Smart IKEA Shopping? 9 Essential Strategies

These strategies for smart IKEA shopping will help you steer clear of unnecessary purchases, allowing you to swiftly browse the entire store and leave with only the things you came for!

I don’t know about you, but I love IKEA, and whenever I plan on going there, I always go without my husband. And if you’re a woman, too, you have to understand why. I love browsing through the aisles; I tend to examine closely all the items that I find in the kitchen section, and these little things can expand the time I spend in the store from 2 to 5 hours. I initially found this to be enjoyable, but I soon realized that this got me to spend more than I planned, plus I wasted a lot of time in the store.

In today’s article, I will teach you how to do smart IKEA shopping without impulse buying. Just enter, go to the section you want, and leave with your purchases. Easy peasy!

Browse the online catalog

If you want to do smart IKEA shopping, the first thing you must do is create a list of the things you want to buy before going to the store. Go to IKEA with intention. I usually have the list on my phone so it’s easier to look at it every time I need it. If you’re OK with online shopping, then go for it! It will save you even more time, but the shipping might cost a bit more.

Do you want to shop for furniture? Make sure you measure the space you want to put the new furniture in and never go to IKEA unprepared.

Skip the showroom

Another tip for smart IKEA shopping is to avoid what I like to call the “temptation area,” which is their showroom. But I didn’t even know you could get past it, you may say. Well, that’s what is Tracey for!

If I know exactly what I want to buy, I don’t need to spend twenty minutes going around eight-by-eight-foot bedrooms with lofted beds and dressers that double as kitchen tables, even though the showroom is lovely and always well-designed.

Go straight to the unmarked doors that are usually located directly behind the escalator (in the three IKEA stores I’ve visited, the doors were in this area). When you first enter, it is difficult to see them.

Although they appear rather shady and are completely unmarked, the doors lead to the start of the marketplace, where you can immediately begin loading your cart, bag, or trolley. This simple trick removes at least fifteen minutes of walking, and ten more minutes of paused distraction, which can lead to impulse buying, and an unknown amount of time spent wondering whether you should replace your entire home furniture because everything you see is definitely prettier than what you have.

Use the IKEA map and take shortcuts

Even though it’s not as secret as it once was, many customers still find it difficult to understand. On your way in, pick up a map to see where everything is. It’s user-friendly too! If you’re just looking to grab some items from the Home Organization and Wall Decoration sections, you’ll be happy to know that you can take a couple of quick shortcuts and skip at least six other sections! It makes finding what you need much easier!

If you know you need to go straight to the Self-Serve section and don’t want anything in the Marketplace area, you can also use the shortcuts. Simply use shortcuts to navigate the Marketplace, find the aisle and bin (you can find this information online so you have it with you when you visit the store), and make your purchase if you know you only need furniture or larger items from the Self-Serve area.

Go shopping on weekday mornings

This is probably one of the best pieces of advice I could give you: If you want to do smart IKEA shopping, never go to the store during the weekends! Unless you can’t make it during the weekdays.

However, if you go on weekends, I recommend going early in the morning until noon. Most college students are aware that IKEA is a great place to find supplies for their schoolwork. Therefore, the store tends to be crowded during late summer, particularly in July and August. It’s best to avoid shopping during this busy period.

Smart IKEA shopping tip: Sign up as a member of the program to get discounts for a lot of items.

Double-check that your purchases will fit in your vehicle!

Finding out your furniture won’t fit in your car is the worst thing that can ruin a shopping trip. Here is how to get ready: If necessary, measure your car’s trunk without considering folded seats. Keep a measuring tape on hand at all times so you can verify the dimensions of the box while you’re shopping. If you’re purchasing multiple pieces of furniture, be sure to pack the trunk appropriately because some of them are heavy.

IKEA delivery service is a good option, though, if your car isn’t large enough or you’re unsure about how to properly pack the trunk.

Bring your shopping bags!

Stop wasting money on bags that you will no longer use after! Bring your reusable bags, preferably solid and big enough to fit every item you plan on buying. If you’re a regular shopper at IKEA, then you’re familiar with their yellow bag; however, they won’t let you bring it to the register. That’s why I use my blue IKEA bag and switch it out.

Need some heavy-duty reusable bags for your next IKEA shopping trip? I got you! This pack of 6 bags from Homemell is available on Amazon for $31.99.

Do you want to make a return? Do it in the morning!

When I had to make a return, I had no idea that there would be a huge queue ahead of me. I didn’t go for a furniture piece; it was for a nightstand lamp, so I don’t even want to think about a bigger return.

However, the best strategy to avoid long lines is to arrive early and beat the crowd. I suggest going to the store in the morning, right after it opens. Not many people like shopping early in the day, so it will most likely be quite empty. And it would be a pity not to take advantage of it!

Take advantage of the 90-day price protection

Remember that I told you to enroll in the IKEA family program? Well, the 90-day price protection is a huge reason for it. But what does this price protection do? For example, you just purchased a kitchen cabinet that was $385 but the next day you see it on sale.

However, if you are a member of the IKEA family program, you can get a refund for the difference if you explain your circumstances to the store and, of course, if you keep the receipt for the item you purchased.

Don’t leave without stopping at the food court

As I said before, I love IKEA, from the affordable furniture to the tasty foods at the food court. Refuel with classic menu items like salmon, and Swedish meatballs with that delicious cranberry jam, or check out the vegetarian selections. On your way out, remember to pick up a soft-serve ice cream or a cinnamon roll. They’re all very tasty, and unfortunately, nowhere else to find besides Ikea!

How often do you go shopping at IKEA and how satisfied are you with the store? If you find these tips useful and you enjoyed reading my article, then I expect to see you sometime soon! Happy shopping!