Do you like online shopping?
Some of my friends say that I’m a spoiled woman because when it comes to shopping, I want things to happen fast, and I don’t like wasting time running around after things, waiting in line at the checkout for minutes and minutes, and driving myself crazy for not finding a good parking spot.
Well, they might be right, and if I’m being honest, the pandemic didn’t exactly change my shopping habits. I still prefer to buy things online, especially because I hate going to the mall. If you’re like me, you probably prefer to click here, click there, add items to your cart, and wait for your package to come to you.
I totally agree with you, because it’s convenient, easy, and it doesn’t involve any nerves waiting in line or fighting the crowds. But as much as I like to sit on my couch, surf online, and click buy, I have to admit that I made a few mistakes with my shopping sprees.
As good as the Internet is, something about those pictures doesn’t show off the real thing or the item exactly as it is, and you might find that the thing you receive is actually 100% different from what you ordered.
That typically happens if you purchase from unknown websites, but if it’s something expensive, I strongly suggest you go to the store and check it out. However, if you want to make sure that you don’t make any mistakes, you’d better stay away from purchasing these items online!
1. Huge appliances
You need appliances in your household, but you need them to properly fit your areas and be functional, especially since their typical prices are pretty high.
Before you go online and decide to click buy on the first refrigerator you think you like, you’d better put your shoes on and go to the store, but not before you have measured your area.
This will give you a better idea of what you need. Measure the place you want to add your appliance, then look at the measurements on the website. Then you can go to the store and take a closer look at the item: look at the material; check how easy it is to open; how it would fit; close and open the door; look at its moving parts; and check if the surface finish shows fingerprints.
If the item is exactly what you need, but you think it might be easier to order it online than to take it with you on the way home, you can totally do that now that you know how it is in reality.
2. Paint
Believe it or not, the color of a room can impact you in a lot of ways, from making you feel relaxed, positive, and happy to driving you crazy each time you see it because it doesn’t go well with your overall home decor. That shade can tell a lot about you and about your household.
As you already know, the online world uses all sorts of tricks to make you think that a product is the best one you could get, but when it comes to colors, they use filters and edits to make them pop.
And do you know what that means? That you can’t pick a paint color online! You can’t be 100% certain that it is going to look exactly as it does online, and you also don’t know how it will turn out. Besides that, the majority of the time, the color of your paint will slightly change once it’s dried.
To successfully pick the perfect paint color for you, bring some swatches home, then take some paint samples and paint a couple of boards. Take a look when they’re dry, then check them on different walls so you can make sure that you like them, and then go to the store and pick the shade for you.
3. Mattresses
Do I really need to explain this? I’m only joking; I have to tell you more. A mattress is going to make you feel like you sleep on a soft and cozy cloud, or it will make you toss and turn all night long, leaving you tired and grumpy the next day.
I’m pretty sure that you don’t want the second scenario to happen to you in real life, which is why I strongly advise you to not purchase your mattress online.
You definitely need to experience the quality and comfort of such an item before you buy it. Know your bed size, go to a store where they sell mattresses, and try them out. Lie down and stay there for a couple of minutes. Try a few of your sleeping positions and check if it’s the right fit or not.
4. Upholstered furniture
I’m one of those people who thinks that comfort is king, and when it comes to the furniture in my home, I wouldn’t sacrifice it for anything! That’s why I know that, as much as I love online shopping, it’s definitely best to purchase some household items directly from the store.
I remember that when I purchased the couch in my living room, it was a real-life adventure. Nothing was quite right; I didn’t like any of the colors (they were pretty, don’t get me wrong, but they looked terrible with my decor items), but I went to different stores and I finally found one that I liked.
But it was time to put it to the test. I asked the staff if it was okay to sit on it for a few minutes, and you’d better believe that was exactly what I did. I grabbed a magazine and sat on different parts of it. I even tried to mimic a sleeping position so I would know where to send off my husband if he would drive me crazy (just joking).
When I was sure of what I wanted, I decided to place an order online since the delivery men were also required to help the customer place the couch in their home.
5. Flooring
Another thing you should never order online is flooring. You might notice a picture on a website and you might like it, but before you add it to your cart, it might be better to go on a field trip and see it for yourself.
Does it go well with the decor in your home? What is its texture? How does it feel? How easy is it to clean? These are all the details you have to consider before making a purchase, so don’t forget to go to the store and check out their offer. Speaking of that, what type of flooring do you like? I’m all about tiles!
6. Pillows
Well, just like a new mattress, pillows are also important, so you can’t just pick one online and expect it to be exactly as you wish. Picking the perfect bed pillow for you can be quite a personal experience, and you can’t rely on other people’s opinions to get the one that will fit your sleeping needs.
Some brands might have soft and fluffy pillows, while others might be dense and firm. You’re the only one who knows what you need, so don’t waste your time online reading tons and tons of reviews. Just go to the store and test those pillows! Put your head down, close your eyes for a couple of moments, and fluff it in the air. If you’re feeling cozy and sleepy, that’s the one for you.
Not everything you find online is going to be the right fit, but if you want your home to smell fresh and magnificent, I strongly recommend you try this fantastic scented candle!
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