10 things we all do in IKEA

It’s either your biggest nightmare or your #1 favourite weekend adventure. A trip to IKEA is one that is mixed with emotion and tests even the strongest relationships. We often leave feeling slightly dazed, super confused and completely euphoric.

No matter the outcome, there are a few things that we all do when we go through the maze that is IKEA.

1. Get so excited by the seemingly endless possibilities of finishes, materials, and rooms. You’re like a kid in a candy store, but this is the adult version.

2. Play ‘House’ in the display kitchen, because it’s always been your dream to have a cooking show to call your own. *throws salt over one’s shoulder*

3. As your patience fades and the overwhelming feeling of being right in the thick of IKEA’s rabbit warren without an easy escape creeps in, you begin to squabble over petty things such as the correct pronunciation of products: ‘“Ekenäset.” It’s “Eeh-ken-air-set,” not “Eh-kin-ah-set!!”

4. Upon reaching the bedroom section, get inspired to have a full wardrobe cleanse and imagine all of the amazing pieces you’re going to populate your new wardrobe and “Instaworthy” life with.

5. Buy completely unnecessary items that you already have at home but need ‘as a back-up’.

6. Start to stress out about how much your home doesn’t resemble anything like those on these interiors blogs and start piling all of the whimsical fairy lights, throw cushions, and copper accessories you can find into your cobalt blue plastic bag.

7. When it all gets too much, remind yourself that there are some Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes waiting for you on the other side. Not to mention, those delicious cinnamon buns.

8. Get riiiight to the end and just as you’re about to check out, remember one tiny, yet crucial item that, of course, happens to be located right at the beginning of the store’s maze of a floor plan.

9. Realize that you’re not strong enough to carry the 5 boxes that contain the pieces of your wardrobe.

10. As you leave, start to internally freak out at the realization that you’re now going to have to assemble the million unnecessary furniture items you just bought.