How to Move a Rolltop Desk

Written By
Stephen Lilley
Stephen Lilley
Published: Feb 2, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

By taking a little extra time before your move, you can care for your desk and make sure it gets from one place to another.

  1. Separate your roll top desk into sections (if applicable). If your roll top desk is a model that comes apart in two pieces (a bottom half and a top half), separate the two sections before attempting to move. This will prevent the desk from coming apart during transportation, which could permanently damage the desk.

  2. Remove all drawers from your rolltop desk. Desk drawers are typically on rollers, which allows them to roll in and out easily. When your rolltop desk is in the back of a moving truck or van, the natural motion the van makes during transportation could cause the drawers to fall out of the desk if they aren't properly removed beforehand.

  3. Secure the rolltop cover on your desk using zip ties or some other type of binding material. This will prevent the rolltop cover from banging around in the back of a truck during transportation, which could damage it. Place your rolltop cover in the "down" position and secure it closed.

  4. Pad the individual pieces of your rolltop desk. Large cloths and blankets should be wrapped around your desk and taped down, especially if the unit is made from high quality wood. This prevents other furniture from banging into the roll top desk and damaging it. This will also help cushion the fall if you happen to drop your rolltop desk during transportation.

Things You Will Need

  • Duct tape
  • Moving blankets/pads
  • Zip ties
Stephen Lilley

Stephen Lilley is a freelance writer who hopes to one day make a career writing for film and television. His articles have appeared on a variety of websites. Lilley holds a Bachelor of Arts in film and video production from the University…

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