How to move or take apart a standing desk

Before you start

Lower the desk to its lowest position, then unplug the control box from the wall. Remove monitors, laptops and everything else from the top, including clamp-on arms and trays if you are taking the desk apart. Photograph the underside so you remember where the control box, handset and cable clips go.

• Allen keys and screwdriver for your frame
• Bags and labels for bolts
• Blankets or moving pads
• Stretch wrap or tape for cables
• A helper

Moving it within a room or house

For a short move, keep the desk assembled. With two people, lift by the frame cross bar or the legs, not the edges of the top, and carry it. Do not drag the desk on its feet, as this can bend the feet or put side load on the legs.

Check doorways first. Most desks will not fit through a door upright at full width, but can be tilted on end with care. Keep the legs at their lowest so they are fully telescoped and less likely to bend.

Note:Lift with two people. Standing desks are often heavier than they look because of the steel frame and motors.

Taking it apart for a house move

Lay the desk upside down on blankets with a helper. Unclip the cables, then remove the control box and handset and bag them together with their screws. Unscrew the frame from the top. Remove the feet, then the legs from the cross bar, as described in the manual.

1. 1

   Lower fully and unplug

2. 2

   Lay the desk upside down on blankets

3. 3

   Unclip cables and remove control box and handset

4. 4

   Unscrew the frame from the top

5. 5

   Remove feet and legs from the cross bar

6. 6

   Bag and label bolts for each part

7. 7

   Wrap legs and top separately

Protecting each part

Wrap the top in blankets with corner protectors. Keep the legs together and wrap them so the motor housings at the top are not knocked. Coil the motor cables loosely and tape them to their legs. Keep the control box, handset, power lead and their screws in one bag.

Reassembly

Reassemble in reverse order, following your manual. Plug every motor cable into the right socket on the control box. Many frames label them M1 and M2. Fix the frame to the top using the same holes, and check screws are not longer than the top's thickness.

Turn the desk upright with a helper and plug it in. Most desks need a reset after being disconnected. Our reset guide covers common procedures, and our error codes guide helps if a code appears.

Storing a desk between homes

If the desk will be in storage for a while, keep it somewhere dry. Moisture can affect the control box and the motor connectors, and a solid wood top can warp in a damp garage. Store the top flat or on its long edge, supported along its length, rather than leaning at an angle.

Keep the manual with the parts, or save a copy from the maker's website, along with the frame model number. That makes reassembly and finding spare parts much easier later. Note your saved preset heights too, as most desks lose them after a reset.

If something does not work after the move

Check the motor cables are fully pushed in and in the right sockets, and that the handset cable is seated. Run a reset. If one leg moves and the other does not, a cable may have been damaged; our not working guide covers checks. If the frame was damaged, our electric standing desks guide compares replacements.

Compare standing desks →

Frequently asked questions

Can you disassemble a standing desk? Yes. Most come apart with the tools supplied. Keep the electronics and bolts together for reassembly.

Can you move a standing desk without taking it apart? For short distances, yes, with two people lifting by the frame. Lower it fully first.

Do I need to reset my desk after moving? Usually. Most desks need a reset after being unplugged or having cables disconnected.

Is it safe to tip a standing desk on its side? With care and two people. Avoid putting weight on the control box or handset.