There’s a magical shopping place called Ikea. But it can quickly become a nightmare of mazes and give you sticker shock at the register unless you know how to shop. I’m a *somewhat* seasoned Ikea shopper, but the closest location to me is nearly 6 hours away, so we either make a trip to Atlanta a few times a year or I go there when traveling. I’ve been to Ikea stores all over the United States from San Diego to Chicago, Orlando to Charlotte, Atlanta to Austin. I’ve been everywhere, man. There are some things I buy for the blog (like pillow covers) and others just for us. I’ve shopped when driving an empty full size truck, as well as my recent trip with three teens, four big suit cases and a small car, so I feel like I have a pretty broad spectrum of Ikea experience to draw from. So here’s my secrets to shopping at Ikea:
1) Make your Ikea shopping list before you leave home.
If you’ve been shopping there before, you know the things you like to stock up on. If you’ve never been before, it’s seriously easy to get overwhelmed at the awesome very quickly. You’ll find TONS of cool, cheap things that you want, but knowing the things you actually need will help keep you focused. Let’s say you need a light fixture – but you really don’t need a rug. But you’ll be tempted because they have awesome rugs for under $20. You can either make your list just with a basic outline (glasses, curtains, etc.) or you can make a detailed wish like at Ikea online and print it out. Of course the world won’t implode if you don’t have a list, but it’s definitely better if you do.
2) Go on the lightest shopping days.
I’ve found in Atlanta that Monday as soon as they open is the very best time to go. Like we are in the parking lot before the doors actually open. Weekends are like shopping in hell – I only go if then if there is no other option. Less stress, you can get through the store faster, it’s easier to find an Ikea associate to help if you need it, and your overall experience is just plain better.
3) Sign up for Ikea Family.
Almost every store under the sun has a loyalty program, and at Ikea it’s called Ikea Family. There’s a ton of benefits, including some special sales that are only good for Ikea Family members. And if you sign up at one store, it’s good at all of them (I signed up in San Diego). You can also get extra time at the the daycare for free. Speaking of daycare….
4) Take advantage of Småland.
Ikea offers a free day care, called Småland. You get one hour of blissful kid-free shopping. If you’re an Ikea Family member, you get an extra half an hour (see, I told you that it was worth signing up for!) There are age requirements and on crowded days you may have to wait, but it’s better than your littles having a meltdown in the middle of the lighting section.
5) Take a photo of the store map on your phone.
They’ll offer you a paper one when you go into the store, but I’ve found that taking photo of the map near the entrance it’s easier. Because I lose the paper map every ding dang time. If you’re trying to beat the Småland time clock, then you’ll want to know the fastest route to get the things on your list.
6) Save time by using the shortcuts.
If you know where you’re going (see the map), then you can zip through the store pretty quickly. If you go the long way around (by following every arrow), it can easily take over an hour just to get through the store (not including check out). If you use shortcuts to bypass areas you don’t need, it will save you quite a bit of time. Or if you forgot something at the end, you can use them to go back and get what you need.
7) Know the best buys.
This list might be different, depending on what you love to purchase – but I ALWAYS buy these things: FJÄDRAR pillow insert is only $5.99 for a 20×20 feather filled insert , pillow covers of all sorts (because I can’t make them as cheap), BUMERANG clothes hangers – $3.99 for 8 sturdy wooden hangers is the cheapest I’ve seen (and it’s the only kind we use at our house), Candles – from pillars to tapers to tea lights – they have the best deals around (but I’d never advocate going just for candles – go to Target instead). Some of the furniture is also a good deal, but if you’re driving a LONG way just to buy it, check Target first – their style, price and quality is fairly comparable.
8) Take a photo of the tags on things you need.
Although you can get a little slip of paper to write it down, I’ve found that I always mess it up. Taking a photo of the tag on your phone lets you see exactly what you’re looking for. Of course, once you get to the warehouse area it might not be in stock on the shelf – but if you ask nicely then an associate might be able to track one down for you. If it’s truly out of stock, then open up Ikea’s website on your phone and find something comparable. The clothing rack we went for was out of stock, but I found another one that was only $3 more and was a great alternative.
