3 Things You Should Definitely Do the Next Time You Go to IKEA, According to Professional Organizers

published May 12, 2022
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IKEA isn’t just for furniture and meatballs. (Although it is a great place to go for both of those things!) It’s also a ridiculously inexpensive place to hit up when you want to get more organized. The store stocks lots of baskets, bins, organizers, space-saving solutions, and more — with lots of finds for just a buck or two.

But as anyone who’s ever been to an IKEA knows, it’s not a good idea to go to IKEA without at least a kernel of a plan. So we thought we’d ask some professional organizers for help. If you’re headed to IKEA any time soon with the hopes of getting more organized, there are three things you should absolutely do. Let’s take a look.

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1. Check the website first.

Before you head out the door, check the IKEA website first. For one thing, you’ll get a better idea of what sections you want to hit, which can make your trip more efficient. Plus, you can find out beforehand what’s actually in stock and prevent wasting time on an unsuccessful IKEA run. “No need to burn precious fuel if the item isn’t there when you get to the store,” says Brenda Scott, owner of Tidy My Space. When you do see something is in stock, head to the store ASAP!

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2. Bring measurements.

If you’re planning to buy kitchen organizers, it’s a good idea to bring along exact measurements of your shelves, cabinets, and drawers. It may also help to take photos. “This will give you the best chance of only buying what will fit and will look best for the space,” Scott says.

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3. Start at the checkout.

Monica Fay, a pro organizer with Totally Normal Chaos, says walking through IKEA backward prevents feeling overwhelmed and encourages efficiency. Typically, she enters through the checkout area, then goes through the plant, décor, and kitchenware sections. 

“That way, I don’t get distracted by all of the big furniture I’m most likely not even looking for at that moment or exhausted by the amount of time it takes to walk through several floors,” she says. Another plus? You’ll be near the AS-IS section if you want to find a quick piece of furniture that was returned and is being sold at a lower price. 

Do you have any tips to add? Leave them in the comments below!