The move is complete, the boxes are in the new apartment – and now? The furniture is waiting to be reassembled. For many, furniture assembly after a move is one of the biggest challenges. Should you grab the cordless screwdriver yourself and trust the enclosed instructions, or is it smarter to leave this task to a professional? This decision depends on various factors.
Do It Yourself: With Patience and the Right Tools
Assembling furniture yourself has its appeal: it saves money, you have full control, and at the end, you get the satisfying feeling of having done it yourself. But to ensure it doesn’t end in frustration, you should consider a few things:
Tips for DIY Assembly:
- Check for completeness: Before you begin, lay out all parts and screws and check the parts list in the instructions. Nothing is more annoying than realizing in the middle of assembly that a part is missing.
- Study the instructions carefully: Even if it’s tempting to start right away – read the assembly instructions carefully before starting the first step. Pay attention to details, symbols, and the order of steps.
- The right tools: A simple screwdriver is often not enough. A well-stocked toolbox with a cordless screwdriver (with various bits), hammer, spirit level, and possibly a rubber mallet is invaluable.
- Create enough space: Clear a sufficient workspace. This not only protects your new furniture from scratches but also your back.
- Floor protection: Lay blankets or cardboard on the floor to avoid scratches during assembly, especially with larger pieces of furniture.
- Proceed step by step: Don’t rush. Take your time for each individual step. If you get tired or feel frustrated, take a break.
- Get help: For large and heavy pieces of furniture (such as wardrobes or double beds), a second person is essential, both for safety reasons and to facilitate handling.
- Sort parts: Sort screws, dowels, and fittings into small bowls or by number – this saves searching time.
- Caution with force: Tighten screws firmly, but not so tightly that the material is damaged. This can happen quickly, especially with particleboard.
- Test stability: After assembly, check that everything is firm and stable.
Leave It to a Professional: Convenience, Security, and Time Savings
For many people, especially after an exhausting move, the idea of deciphering instructions for hours and sorting small parts is not very appealing. This is where assembly services come in, offering a range of advantages:
Advantages of Assembly Services:
- Time saving: After a move, time is often in short supply. A professional assembles your furniture in a fraction of the time it would take you. This gives you valuable hours that you can use for other important things.
- Expertise and routine: Moving companies have trained employees who assemble and disassemble furniture daily. They know the tricks and tips needed for certain pieces of furniture and can handle more complex assemblies.
- Safety and quality: Professional assembly guarantees the stability and longevity of your furniture. In addition, the risk of damage during assembly is minimized. This is a great advantage, especially for heavy or unstable pieces of furniture.
- The right tools: Professional assemblers have the complete and appropriate tools, which ensures efficient and precise assembly.
- Relief and comfort: The biggest relief is often psychological. You don’t have to struggle with complicated instructions or get annoyed about missing screws. You can relax while your furniture is being assembled.
- Warranty and insurance: Should damage occur during assembly by the professional, it is usually covered by the moving company’s insurance. This gives you additional security.
- Complete service: Many moving companies offer furniture assembly as part of a comprehensive moving package. This means you have only one contact person for the entire process – from planning and transport to the finished assembly in the new apartment.
Conclusion: The Decision is Yours
The choice between self-assembly and professional service depends on your DIY skills, your time, your budget, and your desire for convenience. If you are skilled with your hands, patient, and looking for a challenge, you can try self-assembly. However, if you value time savings, a smooth process, and the certainty that your furniture will be assembled stably and professionally, the assembly service is worth the investment. Especially after a stressful move, it is often advisable to relieve yourself of this burden and make the start in your new home as pleasant as possible.