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Original poster

Fuuuck - just bought ds's main gift and it's flat pack, 2 person job and I'm alone

57 replies

theduchessstill · 22/12/2018 16:56

It's a desk and chair for his room and I know he'll love it. I've gone for one with drawers etc which I really shouldn't have. Nearly couldn't get it in the car, broke my nail painfully doing so, had to get it from car to house in pieces as it's so heavy.. and now I have to put it up.

First thing I see is it's a 2 person job. I have no one to ask, and nothing else is wrapped either. House is a shit tip and tomorrow boys will be back from dad's first thing.

Can I do it? Broke up from work yesterday utterly shattered... I really should have thought this through.

Inspiration anyone?

OP posts:
JacquesHammer · 22/12/2018 16:57

Give it a go.

I bought an Ikea one for DD that was supposed to be two person and managed it alone

hugoagogo · 22/12/2018 16:58

Yes you can do it! I've assembled double bunk beds by myself- it's not ideal but you can do it.
Do not have Wine until it's done.Wink

Babbabump · 22/12/2018 16:59

Could a neighbour help ? I tried putting together a coffee table and completely broke it Blush ....however, I'm not great at DIY!!

Avrannakern · 22/12/2018 16:59

Every piece if my furniture was a 2 person build job. I'm alone. I did it alone. It's harder, and you need to come up with ways to lean the stuff since there's no one there to hold it but you will be able to do it.

But first, calm down. It's really not something to get riled up about. Just start building it.

TheFifthKey · 22/12/2018 16:59

Usually if it says two person it’s just because there’s a part of the process where you need to balance it or something - but a desk should easy enough if you lean it against a sofa etc. I built wardrobes and a cabin bed on my own despite lots of “two person only!!!” warnings - single parents do what they must!

lancslass17 · 22/12/2018 17:00

How old is ds, could part of present be helping you to build it??

DGRossetti · 22/12/2018 17:01

With the obvious caveat about child patience (and no knowing how old the child is) could they not help you with assembly as part of the present ?

NannyR · 22/12/2018 17:02

Have a go at doing it yourself, it might not be as difficult as you think. I've assembled loads of flat pack furniture (a two bedroom flats worth over three days) and the only things that definitely needed two people were large heavy things like tall wardrobes and the 5x5 cube bookcase. A lot of it might have been slightly easier with two, but it wasn't impossible with one. An electric screwdriver makes things a lot easier.

DGRossetti · 22/12/2018 17:02

(high-5s lancslass17 Grin)

GobblersKnob · 22/12/2018 17:04

Stick a bow on the box and build it together Christmas day.

AviatorShades · 22/12/2018 17:04

Our local facebook group has people advertising assembly of flatpack - any good you looking for something similar?

(but yes, I've done it alone,too)

OrchidInTheSun · 22/12/2018 17:05

Virtually every single large piece of furniture that is self-assembly says it's a two person job and it really isn't. I've put together a massive kitchen island with oak top, hung wall cupboards and put together bunkbeds.

Just take your time and read the instructions through first. If you're doing it on a hard floor, get a blanket or something to stop the top getting scratched

Stephisaur · 22/12/2018 17:05

Yeah you can manage it on your own :)

You very rarely actually need 2 people, it’s just safer that way :)

sirmione16 · 22/12/2018 17:05

I'd leave it in the box and wrap it - especially if it has a picture on of what it is. Grin

SoupDragon · 22/12/2018 17:06

It's not a two person job. I've built loads of these things by myself. Sometimes it requires a little ingenuity but it's possible!

SoupDragon · 22/12/2018 17:06

I built a huge Pax wardrobe by myself. Standing it up was awkward but you won't have that with a desk :)

SoupDragon · 22/12/2018 17:07

It's easier to wrap in the box though!

somewheresorted · 22/12/2018 17:07

Oh come on! This is an insult to all us single parents who have to assemble flat back furniture regularly on our own! I’m sure you’ll manage it!

Missythecat · 22/12/2018 17:09

I built a trampoline and a mid sleeper bed by myself. Suck it up

DurhamDurham · 22/12/2018 17:12

I once bought my daughter a desk and managed to make it myself. I then attempted to get it up the stairs myself (cannot believe I didn't assemble it upstairs Hmm) and dropped it from half way up.
It broke into smithereens. I can laugh about it now but was devastated at the time.

MamaidhMathMath · 22/12/2018 17:12

Have a go anyway. I built all our bedroom furniture on my own whilst approximately 2 million months pregnant, and got on surprisingly well. And if there's only one if you building it the chances of an argument are greatly diminished...

MeOldChina · 22/12/2018 17:13

I think you'll manage it!

greyspottedgoose · 22/12/2018 17:16

@SoupDragon built a pax myself too 👍🏼 had to get my mum to come over and help attach the doors though! And all 3 malm beds when we moved, love a bit of flat pack with a G&T

DishranawaywiththeSpoon · 22/12/2018 17:16

Give it a go!

I've built loads of furniture by myself, beds wardrobes etc. You can do it! Have some faith in yourself

Skatersbeskating · 22/12/2018 17:17

God yes, do it.

Ive done double wardobes, made them flat on the floor and have had to push them up into upright position.

Hanging wardrobe doors on your own is fun Xmas Hmm

Ive done a sideboard, desk, bedside cabinets, chest of drawers x 3 & last week I swapped bedooms which ment not only moving shitloads but taking down & putting a double bed back up alone.

It is hard bloody work sometimes.

Do the drawers, have a break then do the rest.

Flowers