How to assemble flat pack furniture without tears!

First, find a friend to help, especially if it's a larger piece of furniture - and remember, it's not a race! Patience is a virtue when it comes to assembling flat pack furniture.

Give yourself plenty of room to work and lay a sheet or blanket on the floor to prevent any scratches. And always assemble the piece of furniture in the room where it's going to live!

Next, carefully open the box and lay out all the parts and fixings. Grab the instructions and make sure everything is present and correct. Don't throw away any of the packaging until you have checked that you have all the parts and fittings you will need.

Read the instructions at least twice, before you start to put anything together.

Identify each part, and where it will go. This is especially important if some pieces or fastenings are similar.

Put the fixings and/or small parts into containers so they don't get lost.

If you are using a drill to assemble the pieces rather than a screwdriver, make sure it is set on low. You don't want the screws to go right through and out the other side!

Remember, methodical, slow and steady is the best approach. Don't try to skip any steps or it will end in tears! Take a break if you need one.

When your furniture is assembled, make sure you check all fixings to make sure they are fully tightened and if the item is to be fixed to the wall make sure it is safe and secure.

And if it all gets a bit too much, call your local handyman who will have things assembled in no time!