If you are moving for the very first time, or for the first time on your own, something important for you to consider would be how to properly disassemble and then assemble all your furniture. Don't panic, and arm yourself with a good toolkit and the following practical advice.

1. Equip properly
Before the beginning of your removal, you have to prepare for the upcoming task. Find a good toolkit, or if you cannot get one, you need to search for the tools separately. In that case you will need at least five good flathead screwdrivers of different sizes (it's even better if they are magnetic), as well as another five crosshead (Phillips) screwdrivers; one or two pairs of pliers; several wrenches; and possibly a set of hex keys. Other tools to have are a a tape-measure, a level and a hammer (just in case).

2. Don't disassemble unless necessary
First and foremost, take a measuring tape and write down the exact height and width of the cargo space of the moving van or moving lorry that you will use. Then measure every piece of furniture you want to transport with that vehicle. You don't have to disassemble everything entirely, but just the parts that don't fit into the cargo space.

3. Remove the moving parts
Start doing the piece of furniture by piece. Pick the item of furniture you want to start with. Remove all shelves, sliding panels, drawers and other moving parts.

4. Secure the doors and lids
Unless you have to disassemble a big cabinet or a desk or a dresser entirely, which rarely is the case, you should leave the doors, lids and drawers inside the piece of furniture. But you have to keep the doors and drawers from getting opened and closed on their own during the move. This is why you have to take a roll of wide tape and fasten all those doors and drawers closed.

5. Unscrew handles and knobs
Take your time and unscrew every handle, grip, knob or other protruding part.

6. Start disassembling top to bottom
Now start removing every panel and board one by one. Unscrew each screw and nut, remove them all, and then put them aside (but keep them together). Continue until you have reached the necessary height or width. It's a really good idea, even if you are sure you know what you are doing, to have someone by your side to take digital pictures of everything you do.

7. Tag and number every piece
Use sticky labels and markers to tag and number every piece. On the tag write which item of furniture this particular piece belongs to, and what it is exactly - for example middle shelf, right door, back board and so on - and number every piece in the order in which you remove them. When assembling, you should just start working in the reverse order.

8. Put all screws and nuts together
Carefully put all screws, handles, grips and other tiny parts belonging to a particular piece of furniture in a plastic bag and close it tight. Don't forget to also label it, and to not leave it behind!

Now move on to the next piece of furniture until you are done disassembling. Gather your tools and prepare for the assembling later on moving day!