Furniture Assembly is one of the top categories on TaskRabbit, since many Clients don’t have the time, energy, or patience to assemble the new furniture they’re eager to set up in their homes. That leaves a huge opportunity for Taskers like you to be their Allen wrench-toting Knight in Shining Armor!
We gathered the advice of some of the top Taskers in the Furniture Assembly category. If you enjoy puzzles, Legos, or building things, continue reading to learn the ins and outs of furniture assembly–and if you’re not already doing it, maybe consider trying it out!
- Communicate with your Client
While communicating with your Client is important for every task, it’s particularly important for furniture assembly tasks, because it allows you to learn about what you’ll be assembling prior to the task. Our top Taskers recommend asking Clients the following questions:
- What is the product’s name, make, and model?
- Do you have a cleared space in our home for me to assemble in?
- Do you already have the box in the room where you want the item to stay?
“My biggest tip would be communication. If I’m stuck in traffic or my train has been delayed, if I feel the Client’s expectations are off, or I know I simply can’t fulfill the task within my comfort level, then I let Clients know. Transparency is key, from the second you’re hired to the time the task is done. If a Tasker thinks, “If I were the Client, what would I want to know?” they can’t go wrong.” – Kim J., New York
- Prepare the Space
In furniture assembly tasks, it’s crucial to prepare the space where you’re tasking to ensure a quick, clean, and efficient assembly. Our top Taskers recommend placing a carpet, blanket, or cardboard box down underneath where you’ll be assembling furniture to protect the item and your Client’s floor from scratches.
“Save the larger pieces of cardboard packaging. You will use these build on, and to protect the floor and the furniture pieces from being damaged.” – Seth F., New York
- Bring the Right Tools for the Task
Before starting a furniture assembly task, our more experienced Taskers recommend ensuring you have the right tools. An Allen wrench or Hex key are obvious choices for Furniture Assembly tasks, but did you know some other tools are worth bringing along?
A stud finder allows you to locate appropriate areas on the wall should you need to secure furniture to prevent a tripping hazard. (This is also helpful when mounting pictures or shelves!) A level ensures everything is even and straight as you assemble pieces together. Our top Taskers also recommend bringing along a pair of knee pads—this could save you from bruises and hours of pain as you assemble furniture items!
awesome advice, thank you.
Larry
What an unbelievable article, I’ve done many Furniture assembly tasks and found this information very helpful!
Communication has been key for me. Sometimes tasks can run over, I’m stuck in traffic, or even just got a late start in my day. My cell phone battery has even ran out and I’ve had to stop and build up a charge to have GPS to the next client. As long as I’ve communicated with the client they’ve been flexible with their expectations. Sometimes, ALWAYS on same day bookings, I ask about their flexibility. If I can arrive earlier or later; based on my location, availability, and need for a break, then I find out my options. Just talk to people and know how to do your job professionally when you’re there and everything will be fine.
I unpack everything, sort the pieces and remove the packing materials. Sorting the hardware especially for ikea furniture is a huge time saver!
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Some essential tools: tack hammer for backing board nails, rubber mallet, wood glue for small repairs. Many times there are missing parts or parts that are mis-labeled when packed so you end up with the wrong parts. Drill bits for modifying the wrong parts and some spare bolts and screws in some common sizes come in useful.
An indispensable tool for me is a magnetic parts tray to help tame the fasteners.
Many “Philips” head screws (especially Ikea) aren’t Phillips at all. They’re PoziDriv. Buy some PD bits to use in a driver/drill or multi-bit screwdriver.
I always bring a compact, plastic folding table (Walmart) to lay out instructions, tools and parts. It keeps from repeatedly having to go to the floor for those items. Your back & knees will love you later.