How to Assemble Boxed Furniture for College Move-In (Without Losing Your Mind)
Because no one wants to spend their Saturday arguing with an instruction manual.
It’s move-in season—cue the mini fridges, cramped stairwells, and boxes of furniture that somehow all look the same. Whether your kid’s heading to Gonzaga, Whitworth, SFCC, or another Spokane school, one thing’s certain: those shelves, beds, and desks aren’t building themselves.
The good news? With the right tools and a game plan, you can get everything assembled quickly—and without turning it into a family bonding disaster.
Here’s how to make move-in day a little smoother.
Phillips-head screwdriver
Hammer (for those wood dowels)
Allen wrench (usually included)
Level
Measuring tape
Materials:
The boxed furniture itself (IKEA, Wayfair, Target—you name it)
The instruction manual (yes, really… don’t skip this)
Step-by-Step: How to Get It Built
Step 1: Clear Some Space
Even in a tight dorm or apartment, give yourself as much room as possible. Use the common area or living room floor so you can lay everything out.
Step 2: Sort the Parts
Open the box, pull out all the pieces, and match them against the instruction sheet. This step saves you so much frustration later on. Group screws, panels, and hardware together—and double-check you’re not missing anything.
Tip: IKEA and other brands will ship missing parts for free. Don’t panic if something’s off.
Step 3: Read the Instructions First
We know. But seriously—skim them once before diving in. You’ll save yourself time and a few “why won’t this fit?” moments.
Step 4: Start with the Frame
Begin by assembling the main structure first—legs, sides, or base. These kits are designed to go together in a certain order, and skipping ahead just causes issues.
Step 5: Attach the Extras
Once the frame is solid, add doors, shelves, and drawer rails. Be gentle—tightening too hard can split thin materials.
Step 6: Test and Tweak
Make sure everything opens and closes smoothly. Use a level to check alignment, and tighten any loose screws.
Done! Now step back, admire your work, and maybe grab a coffee. You earned it. ☕️
When to Call in Backup
Furniture assembly is a solid DIY project—but if:
You’re short on time
You’ve got multiple items to build
Or you just want to skip the stress…
We help Spokane-area families and students get set up fast—desks, beds, bookshelves, even floating shelves and TV mounting. If it comes in a box, we’ll build it. And we’ll do it cleanly, safely, and without turning it into a multi-day project.
Serving Spokane, South Hill, Gonzaga area, and nearby apartments. Let us know what you need built.
