How to Label and Store Screws and Parts for Reassembly | Moving Made Easy

Why Labelling and Storage Matter

Even the most careful mover can lose small components. Furniture fittings are tiny, often identical, and get mixed up fast.

Here’s why proper labelling matters:

• Prevents losing vital screws or bolts.
• Saves time during reassembly.
• Keeps parts from different furniture items separate.
• Ensures safety — using the wrong screws can weaken joints.

Pro Tip: Start organising as you disassemble each piece of furniture — not afterwards. It’s easier to track everything while it’s still fresh.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple tools and supplies before you begin:

Item	Purpose
Zip-lock bags (various sizes)	Store screws, bolts, and fittings
Masking tape or labels	Write furniture names and part descriptions
Permanent marker	For clear labelling
Small plastic box or tool organiser	Keeps all bags together
Notebook or checklist	Record furniture and hardware details
Rubber bands or cable ties	Bundle related hardware
Envelopes or mini containers	For delicate or specific fittings

Keep everything in a single labelled “Hardware Box” — this should travel with you, not inside the moving van.

How to Label and Store Screws Properly

Step 1: Disassemble One Furniture Piece at a Time

Don’t mix hardware from different items. Take apart and bag one piece completely before moving to the next.
Example: Finish with the bed frame before starting the wardrobe.

Relevant Articles:

Handle Complex Furniture Disassembly Safely

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Step 2: Use Zip-Lock Bags or Small Containers

Zip-lock bags are perfect for screws and bolts — clear, resealable, and easy to label.

Type of Furniture	Recommended Bag Size	Example Label
Bed frame	Medium	“King Bed – Bolts + Nuts”
Wardrobe	Large	“Wardrobe – Hinges + Door Screws”
Dining table	Small	“Dining Table – Leg Screws”

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Step 3: Label Bags Clearly

Write the furniture name and part type directly on the bag or on masking tape.
Include extra notes like “Top shelf hinges” or “Left door bolts”.

Example Label Format:

WARDROBE – Hinges + Screws (Left Door)

Qty: 8 screws, 2 brackets

Pro Tip: Use a black permanent marker — pens or pencils often fade or smudge during transit.

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Step 4: Attach the Bag to the Furniture

Once sealed and labelled, tape or tie the bag to the corresponding furniture piece.

• Use masking tape (won’t damage surfaces).
• For sofas, stick the bag underneath.
• For beds, tape to the frame or slats.
• For wardrobes, place inside one of the drawers.

That way, all fittings stay with the right furniture during the move.

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Step 5: Keep a Hardware Inventory

Use a simple notebook, or create a table like this to track each item’s hardware bag:

Furniture Item	Labelled As	Bag Location	Notes
Bed Frame	Bed Frame Screws	Taped to frame	All bolts present
Wardrobe	Wardrobe Hinges	Drawer 1	Includes extra screws
Desk	Desk Screws	Hardware Box	Missing one washer

You can also take photos of each bag with the item name — it’s an easy digital backup.

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Step 6: Group Bags Together

After disassembling everything, gather all your small labelled bags into one box or organiser.

Storage Method	Pros	Best For
Plastic toolbox	Hard shell, reusable	Long-term organisation
Small plastic bin	Easy to carry	Multi-room moves
Shoe box	Simple, budget-friendly	Local moves
Drawstring bag	Compact	Few furniture items

Line your box with soft cloth or paper to prevent noise or accidental punctures from screws.

Colour-Coding System (Optional but Smart)

Colour-coding adds an extra layer of organisation — especially for larger moves.

Colour	Room
Blue	Living Room
Green	Bedroom
Yellow	Kitchen
Red	Office
Orange	Kids’ Room

Use coloured stickers or labels on both the bag and the furniture piece for quick matching later.

Bonus Tips for Safe Hardware Storage

• Keep bags airtight to avoid moisture or rust.
• Separate sharp or pointed fittings in thicker plastic.
• Avoid taping directly to painted surfaces — use masking tape only.
• Add silica gel packets in the hardware box to prevent dampness.
• Don’t overfill zip-lock bags — use one per item instead of one per room.

What Not to Do

Mistake	Result	Fix
Mixing all screws together	Confusing reassembly	Use separate bags
Forgetting to label	Time wasted identifying parts	Label immediately
Using paper envelopes only	Can tear or spill	Use zip-lock plastic
Leaving bags in moving van	Risk of loss	Keep hardware box with you
Skipping photos	Difficult reassembly	Snap each item before packing

Reassembling After the Move

When you arrive at your new home:

1. Locate your Hardware Box first.
2. Match labels and colours to the furniture.
3. Use your photos or inventory list as a guide.
4. Reassemble in order — large furniture first, then smaller pieces.

Pro Tip: Keep a small toolkit handy (screwdriver, Allen keys, wrench). You’ll need it before unpacking most boxes.

Relevant Articles:

Reassemble Beds and Wardrobes After Moving

Brilliant Removals’ Professional Assistance

If keeping track of parts sounds like a hassle, Brilliant Removals London can help.
Our trained team handles:

• Professional disassembly and reassembly
• Secure labelling and packing of hardware
• Furniture protection and transport
• Organised setup in your new home

We make moving easy, efficient, and organised — so you can settle in without the stress of missing parts or mismatched screws.

Summary

Labelling and storing screws may seem like a small step, but it saves hours of frustration later.
By following a system — using zip-lock bags, clear labels, and a hardware inventory — you’ll make your reassembly quick, smooth, and stress-free.

With Brilliant Removals London, every detail is handled with precision — from packing and dismantling to transport and setup.
Because a truly successful move starts with smart organisation.

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