Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to navigate through IKEA and make a speedy exit. With these practical tips and tricks, you’ll be able to breeze through the maze of furniture displays, avoid getting lost in the homeware section, and efficiently check out at the registers. Say goodbye to spending hours wandering aimlessly through the store and hello to a quick and stress-free shopping experience at IKEA. Let’s get you in and out in no time! How to get out of IKEA fast?
Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of aisles in IKEA, wondering how you’ll ever make it out? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you navigate the maze of furniture and home goods efficiently, so you can get in and out of IKEA in record time. By the end of this article, you’ll be a seasoned IKEA shopper who knows all the shortcuts and secrets to make your visit as quick and painless as possible. Let’s get started!
Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to IKEA is crucial if you want to get in and out quickly. Before you even step foot in the store, take some time to prepare and strategize your trip.
Make a Shopping List
One of the biggest time-wasters at IKEA is aimlessly wandering the aisles, unsure of what you came for in the first place. To avoid this, make a shopping list before you leave home. Write down the items you need, including their names and locations in the store. This way, you can head straight to the sections you need without getting distracted by all the tempting displays along the way.
Check Store Hours
Before you head to IKEA, check the store’s opening and closing hours. Planning your visit during off-peak times can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend in the store. Avoid weekends and evenings if possible, as these tend to be the busiest times at IKEA.
Consider Online Shopping
If you’re short on time or simply can’t stand the thought of navigating the maze of IKEA, consider shopping online instead. Many items are available for purchase on the IKEA website, and some even offer home delivery. While you might miss out on the in-store experience, online shopping can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Navigating the Store
Once you’re inside IKEA, it’s time to put your plan into action and navigate the store efficiently. Here are some tips to help you find your way around quickly.
Follow the Arrows
IKEA stores are designed to lead customers through a specific path that showcases all the different products available. Follow the arrows on the floor to stay on track and avoid getting lost in the endless sea of furniture.
| TIP: | Stick to the arrows and resist the temptation to veer off course to explore other sections. You can always come back another time to browse at your leisure. |
Use the Shortcuts
If you’re in a hurry, take advantage of the shortcuts scattered throughout the store. Look for signs that point to “Shortcuts” or “Quick Exit” to find alternative routes that can help you skip entire sections and get to the checkout faster.
| TIP: | Don’t be afraid to use the shortcuts, even if it means missing out on some of the displays. Your time is valuable, and there’s always next time to explore the store more thoroughly. |
Grab a Shopping Cart
While it may seem counterintuitive, grabbing a shopping cart can actually help you move through the store faster. Instead of carrying items in your arms or making multiple trips back and forth, load up a cart with everything you need so you can keep moving efficiently.
| TIP: | Opt for a smaller cart if you only have a few items on your list. This will help you navigate the aisles more easily and avoid getting stuck in crowded areas. |
Efficient Shopping Tips
Now that you’ve mastered the art of navigating IKEA, it’s time to focus on efficient shopping strategies that will help you get in and out as quickly as possible.
Stick to Your List
Once you’re inside IKEA, resist the urge to veer off course and start browsing random aisles. Stick to your shopping list and focus on finding the items you need. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time on unnecessary detours.
| TIP: | If you see something you like but it’s not on your list, make a note of it for future reference. You can always come back another time to explore new items and make additional purchases. |
Check Stock Availability
Before you get too carried away with filling your cart, check the stock availability of the items on your list. Look for signs indicating whether an item is in stock or out of stock to avoid wasting time searching for items that are not available.
| TIP: | Use the IKEA app or website to check the stock availability of items before you visit the store. This will save you time and frustration and ensure that you can find everything on your list. |
Skip the Showrooms
While the showrooms at IKEA are undoubtedly impressive, they can also be a major time-suck. If you’re in a hurry, consider skipping the showrooms altogether and heading straight to the self-serve area where you can find smaller items like kitchenware, bedding, and home decor.
| TIP: | If you’re unsure about a specific item, take a quick photo of it in the showroom and refer back to it later when you have more time to browse. This way, you can quickly locate the item in the self-serve area without having to backtrack through the store. |
Avoid Crowded Areas
Certain areas of IKEA tend to be more crowded than others, such as the checkout lanes and popular showroom displays. To save time, try to avoid these areas whenever possible and opt for less crowded sections of the store.
| TIP: | Look for alternate checkout lanes that may be less crowded than the main ones near the entrance. You can also consider using self-checkout if you have a small number of items and want to avoid waiting in line. |
Checkout Efficiency
When it’s time to check out, there are a few things you can do to streamline the process and get out of IKEA as quickly as possible.
Use Self-Checkout
If you have a small number of items and don’t want to wait in line at the manned checkout lanes, consider using the self-checkout kiosks. These are typically faster and more convenient, allowing you to scan and pay for your items quickly without having to interact with a cashier.
| TIP: | Familiarize yourself with the self-checkout process before you start scanning your items. This will help you avoid any hiccups and ensure a smooth and efficient checkout experience. |
Opt for Click & Collect
If you’re a frequent IKEA shopper and find yourself spending too much time in the store, consider using the Click & Collect service. With this option, you can place an order online and pick it up at the store without having to navigate the aisles yourself.
| TIP: | Take advantage of Click & Collect for larger items that are difficult to transport on your own. This service allows you to skip the shopping experience altogether and focus on getting in and out of the store quickly. |
Divide and Conquer
If you’re shopping with a partner or family member, consider dividing and conquering to speed up the checkout process. Split up your shopping list and have each person gather their assigned items before meeting back up at the checkout lanes to pay.
| TIP: | Have a designated meeting spot near the checkout lanes where you can reunite with your shopping companion. This will help you avoid wandering around the store looking for each other and wasting valuable time. |
Final Thoughts
Getting out of IKEA fast doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By planning your visit, navigating the store efficiently, and using some clever shopping strategies, you can streamline the process and make your IKEA trip quick and painless. Remember to stay focused, stick to your list, and make use of shortcuts to help you get in and out in record time. With these tips in mind, you’ll be an IKEA shopping pro who can conquer the maze of furniture and home goods with ease. Happy shopping!