Do Movers Take Apart Furniture? And Why Do Cats Always Sit on the Boxes?

Moving to a new home is an exciting yet daunting experience. One of the most common questions people have when preparing for a move is whether professional movers will take apart their furniture. The answer, like many things in life, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on various factors, including the type of furniture, the moving company’s policies, and the specific needs of the customer. But let’s dive deeper into this topic, and while we’re at it, let’s explore why cats seem to have an inexplicable obsession with sitting on moving boxes.

Do Movers Take Apart Furniture?

The short answer is: sometimes. Professional movers are generally equipped to handle a wide range of furniture, from simple chairs to complex modular sofas. However, whether they will disassemble your furniture depends on several factors:

Type of Furniture: Some furniture pieces are designed to be easily disassembled, such as bed frames, dining tables, and modular shelving units. Movers are more likely to take apart these items to make them easier to transport. On the other hand, solid wood furniture or antique pieces that are not meant to be disassembled may be moved as-is.
Moving Company Policies: Different moving companies have different policies regarding furniture disassembly. Some companies include disassembly and reassembly as part of their standard services, while others may charge extra for this service. It’s important to clarify this with your chosen moving company before the move.
Customer Preferences: Some customers prefer to disassemble their furniture themselves, either to save money or because they have specific instructions for how it should be done. In such cases, movers will typically respect the customer’s wishes and move the furniture as it is.
Time Constraints: In some situations, time may be a limiting factor. If the move needs to be completed quickly, movers may opt to move larger pieces of furniture without disassembling them, especially if doing so would significantly delay the process.
Safety Concerns: Movers are trained to handle furniture in a way that minimizes the risk of damage to both the furniture and the surrounding environment. If disassembling a piece of furniture would pose a safety risk, movers may choose to move it intact.

Why Do Cats Always Sit on the Boxes?

Now, let’s address the feline elephant in the room: why do cats love sitting on moving boxes? This behavior is not just a quirky coincidence; it’s rooted in feline psychology and biology.

Territorial Instincts: Cats are territorial animals, and they often view moving boxes as new additions to their domain. By sitting on a box, a cat is essentially claiming it as their own. This behavior is especially common in multi-cat households, where each cat may try to assert dominance over the new “territory.”
Height Advantage: Cats are natural climbers and enjoy being in high places where they can observe their surroundings. Moving boxes, especially when stacked, provide an elevated vantage point that allows cats to keep an eye on their environment. This height advantage also makes them feel safer, as they can quickly escape if they sense danger.
Comfort and Warmth: Cardboard boxes provide a cozy, enclosed space that cats find comforting. The material retains heat, making it a warm and inviting spot for a nap. Additionally, the confined space of a box can make a cat feel secure, much like a den would in the wild.
Curiosity: Cats are naturally curious creatures, and moving boxes represent something new and intriguing in their environment. The unfamiliar scent, texture, and shape of the boxes can pique a cat’s interest, prompting them to investigate and, ultimately, sit on them.
Stress Relief: Moving can be a stressful experience for both humans and pets. For cats, sitting on a box may be a way to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with a change in environment. The act of sitting on a box can provide a sense of stability and control in an otherwise chaotic situation.

The Intersection of Moving and Feline Behavior

Interestingly, the behaviors of movers and cats during a move can sometimes intersect. For example, a mover might be in the process of disassembling a piece of furniture, only to find a cat perched on top of it, refusing to budge. In such cases, patience and gentle persuasion are key. Movers who are also cat lovers might even take a moment to appreciate the feline’s antics before carefully relocating the cat and proceeding with the task at hand.

Moreover, the presence of cats can sometimes influence how movers approach their work. Knowing that a cat is nearby, movers may take extra care to ensure that furniture is disassembled and moved safely, minimizing the risk of startling or harming the pet. Some movers might even go the extra mile to create a safe space for the cat during the move, such as setting up a quiet room with the cat’s favorite toys and bedding.

Conclusion

In summary, whether movers take apart furniture depends on a variety of factors, including the type of furniture, the moving company’s policies, and the customer’s preferences. Meanwhile, cats’ fascination with sitting on moving boxes can be attributed to their territorial instincts, love of height, comfort-seeking behavior, curiosity, and stress relief. Both movers and cats play unique roles in the moving process, and understanding their behaviors can help make the transition to a new home smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Q: Will movers disassemble my IKEA furniture? A: Most movers are familiar with IKEA furniture and are willing to disassemble it, as it is designed to be easily taken apart. However, it’s always best to confirm this with your moving company beforehand.

Q: Should I disassemble my furniture before the movers arrive? A: If you’re comfortable doing so and have the necessary tools, disassembling your furniture beforehand can save time. However, if you’re unsure or lack the tools, it’s better to leave it to the professionals.

Q: How can I keep my cat calm during a move? A: To keep your cat calm during a move, consider setting up a quiet room with their favorite toys, bedding, and litter box. You can also use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers to help reduce their anxiety.

Q: Do movers charge extra for disassembling furniture? A: Some moving companies include disassembly and reassembly in their standard services, while others may charge an additional fee. Be sure to ask about this when getting a quote.

Q: Why does my cat sit on my suitcase when I’m packing? A: Cats often sit on suitcases or other items being packed because they sense that something is changing in their environment. This behavior can be a way for them to assert control or seek comfort during a potentially stressful time.