Do you hate furniture shopping? Would you rather hide under the covers of your bed than go out again? Would you prefer to watch paint peel? If so, your problem is likely that you aren’t shopping with knowledge behind you. This article has some simple strategies to make yourself a better shopper.

Open and jiggle any drawers in a piece of furniture before purchasing. You want to know how well those drawers are fitting into the furniture. If they move when jiggled, that’s not a good sign. The furniture may have been poorly built. The same goes if you feel any tension when pulling a drawer out. It should slide out smoothly.

If you are shopping for a new piece of furniture in order to replace an older one, keep the old one in mind. What did you like about your old piece? What didn’t you like that needs improved …