9) The As-Is Secton is a must-see.
If you’re looking for the deal of the century, then the As-Is section is the place to go. It’s usually close to the warehouse area (where you use that red-tag info) and there can be some major deals. I’ve seen couches for as little as $50. Not everything there is a true deal, but if you dig deep you might be surprised. Oh – and another reason to go on Monday…. the As-Is area is the best stocked that day. Most returns happen on the weekend, and most of what is in that area is from returns.
10) Ask yourself THREE times: Do I really need this?
You’ll pick up tons of junk along the path, and a lot of it you probably don’t need. If you know how you’ll use it, when you’ll use it, and where you’ll put it away once you get home, then it’s most likely a good buy. If not, then put it back. By the way, unless you have a huge truck or big van and need to contain your purchases, you probably don’t need the infamous Ikea bags. When we’re in our car we just put the stuff in the cart, then we don’t have bags to deal with and can tuck our purchases around luggage, etc. But do buy the chocolate at the register. That stuff rocks.
Bonus: Ikea Hacks. There are a million things you can do with thinks from Ikea – so pop over to see this great collection at The Cottage Market.
I have never been to IKEA. We talk about going but have yet to make our way there. One day. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Ikea, are experts at zoning…Go there to buy one product and usually end up with a zillion! Keep on blogging.
Love Ikea. Thanks for pillow and As-is Section tips!
I dont see any comments on the food. Maybe is me, but if I go to Ikea, I plan for eating there too. They have such a beautiful display that is almost imposible to pass by, well thats me. I also buy from the frezer their ready to cook meatballs, cookies, and their famous lingonberry jam.
Me too. I’ll buy the long rectangular frozen vegetarian pizza plus smoked salmon. This combination is fabulous! Bake or air-fry the pizza; when baked and out of the oven, top it up with smoked salmon & sprinkle some grated cheese and chilli powder for an instant meal.
IKEA also has smartphone app where you can browse all their stuff and create shopping lists, and as you find things in the store you can actually check them off on the lists as well. You can also choose a store location and it will tell you if the item is in stock. Same as on their website but in a convenient app right on your phone so no need to print a list before you go 🙂
I have one more tip which I’m assuming works anywhere as all the Ikea stores I’ve been in are organized in the same way.
If you know what you want from the knock down furniture section, write down the aisle and bin number of the item you need, pick it up and head for the cash. Done – except for the short stop in the “as is” section near the check out counters where there are sometimes great bargains – if you know your measurements and what you’re looking for.
I always make a list and check the item availability on-line for the store I’m planning to visit. I’m not a browser by nature, so plan my trips using the on-line catalogue then work out a plan of exactly where we’re going in the store and in what order. My other half will wander the store for hours if I let him as he loooves to shop.
Yes! This is great and so helpful! The last time I went to Ikea, I went for storage boxes and ended up filling up the back of my pick up truck. It was a hot mess express. Thanks for the tips!
XOXO,
Ms. Darling
msdarling.com
Good tips, but I have to emphatically disagree about Target having comparable furniture prices for similar styles. You can get something for the same price, but if you want the same style you’ll need twice as much cash.
I have 3 sets of Expedit/Kallax shelves, various sizes, in my home. The 2×2 was $35, but the similar shelf at Target was over $70, which is what I paid for the 2×4 size.
Good tips for the new IKEA shopper, especially the AS IS room…love that place. Dig deep is the key because if you just skim the surface you’ll miss out even in here. We bought an ottoman with a cover years ago and it’s still going strong thanks to finding TWO new covers for 75% off–change the color seasonally and I’ve got a “new” ottoman. We don’t have kids but I appreciate your tip to leave them in the daycare as that meltdown in the lighting section has happened too many times at our store because of parents not heeding this advice. Best times to go here in Portland, Oregon are weekday nights and Sunday nights are pretty good, too. I agree with Melody about the IKEA vs. Target prices and the Target stuff can be slightly better quality depeding on the price point you use at IKEA (they market to low end, medium range and “high end” shoppers)…Target’s got one audience that seems to fall in the upper-middle range, period.
