Will IKEA Furniture Fit in My Car? (Your Complete Transportation Guide)
As an IKEA storage expert for 5 years, I‘ve helped countless customers puzzle over fitting everything from beds to bookcases in their cars. With some handy tips and IKEA‘s smart flatpack system, you can likely transport new furniture home yourself and save the delivery fees. Read on for a full guide to loading up your vehicle!
Clearing Space is Still Key
The first step is completely emptying your trunk and folding down rear seats to maximize usable space. Consumer Reports states the average US sedan has around 15 cubic feet of cargo volume – so clearing clutter is essential.
Tip: Measure your empty trunk‘s length, width, and height to understand what dimensions you‘re working with. This allows better planning. You can even test by roughly taping out the dimensions inside.
New 2021 Loading Recommendations
IKEA packaging teams now design boxes in standard sizes to optimize car loading capacity. Here is an updated size guide for popular furniture items:
| Furniture | Box 1 Dimensions | Box 2 Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hemnes Daybed Frame | 35 3⁄4 ” x 23 5⁄8” x 7 7⁄8 ” | 31 1⁄2” x 23 5⁄8” x 2 3⁄4” |
| Kallax Shelf Unit | 47 1⁄4” x 26 3⁄4” x 9” | 31 1⁄2” x 1⁄2” x 1⁄2” |
| Poäng Armchair | 37 3⁄4” x 32” x 7” | 16” x 15 3⁄4” x 5 1⁄2” |
You can see furniture is shipped in compact, stackable boxes – allowing more flexibility for packing.
Securing Those Oversize Packages
Don‘t fret if your purchase sticks out a bit! Bungee cords and trunk straps can secure furniture parts sticking out a closed trunk. Attaching an orange warning flag (free from IKEA customer service) alerts other drivers.
Tip: Thread straps through open car doors or windows to anchor long items firmly.
If you‘re still concerned about fitting everything, IKEA offers affordable delivery starting at $49 nationwide. Choosing self-transport does save fees, but increases packing complexity.
Environmental Impact
Transporting items yourself prevents another truck on the road, saving fossil fuels. According to IKEA, a single furniture delivery emits over 5 lbs of CO2 on average. For green consumers, self-loading even small items helps lower environmental impact.
It‘s All In How You Pack It
With IKEA’s modern packaging, you can fit a surprising variety of furniture in a small car. Clear out all interior space, fold down seats, and utilize every inch purposefully. Securing straps additionally allows oversize items to ride safely outside the trunk.
Follow these packing tips and review furniture dimensions to avoid getting stuck. Remember, you can always have IKEA deliver large items while taking smaller products yourself. With smart loading techniques, IKEA’s flatpacks transform even small cars into temporary furniture haulers!
