How to Prepare for Furniture Delivery Day

Knowing what to expect on furniture delivery day makes the whole process smoother for you and for the crew. A little preparation, such as clearing the path, deciding where each piece goes and booking the elevator if you live in a condo, helps avoid delays, damage and last-minute stress. This checklist covers the days before, the delivery itself and the inspection afterward. If you are still choosing pieces, browse our living room furniture first.

Confirm the Details Before the Day

Once your order is placed, make sure you know the delivery date and the arrival window, and keep your order number handy. The store's delivery terms require an adult aged 18 or over to be present to receive and inspect the delivery, so decide ahead of time who will be home and who can direct the crew. Give the store a phone number you will answer on the day.

The store's delivery terms are on the terms and conditions page, so read them before delivery day. If anything is unclear, such as what happens with packaging or whether a piece needs assembly, call the showroom at 825-305-1850 or email [email protected] and ask.

Measure Again and Decide Where Everything Goes

Even if you measured before you ordered, run the tape over the route one more time. Our guide to measuring doors, stairs and hallways shows what to check. Then decide where each piece will sit. Mark the spot with painter's tape, and note which wall a sofa goes against and which side a bed headboard faces.

A decision made in advance keeps the crew from standing with a heavy piece in their hands while you think. If a delivery cannot be completed because no one is present, access is blocked or the piece does not fit, the terms say a re-delivery fee may apply, which is one more reason to measure and clear the path beforehand. If you are unsure, pick a spot for now, and you can move it later with a helper and sliders.

Clear the Path From the Curb to the Room

• Move shoes, rugs, plants, floor lamps and small tables out of the way.
• Take framed pictures and mirrors off walls along narrow halls.
• Open or prop doors so they stay out of the way, including any storm door.
• Shovel and salt steps, walkways and the driveway in winter. Ice makes carrying heavy furniture dangerous.
• Keep pets and children in a closed room, away from open doors and moving furniture.
• Put down runners or blankets on floors you want to protect, and leave room to park nearby.

Condos and Apartments: Parking and Elevator Bookings

Buildings often have their own rules, so contact your property manager early. Ask whether you must book the elevator, what time slots exist and whether wall pads are provided. Many buildings also need to know about any large delivery in advance.

Reserve a loading zone or visitor parking if you can, and make sure the crew has your unit number and any entry codes or fob details. Tell them if there are long carries or tight corners between the elevator and your door. A booking that runs short is a common cause of delays.

What Happens on the Day

In general, the crew will check the order, bring each piece inside and place it where you direct. Whether they remove packaging or assemble parts depends on the store, the product and the order, so check this ahead of time instead of assuming. Be available to answer questions, but stay out of the way of lifting, and keep the route clear.

Keep a few things within reach on the day:

• Your order number and the paperwork
• A tape measure and a pen
• Your phone, for photographs and for the crew to reach you
• Painter's tape for marking where pieces go

Let the crew handle the heavy carrying. Crews are used to the weight and the equipment, and a helpful hand in the wrong spot can cause an accident. Stay close enough to point out placement and sign for the delivery.

Inspect Before You Sign

This is the most important step. Take a few minutes to check each piece before the crew leaves:

• Confirm the model, colour, size and quantity match your order.
• Unwrap enough to look at all visible surfaces for scratches, dents, tears, stains or cracks.
• Check for missing parts and loose hardware, and make sure legs and feet are attached.
• Test moving parts such as drawers, extension leaves and reclining mechanisms.
• Photograph any problem and write it on the delivery paperwork before you sign.

If a piece is still wrapped and you cannot fully inspect it, note that on the paperwork and check it as soon as you can. Contact the store promptly with your order number and photos, and review the terms for the process.

After the Crew Leaves

Flatten cardboard and check your local recycling rules for plastic wrap and foam. It is worth keeping packaging until you are sure everything is right, in case an item has to go back. File the paperwork and care information somewhere you can find it, and add felt pads to any legs that touch the floor.

Then settle in. Our first week checklist for new furniture covers airing out, placement and the tightening checks to do over the coming weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home for furniture delivery?

Yes. The store's delivery terms require an adult aged 18 or over to be present to receive and inspect the delivery. That person lets the crew know where each piece goes, checks the furniture and acknowledges receipt. Confirm the details when you book, and read the delivery section of the terms page.

What should I check when my furniture arrives?

Check that the model, colour and quantity match your order, then look over every visible surface for scratches, dents, tears or stains. Test moving parts such as drawers and recliner mechanisms, and look for missing hardware. Photograph anything wrong and write it on the delivery paperwork before you sign.

What if my furniture arrives damaged?

Photograph the damage straight away and write it on the delivery paperwork before you sign. Then contact the store promptly with your order number and photos. Keep the packaging until the issue is resolved, and check the store's terms for how problems are handled instead of assuming a process.

Will the delivery crew assemble my furniture and take away the packaging?

That varies by store, product and order. Many pieces arrive ready to use, while others need legs or hardware attached. Ask when you confirm your delivery, and read the terms page. If you plan to assemble something yourself, keep the instructions and all the hardware together.

Visit Our Calgary Showroom Before Your Delivery

If you are still deciding on a piece, visit our showroom at Unit D200, 9737 Macleod Trail SW in Calgary and see the size and finish in person. You can also browse our bedroom furniture online, and phone 825-305-1850 with any delivery questions.