Following a recent visit I made to IKEA on a weekend afternoon, I realised that, even though I am a regular visitor, I could have benefited from a reminder checklist on how to survive and even delight in IKEA.
1. Preparation is essential
- Make a list and search on the website for product availability.
- Allocate a set budget with a little contingency built-in.
- Ensure your footwear is comfortable and fit for purpose; there can be a lot of walking.
- Apply careful consideration to your selection of a co-shopper i.e. no significant other half and no children.
- Bring a car with enough space to fit everything.
- Either plan your visit for a weekday or early at the weekend.
2. It’s IKEA time – let’s get moving
- Familiarise yourself with the layout but don’t get seduced by the arrows – you actually don’t need to follow them.
- At no point should you turn around: keep moving forward.
- IKEA is a marathon and not a sprint - you will need to refuel but never between 1-2pm.
- It can be difficult but remember your list and learn to control your impulses - honestly, you do not need to put everything in your basket.
- Prepare yourself for disappointment, as not everything you want will be available and if an item was featured in a magazine, it may be sold out.
- If you need to queue once again do not get seduced by the bargain bucket item next to you – you probably do not need it.
3. Well done - you did it!
- Now with the car packed and your sanity hopefully still together, you can watch the large blue and yellow box disappear into the background.
- But of course, you are not exactly finished yet and self-assembly awaits you on your return home. The best option? Leave that to a friend or family member who you spared the trauma of the IKEA shopping trip.
Have you been to IKEA recently? What tip or hint would you add for making it a successful shopping trip?