When store delivery doesn't suit
Large furniture retailers, including stores such as IKEA, often offer their own delivery. Sometimes it's the right choice. Other times the next slot is days away, your postcode isn't covered, or you only need one or two boxes moved and the store service doesn't fit the job.
CargoOne is independent and not connected with any retailer. If store delivery doesn't suit you, there are other ways to get your purchase home.
Option 1: collect it yourself
If the boxes fit in your car, collecting it yourself is simple. Check the box sizes before you go, as flat-pack boxes are often longer and heavier than they look. Fold the seats down, bring blankets to protect the car and ask the store whether they have trolleys and help with loading.
Long or heavy boxes can be awkward to carry alone, and a large order may need more than one trip.
Option 2: book a man and van
A man and van is a good fit when the order is too big for your car or you'd like help carrying. The driver collects from the store's collection point, loads the boxes and brings them to your home. Say how many boxes there are and whether you need help carrying them inside.
Option 3: post a job and get quotes
Post your job on CargoOne with the store, your address and what you've bought. Local drivers with suitable vehicles can send their price as a Bid Job, or you can set the price yourself as a Fixed Price Job. If it can't wait, ASAP Transport sends the job straight to available drivers nearby. You can book 24/7 and follow the driver live once they accept.
What to tell the driver
Clear details help the driver collect the right items first time.
- The store's address and the collection point, such as a click-and-collect desk or goods-out door
- Your order number and collection reference, ready to show at the store
- How many boxes or pieces there are, and the size of the largest
- Whether the furniture is flat-packed or already assembled
- Floors, stairs and lifts at your home, and whether you need help carrying
Assembled furniture and display items
Not everything comes flat-packed. Ex-display pieces and some sofas, beds and cabinets are sold already assembled, and they need more space in the van. Measure them and check they'll fit through your doors, hallways and stairs. Say clearly in the job that the item is assembled, so drivers bring a suitable vehicle and enough help.
Choosing the right vehicle
Flat-pack boxes are heavy for their size and often longer than you expect. A small order of a few boxes usually fits in a small or short wheelbase van. A full room of furniture, a wardrobe set or a large corner sofa often needs a long wheelbase or Luton van. If the store's loading bay is busy or the boxes are very heavy, a van with a tail lift makes loading easier.
You don't need to know the exact vehicle. List the boxes, their sizes and weights from your order confirmation, and drivers can work out what fits.
Returns and exchanges
If something arrives damaged or isn't right, check the store's returns policy first. Many stores accept returns in store, so you can post another job to take the item back. Keep the original packaging where you can, and add the returns reference to the job.
Practical tips
A little planning makes store collections much easier, and most of it takes only a few minutes.
- Check the order is ready for collection before the driver sets off
- Photograph your order confirmation so you can share the reference quickly
- Keep small fixings bags with their boxes, as they're easy to lose
- Clear a space at home for the boxes before they arrive
- Check the boxes against your order at delivery
In summary
If a store's delivery doesn't suit, you can collect it yourself, book a man and van or post a job for local drivers to quote. Share the store details, order reference, box sizes and access at home, and you can follow the driver live once they accept.