After weeks of measuring, comparing and deciding, the day finally arrives. A truck pulls up outside, and the furniture you have been imagining is about to become part of your home. It is an exciting moment, but the first week of ownership is also when small decisions have a big effect. How you prepare for delivery, inspect the pieces, set them up and care for them early on can shape how they look and perform for years.
This guide walks through that first week, day by day, so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Before the Delivery Arrives
Preparation starts a few days before the furniture does. Confirm the delivery date, time window and type of service you booked, whether that is curbside drop-off, delivery to a room of your choice or full assembly. Make sure someone will be home and that the delivery team can park close to your entrance.
Clear a wide path from the front door to the final room. Move rugs, side tables, plants and anything fragile out of the way. Protect door frames and floors with blankets or cardboard if the pieces are large. If your old furniture is being removed, empty it in advance and have it ready near the door.
This is also a good moment to revisit what other buyers have said about the arrival process. Brand feedback pages often include practical tips about packaging and setup. Looking through Anabei reviews, for instance, shows how customers of that company describe their delivery and assembly experiences, which can help you plan your own day with realistic expectations.
Finally, gather a few basics so they are ready when you need them: a utility knife for opening boxes, a tape measure, a cordless screwdriver, a soft cloth and some rubbish bags for packing materials. Having these within reach saves you from hunting through drawers while a delivery team waits or a half-built frame leans against the wall.
Inspecting Everything on Arrival
When the furniture arrives, take a few minutes to inspect it before the delivery team leaves, if possible. Look at the boxes for punctures, crushed corners or water marks. If the pieces arrive unwrapped or are unwrapped on site, check surfaces, legs, corners and upholstery carefully.
If you find any damage, take clear photos right away, showing both the issue and the packaging. Note it on the delivery paperwork before signing. Most retailers, including direct-to-consumer brands such as Anabei, set out a process for reporting problems, so check the company’s instructions and contact customer service promptly, as many have a short reporting window.
Assembly Without the Stress
If your furniture needs assembly, choose a time when you are not rushed and have enough light and floor space. Unpack everything, lay out the parts and count them against the instructions before you begin. Keep screws, bolts and small hardware in a bowl so nothing rolls away.
Read through the full instructions once before starting. It is tempting to skip ahead, but understanding the overall sequence prevents mistakes like attaching a panel the wrong way round. Use the tools provided, but keep a screwdriver with a comfortable handle nearby, since included tools can be small. Tighten bolts firmly but not excessively, especially in wood or engineered board, where over-tightening can strip threads.
For heavier pieces such as sofas, beds and wardrobes, enlist a second person. Lifting and aligning parts alone can lead to injuries and damage. Once assembled, check that everything is level and stable, and adjust feet or glides if needed.
Settling In and Early Care
New furniture often goes through a short adjustment period. Here are some simple habits that make the first weeks go smoothly:
- Air out new upholstery and wood pieces by opening windows, since a mild new-furniture smell is common and usually fades within days.
- Expect foam cushions to feel firmer at first, and sit in different spots to help them soften evenly.
- Rotate and flip removable cushions weekly from the start to spread wear.
- Keep wood away from radiators, heaters and direct sunlight to reduce the risk of drying and fading.
- Use coasters, placemats and felt pads under objects to protect fresh finishes.
- Read the care label and cleaning code, and store the instructions somewhere easy to find.
- Keep receipts, order confirmations and warranty details together in one folder.
Living With It and Looking Ahead
By the end of the first week, you will have a much better sense of how your new furniture fits your life. Notice how it feels at different times of day, how it works with the rest of the room and whether it suits the way your household uses the space. If the brand offers a trial period and something truly is not working, this is the time to decide, while you still have the original packaging and well within any return window.
Think about long-term care too. Set a simple routine, such as vacuuming upholstery weekly and dusting wood surfaces with a soft cloth. Treat spills immediately by blotting rather than rubbing. Every few months, check screws and bolts on assembled pieces and tighten them if they have loosened, which is normal as materials settle.
Finally, once you have lived with the furniture for a few weeks, consider sharing your experience. A clear, honest account of delivery, setup and early impressions can help future shoppers prepare just as you did. The first week sets the tone for years of use, and with a little planning and care, it can be the start of a long and comfortable relationship with the pieces you chose so carefully.