How to Move a Standing Desk or Adjustable Desk
Standing Desk Types and Weights
The standing desk revolution has filled Montreal home offices and commercial spaces with motorized adjustable desks ranging from budget models to premium workstations. An IKEA BEKANT weighs about 70 lbs, a Fully Jarvis runs 75-95 lbs, an Uplift V2 hits 80-120 lbs depending on the desktop size, and a heavy-duty commercial model from Steelcase or Herman Miller can reach 130-150 lbs. The weight comes primarily from the steel frame and dual electric motors.
Moving a standing desk isn't as simple as carrying it out the door. The electric lift mechanisms are calibrated for level operation — dropping or jarring the desk can misalign the motors and cause uneven height adjustment. The desktop surface (often bamboo, laminate, or solid wood) is vulnerable to warping if transported at an angle in humid conditions.
Preparing Your Standing Desk for the Move
First, lower the desk to its minimum height. This is the most stable position and lowers the center of gravity for transport. Unplug the power cable and the control box cable. Bundle all cables with velcro ties and tape them securely to the underside of the desk frame — loose cables during a move get caught, pulled, and damaged.
If your desk has a separate desktop and frame (most do), consider separating them for easier transport. Remove the desktop by unscrewing the mounting bolts underneath (typically 8-12 screws). The frame can then be carried by two people, and the desktop can be wrapped in a moving blanket and transported flat. For one-piece desks, keep it assembled but wrap the desktop edges with corner protectors and blankets.
Remove monitor arms, keyboard trays, cable management trays, and any clamped accessories. These protruding parts catch on doorframes and break easily. Bag all screws and hardware, label the bag, and tape it to the frame.
Transport Tips for Electric Adjustable Desks
Transport the desk frame upside down or on its side, never upright at full height (it becomes dangerously top-heavy). In the moving truck, the frame goes flat on the truck floor with blankets underneath and nothing stacked on top. The desktop travels upright, leaning against a padded wall, or flat on a furniture pad.
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Avoid exposing the control box and motors to rain or snow — if moving during Montreal's rainy spring or snowy winter, wrap the motor housing in a plastic bag. Temperature extremes won't damage the motors, but moisture in the electrical components can cause short circuits and void your warranty.
Reassembling and Recalibrating at the New Location
After reassembly, most electric standing desks need recalibration. The process varies by brand but generally involves: holding the down button until the desk reaches its lowest point, releasing, then holding the down button again for 5-10 seconds until the display flashes. This resets the motor position memory. Check your manufacturer's manual for specific instructions — Uplift, Fully, and Autonomous each have slightly different procedures.
Level the desk using the adjustable feet on each leg. An unlevel surface causes the motors to work unevenly, leading to premature wear and that frustrating wobble during height adjustment. A simple bubble level app on your phone works perfectly. Once level, test the full range of motion several times before loading up your monitors, computer, and accessories.
