A useful wardrobe delivery check creates a clear record before the parts disappear into an assembled cabinet. Match the delivery to your order, inspect components in a suitable space and keep enough information to identify any problem accurately.
This is an inspection and record-keeping plan. Delivery arrangements, reporting processes and assembly instructions vary by order and supplier, so check the current information supplied with your purchase.
Prepare somewhere to inspect the delivery
Clear a space large enough for the packages and the inspection sequence in the assembly instructions. Protect the floor and keep packaging materials organised as you open them. Arrange suitable help for large or heavy components rather than attempting awkward handling alone.
Have the order confirmation, product reference and manual available. Note how many packages the delivery information says to expect, if that information is supplied. A multi-package product may contain different components in each box, so the first opened package may not contain everything needed for assembly.
Record the package information first
Compare the delivered product name, colour or finish, and model reference with your order. Record package numbers and labels that identify the contents. If a carton has visible damage, photograph the affected area and a wider view showing which package it belongs to.
Keep the record factual. “Carton two has a split along the lower edge” is more useful than guessing what happened during transport. When sharing photographs publicly, remove personal information; send the relevant order details through the supplier's appropriate support channel.
Match components to the parts list
- Locate the manual and identify its product or model reference.
- Compare the panels and fittings with the labelled parts list, following the recommended unpacking sequence.
- Look at accessible faces, edges and corners in good light without handling components beyond what you can manage safely.
- Keep different fittings separated and retain their labels or bag references.
- Record anything missing, damaged or unclear before the affected assembly step.
Panel faces can look similar while having different hole positions or edge finishes. Use the manual's identifiers rather than calling every long board a side panel. Avoid marking the decorative surface; keep notes on a separate sheet or on retained packaging.
Photograph a problem so it can be identified
Take one photograph showing the complete affected component, one closer view of the issue and one reference image showing the part identifier where available. Include enough surrounding detail to establish the location. A close-up of a chip without a panel reference may be difficult for support staff to match to the correct replacement part.
| Field | Record |
|---|---|
| Order and product | Order reference, exact model and finish. |
| Package | Box number or label details. |
| Component | Part number and quantity affected. |
| Observation | Specific location and a factual description. |
| Evidence | Wide view, close view and identification photograph. |
A worked inspection note
A useful example is: “Order reference recorded. Manual part C, one panel affected. A visible chip is present on the finished front edge near the lower corner. Photographs show the whole panel, the edge and the package label.” This gives the supplier a clear starting point without speculating about cause or remedy.
If the condition or correct component is uncertain, pause the affected work and ask the supplier for guidance through its current reporting process. Do not improvise a repair or force mismatched parts together to keep the assembly moving. Retain the relevant packaging and records while the issue is being clarified.
Keep a product reference for later
For example, save the exact reference for the Astbury 2 Door Wardrobe in White & Oak with its order documents, rather than simply recording “white wardrobe”. When comparing a future purchase in the wardrobe collection, check what assembly and product documentation is available before ordering.