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Young House Love » Random » And Now A Letter To Ikea

| By John Petersik | November 11, 2009 | 138 Comments

And Now A Letter To Ikea

Dearest Ikea,

We love you. We really do. But yesterday you exploited that relationship and I just can’t bite my tongue this time. Just because “some assembly required” is one of the terms of our relationship, it does not mean that we want to put together every single thing that we buy from you. This means you Kassett storage box.

Kassett Unassembled

Sure, putting together your furniture is often part of the Ikea fun. Not only do we gain an affordable and stylish item for our home, but it comes with a guaranteed sense of accomplishment. But there’s no pride in having to assemble my own cardboard box. None at all. Need I remind you that an item like this comes free (and fully assembled!) with the purchase of simple things like shoes and cereal? So why must each of yours require multi-page instructions, a dozen screws and 15 minutes of my life that I’ll never get back?

Kassett Screws

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a break from all that allen wrench action. But having to punch out 24 holes by hand was a bit ridiculous. You even went as far as to perforate the holes, but stopped short of removing them completely. Really? Or was that a bonus gift. I get a storage box AND complimentary confetti? 

Kassett Punched Holes

In summary, it took me nearly an hour (and 48 screws!) to put together the four Kassett boxes that we bought this weekend. That’s more time than it took me to assemble the Expedit bookcase that houses them. They do look pretty darn good in the end. And I can’t complain about the $6/box price tag. But please, charge me the extra buck or two that it takes you to ship a pre-assembled box (I know shipping things flat saves me money, but a flat bookcase or bed is a lot more of a space saver than a 11.5″ box). I’m begging you. Help me help you help me. And I’m sure that loving feeling will come a-floodin’ right back.

Kassett In Expedit

Sincerely, John Petersik

PS:  Thank goodness the top of the box came pre-assembled. That, my friend, could’ve really been a deal breaker.

Kassett Confetti

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Comments

  1. Avatar for HannaHanna says

    November 11, 2009 at 9:52 am

    I’m so excited to see how the basement looks with ‘stuff’ in it! I’ve been checking the blog practically every half hour since Monday! I decided I’m going to get the Expedit desk as a gift to myself since my birthday is next week!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Heather HHeather H says

    November 11, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Great post! You really nailed this one. I have 4 of these boxes myself and could not believe how tedious it was to put them together. I won’t be buying another one again, it’ll be worth it to spend extra money. Personally I think they are kind of flimsy too, even for paper storage which is what i use them for.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for kelly@TearingUpHouses[email protected] says

    November 11, 2009 at 9:52 am

    amen! AMEN.

    i normally don’t mind the assembly, but it can get ridiculous (which is sometimes the bonus of finding a properly put together ikea item on craigslist). when you add that to the shopping experience ( http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com/2009/11/ikea-post-continues.html ), plus the shaky quality of products, sometimes ikea just isn’t worth it.

    then again, i like a lot of their smaller items, and i’m a sucker for their ice cream cones…

    kelly

    Reply
  4. Avatar for ChelseaChelsea says

    November 11, 2009 at 9:56 am

    This gave me a really good laugh right here at my desk, my mind instantly went back to stupid little allen wrenches, small bits of cursing, and some blood drawn all in the name of some assembly required. I have to say though, that I am suprised about a box needing to be assembled, this is something I will remember.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Jennifer S.Jennifer S. says

    November 11, 2009 at 9:59 am

    At least you didn’t have to make your own cardboard!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Heather W.Heather W. says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:03 am

    I’ve totally been there. I also own four of those boxes, and I believe that it took me two days to get them done (after doing two of them, I gave up for another day).

    I wish I would have taken a picture of the blister I got on my index finger from trying to twist those thiny nut/bolt things together. :-)

    Congrats on getting it done, though! You deserve some ice cream or something for all that hard work!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 11, 2009 at 10:05 am

      Um, Heather W, do you have a camera in our kitchen? Because I most certainly treated myself to some ice cream last night after assembling these boxes (and the Anebodas that we’ll show off later today). You know me too well.

      -John

  7. Avatar for ToreyTorey says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:05 am

    This is the funniest thing I have read in a while. :) Thanks for the laugh.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MariaMaria says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:05 am

    This is making me laugh because I actually bought four of these boxes on Monday to put on our new Billy bookshelves, and I said the same things…”Thank goodness the lid is assembled!” and “Seriously?? They go to the trouble of perforating the holes, but not fully punching them out, just so I can have sore fingertips.” No joke, my husband had the two bookshelves assembled in almost the same amount of time it took me to do the boxes.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for JenJen says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Hahaha, you crack me up! Thank you for speaking on behalf of many fellow sore fingered Kassett assemblers. I feel your pain as I just spent the same amount of torturous time piecing together four for my kiddos room. ISH! It was pretty ridiculous…

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Christa MChrista M says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:11 am

    And they look marvelous! Great Job! Can’t wait to see the finished storage room, because so far so good!
    PLEASE don’t ever delete this blog….when I finally buy a house, I plan to buy a semi-fixer-upper and I have full intention of coming here for all of the help and inspiration I most likely will need. I am DYING to paint old cabinets! Just need the old cabinets :)

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Amen brotha. My thumbs are screaming at me for subjecting them to so much allen wrenching. Not that I can complain, for my efforts were at least for a couple of nightstands and not some cardboard boxes…

    But they do look very very cute all finished like that. Props to you guys for having stylish EVERYTHING.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Emily @ WaldoBungieEmily @ WaldoBungie says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:17 am

    CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR BASEMENT!!!!!

