IKEA Assembly Made Easy

IKEA furniture may be inexpensive, but the low cost doesn't negate the price you pay in the time and effort it takes to put it all together! Unfortunately, there's no easy way around it, unless you hire someone to assemble your new things for you. We asked UX Assembly, which offers a furniture-assembly service, to give the confident do-it-yourselfers some pro tips.

Here's what they suggest:

• Measure your space! Make sure the items will fit where you want them BEFORE you buy them. If the items don't fit, you risk damaging your home or finding yourself in IKEA's customer service line! 
• Look through the entire manual BEFORE starting assembly. Decide if it is a one or two-person job. Don't risk injuring yourself. If you need help, call a friend or hire a professional. 
• Prep, plan and clear your space. Don't make it easy for tools, screws and instruction manuals to get lost. 
• Make sure you have the right tools. Most IKEA boxes include an Allen wrench or screwdriver, which is usually enough to get the job done. However, some furniture assembly requires your own tools, such as a hammer or screwdriver. Consider investing in IKEA's FIXA toolbox, or even better, a power drill to speed things up. 
• Separate and count your pieces. Taking the time to organize your materials will help the process go a lot quicker. Plus, you won't be stuck with a half-assembled armoire when you realize something is missing. 
• Exercise Patience! Realize that IKEA furniture takes time to assemble. Don't rush. You'll only get stressed and increase your chances of making a mistake. If you need to, take a break. 
• Don't drink alcohol. For all of the obvious reasons. At least wait until you are done assembling everything. Believe us, no one is going to want to hear about your "BESTÅ JÄGRA" accident. 
• Check all fittings when complete. Make sure everything is screwed in tightly and securely. You don't want any gaps or wobbly pieces. 
• If you're seriously in doubt … hire a professional!