces that crack under pressure, felt that can tear, and parts that don’t snap back as easily as they came apart.

So instead of hauling it in one piece, we stepped back. Unbolted. Labelled. Loaded.

And guess what? In the end, it played just as well—maybe even better.

Step-by-Step: Dismantling Made Simpler

Here’s a more straightforward way to break it down:

Label everything – Keep hardware in zip bags. Label them “rail screws” or “leg bolts.” Trust me, you’ll want this later.

Snap photos as you go – Helps with putting it back together (and keeps you sane).

Take off the felt carefully – Peeling, not tearing.

Move the slate with two or three people – It’s heavy. Slippery. Breakable.

Pack bright – Blankets, straps, soft cushioning. Treat each piece as if it were fragile.

If you’re tackling a high-quality table, or one you’ve had for a long time, check out the step-by-step guidance on dismantling a pool table. It’s exactly what would’ve helped us avoid the little disasters we encountered.

A Quick Pitfall: Don’t Skip the Documentation

When you see a pile of nuts, bolts, and furry pieces all over the floor, something in your head probably says, “I’ll remember.”

But you won’t.

Please take a minute to bag it up, snap a photo or two, and note where you got it from. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to assemble.

For real.

Pro or DIY? Here’s When to Call in Help

If your table’s worth is high—sentimental, antique, or built like a brick fortress—do yourself a favour…

Call an expert.

Pros come in with straps, padding, tools—and peace of mind. No scratched slats, no forgotten screws, no regretting that late-night DIY decision.

Bottom Line

Moving oversized items doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

With a bit of prep, patience, and a brilliant plan, you can avoid cracks, scratches, and that sinking feeling when you realise you’ve lost a critical bolt.

So if you’re planning a big move, don’t skip the planning phase. Take your time dismantling things—starting with a well-labelled kit, good photos, and patience.

Dismantle carefully. Move confidently. Set up with ease.—Done.