When we become adults, we sometimes forget we have free will. With pencils transitioning to pens, subconsciously, we start believing that nothing in our life can be reversed or even changed.
But mistakes happen, right?
Say you spent your entire Saturday afternoon setting up that dresser your bedroom so desperately needed, only to find out that it just looks… odd? Maybe it’s taking up too much space, maybe it’s too off-putting — whatever it is, you’ve changed your mind.
Do you have to live with it forever now? Not really.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether you can return IKEA furniture assembled and what their policy says.
So, Can You Return Assembled IKEA Furniture?
The short and sweet answer is: yes, yes, you can! But, before you get a little too excited, there are some guidelines in their policy that you need to follow.
According to IKEA’s official U.S. return policy, customers can return new and unopened products within 365 days and opened/assembled products within 180 days, as long as you have proof of purchase and the item is in resalable condition.
What Exactly Does Resaleable Condition Mean?
The term resalable condition is subjective. Sure, your assembled furniture doesn’t have to fit back perfectly into that box (and it probably won’t!), but it still means that the furniture must:
- Not be damaged, stained, or scratched.
- Look as it originally did.
- Have all parts and hardware included
- Have some or all of the original packaging
If your assembled furniture currently looks like it’s been through a hurricane and back, chances are IKEA isn’t in a position to give you a refund.
What if You Don’t Have the Original Packaging?
Life happens, and well, you already have enough on your plate to start worrying about furniture packaging, the good thing is IKEA gets it!
Many IKEA locations won’t penalize you for not having the original box, especially if you’ve taken care of the furniture. But, policies can vary by store and manager discretion.
We’d recommend calling up your local IKEA and get assistance.
Also Read: Common Mistakes People Make When Assembling Furniture
What About Returning Used Furniture?
So you set up your dresser and also used it? Chips, dents, scratches?
Well, don’t count yourself out just yet! Some IKEA stores accept used furniture through the As-Is buyback program, where they check your furniture and offer you store credit based on condition.
Sure, it isn’t a full refund, but you’re still able to get some value for an item that’s no longer in use.
Here’s Everything You Need for a Hassle-Free Return
Original packaging and the furniture aren’t the only things you’ll need. Here are some additional things to keep handy the next time you return your item:
- Receipt or proof of purchase. IKEA’s return system hinges on this. A digital receipt from your IKEA account works too.
- The actual item (obviously!) Clean, assembled, and in as close to like-new condition as possible.
- Any packaging you still have is not mandatory, but helpful.
- A little patience. Depending on your store, returns for assembled furniture may take longer to process.
How Do You Get it to IKEA?
You can return assembled furniture to IKEA — love to hear it. The only question is, how?
- Rent a vehicle or ask your friend to drive you in their SUV as a favour (pay them back with dinner!)
- Schedule a pickup with IKEA. Not all stores may offer this, so again, ring them up and ask.
- Get Furniture Assembly NJ to handle all the hassle for you (we prefer this method over the others).
Avoiding IKEA Regret 101
IKEA is one of the few furniture stores that offers flexibility to its customers. While that’s all great, it doesn’t hurt to be a tad bit prepared—with your furniture disassembled, before you end up in return-land once again.
- Measure twice, build once. Make sure that the TV stand you’ve been eyeing actually fits your living room wall before you build it.
- Start with smaller items. If you’re unsure of style or size, buy one piece instead of committing to a full set.
And then, of course, we’ve got the generic (but much-needed) tips like not tossing your receipt first thing you get home and keeping the original packaging safe until you’re absolutely sure.
Returning Assembled Furniture? It’s Possible!
If you’re as indecisive as most people are when they’re faced with the choice between a chocolate chip cookie and banana bread, IKEA’s return policy is made for you.
It’s completely normal to change your mind, and you can return assembled furniture to IKEA! Now, no matter how much you promise this will be the last time you mess up, there’s always going to be another change-of-mind knocking on your door.
Whether you need furniture assembled, disassembled, assembled again, returned, or delivered to your home, Furniture Assembly NJ does all that and MORE! Whether you need it built, unbuilt, or just done right the first time, give us a ring. We won’t disappoint!