Oh, and yes, the IKEA chocolate is delish!
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. The bags are where it’s at! I always buy a new bag when I go! Great for laundry baskets, garage sales, trips to Aldi! Also, I loooove the Choclad Not! Hazelnut candy bar? Oh yeah! I love the as is section too, I go there first!
i love the tip for taking a pic of the map! I have never been to IKEA, so I appreciate your tips. Thank you!
I know this post is a few months old, but just in case others have found this through Pinterest- I go to IKEA quite frequently- I have one half an hour from my house, and I think weeknights are the best time to go. Monday CAN be good, but it can also be really disappointing because a lot of popular items are out of stock after the busy weekend! So if you do go on a Monday, if you are going for something specific check the web site or app or even call the warehouse to make sure they have it. I have gone to IKEA, gone straight to the warehouse and purchased furniture (if low in stock, you can usually see the number left) and then left my purchases at the customer service sort of area, then gone back to do any other shopping and browsing or headed to the restaurant. They will hold it for you until you are ready to leave the store. 🙂 I also think there is so much you can purchase for way less than Target prices. I purchase way more furniture at IKEA and I have Targets everywhere around me because the HQ is here (Minneapolis). And I agree to definitely join IKEA Family even if you don’t go very often because you can get some really good deals and there are almost always restaurant deals. Another thing I learned pretty recently is that besides the IKEA Family deals, each store has its own weekly special that can be really good deals too! Hope this helps someone else out. 🙂
This was a great read! StL ikea just opened and I have been dying to go, but it seems to overwhelming. Your tips are appreciated!
Thanks 🙂 Enjoy the experience!
Great blog! You’re right on and a nice refresher for those that don’t get to Ikea as often as we’d like. 🙂
IKEA Atlanta is truly a wonder! Another tip: I usually avoid going during July and August. According to the employees it’s the busiest time, which I have noticed as well. The college aged kiddos are there with their parents for back to school shopping. Since there are Universities within a close drive or walk, it’s usually packed and they will be out of stock on major items. That has been my experience. I agree Monday’s are a great time to go and the as-is section is my favorite, unless we bring the smaller car! Thanks for the great article!
Great tips! I agree with Susi, though. LOVE the IKEA bags. I use them to haul my Etsy packages to the Post Office. They’re sturdy and last a long time. A great deal at 59 cents!
Just took a trip to Utah and was able to visit the Draper store. OH. MY. GOSH! I was overwhelmed to say the least. But weirdly overjoyed at the same time. I keep hoping that we’ll get a store here in Nashville!!!
I absolutely love Ikea! I think the photo taking is great, much easier than making a simple mistake and adding time to your trip. I’ll be sure to employ these top tips next time the Missus demands we go to Ikea. LOL
One thing I love is that the showroom opens 1/2 before you can actually purchase (9:30 a.m. In St Louis). No one is there yet and it’s like having the store to yourself to look around!!
Excellent hints. I have an Ikea 10 minutes away, lucky me.
I recommend Ikea bed linens. I got a very lightweight duvet, and a more substantial one. I can switch them out for summer, spring and fall, and use them both during winter. I also like their sheets. They’re soft, launder well, and can fit a very thick mattress. I’m mad for pillows so I like getting extra shams. And since you too are a lover of aqua, you’ll like the colors I picked. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50220467/ and http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70229706/
I think the best way to buy Ikea is to furnish a whole room with it. Don’t get me wrong, there are many Ikea pieces that will blend with other furniture styles. But the open, airy, clean lines and Swedish sensibility are at their best when kept together. That said, every home needs a Billy bookcase. Or 5. 🙂
Love it Kimberly! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Which IKEA is better: Charlotte or Atlanta? Atlanta’s is about an hour and a half further for us but if the store is better/bigger then it would be worth our while. We are building house from studs currently so we have a LOT of needs at IKEA, either way. Thanks!!!
I am not sure Jess. I am in Tennessee 🙂