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If you are interested in assembling furniture for your children on your own, there are five major steps you will need to follow in order to have the greatest amount of success.

Step 1: Sort Out Your Materials

Most of your materials should be included with your flat pack furniture. The furniture should come with an instruction manual that will contain a list of all of the materials. These materials may be coded for later use. Identify all of the included pieces and sort them by putting the same pieces together and determining the special code that is associated with them.

In addition, if you need any extra tools, be certain you have them gathered before you get started. Included tools are often smaller than normal, more difficult to work with, and are meant to be throw-away tools. You may wan to invest in a set of tools to help you complete the assembly faster. You can choose from hand tools or power tools. A good power tool set will have various size bits for a screwdriver, drill bits, sockets, and allen wrenches. If you don't already have a complete power tool set, you may prefer to hire a professional over buying new tools.

Step 2: Read Through the Directions

Before you begin the assembly process, read through the directions one time to make certain you understand them. Some of the instructions will become clearer as you get to that step in the process, but having a good idea of what is coming with the instructions will help you in the process.

This is also a good time to pull out each piece and lay them out so you can find everything. Pieces are usually marked with a letter or number so make sure you can see the markings. Sort like items together. Hardware like screws, nuts, bolts, and nails should all be kept together. If you lose a few hardware pieces, you may not be able to complete the project.

Step 3: Follow the Directions

Resist the temptation to jump right into the project or to skip steps. The directions were written in the order provided for a reason. Follow that order to make sure you do not accidentally miss a step along the way.

Step 4: Don't Do Anything Permanent Right Away

When it comes to tightening bolts or other hardware, it is generally best to loosely put them in place until you are certain you have assembled the furniture correctly. This way, it will be easier to undo if you find that you have made a mistake. Once you are certain everything is in place, you can tighten the bolts and other hardware in place.

Step 5: Check it Over

Before you let your children use the furniture, be certain to check it over for safety and security. After all, you don't want your child to get harmed by the furniture because you did something incorrectly. Make sure nothing is sticking out that could harm your child and check the furniture for stability to be certain it will be able to properly support your child.

By following these five simple steps, you will find the process of assembling your child's furniture to be less frustrating ' and, you will be a hero with your child when the furniture is complete!