    Oh, and I feel the same way about assembling EVERYTHING from West Elm (as alas, we do not have an IKEA anywhere near Kansas City)- I honestly would be fine with paying a little bit extra to have someone come and assemble it for me. But cardboard box assembly?!?!?! That’s taking it a bit far…..

    Reply
  13. Avatar for pattipatti says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:19 am

    i just read this out loud to my husband and he echoes every word. he had to put these together for our office and was cursing Ikea all along the way. :)

    Reply
  14. Avatar for amyamy says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:23 am

    About a month ago we bought a ton of Kassett boxes for DVD storage on a bookcase, important paper boxes for the closet, etc. Husband was not happy with the 2 hours it took to put them together for a simple box. But, the kitty liked the confetti, and getting in them when they were complete.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:23 am

    I too just bought those boxes (also in white and green) and I couldn’t agree more – popping out all those holes got pretty old after awhile! They look great on your shelf :)

    Reply
  16. Avatar for CatherineCatherine says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Amen brother! I spent 3 hours one night assembling 8 of these boxes and I would gladly spend that kind of time on furniture. But a box, really?

    Reply
  17. Avatar for laurenlauren says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:29 am

    IKEA ranks pretty high on my list of things I love, and I tend to get overly excited as I browse the store while trying to control my cart on that awful floor of theirs in the marketplace. However, each and everytime I drive back from IKEA with all my goodies in my car I’m reminded of the fact that I will have to put all these “goodies” together myself. That alone coupled with my anti-direction reading personality and lets just say, my house after a day at IKEA is not the most pleasant place to be while I’m putting things together :)

    Then again, as much as we all complain we still keep going back for more. IKEA’s got it like that and they know it!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for TheresaTheresa says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:35 am

    You are so right about those boxes! However, it’s turned out that with enough lego building practice, our kids love putting together Ikea stuff. I just hand them the package with the boxes, and they bring them back assembled! So, take heart…hopefully you’ll have some helpers before too long!! :-)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for amyksamyks says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:38 am

    too funny, this post just cracked me up!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Jenny @ Words On WendhurstJenny @ Words On Wendhurst says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:39 am

    LOL. You have to ask yourself which is more important, saving money or saving time. I’ll keep “some assembly required” in mind on my next trip to the yellow and blue store. :-)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for 2828 says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Love this post – and your pics did a great job of showing how completely overwhelming, annoying and unnecessary all the assembly can be!

    Ikea, all we want to do is love you … why can’t you just love us back?!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Kristen AKristen A says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:42 am

    I bought the DVD boxes, and while I love them, they were SO difficult to put together. I finally figured it out — but I completely understand your frustration (in particular with the confetti).

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Danielle@Newlyweds Paradise[email protected] Paradise says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:46 am

    Preach it Brother!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for LettyLetty says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:47 am

    Haha…. awesome!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Laura@JourneyChic[email protected] says

    November 11, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Oh man, that is BRUTAL! I bought the magazine holder version of those boxes, but all I had to do was some origami-esque folding and they were done. Next time I need a storage box, I’ll suck it up and pay the $$ at Container Store. The amount of screws in your photos is absurd. For all that assembly time, the boxes should be $2, not $6!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for MonicaMonica says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:00 am

    I bought 4 of these last month and only put 2 together! I figure I’ll con my husband into doing them, someday… (he can put together a truck from just some nuts and bolts, but show him an IKEA package and suddenly he is clueless)

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Jill StigsJill Stigs says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:01 am

    OK……..great humor, sorry you had to go through all that for some affordable, yet stylish, boxes.

    Now onto the real deal………….let’s see the REVEAL!!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for KimKim says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Amen to that! I mean, I realized the pkg was a little too flat for a box when I bought it–but I thought that meant just folding a few flaps together. I had no idea until I opened it that actual screws were involved. Craziness.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Amy C.Amy C. says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:06 am

    I feel your pain. My first time around I was stubborn and figured I could put together the small ones without a screwdriver – I ended up with throbbing red thumbs – ow!!!!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for NancyNancy says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:06 am

    I recently put some of those together and felt the same way! I think it took me at least 15 minutes a piece and there were four of them, it seemed so silly for four small boxes. They sure were cute though once I managed to get them put together!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for JohnnaJohnna says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:08 am

    LOL!!!! Too funny! They recently just reduced the price on those bad jacksons by about 40% – maybe that was by shipping flat!!! LOL!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for denise @ little ant designdenise @ little ant design says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:12 am

    Thank you – well said. I just put those boxes together a couple of months ago and felt the exact same way. I love Ikea but come on!!!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for SueSue says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:15 am

    :-)!! I actually have a package of these boxes that I’ve been putting off assembling…I guess I should bite the bullet and just get it done, but yeah, I feel your pain on this one…

    Reply
  34. Avatar for tashatasha says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:16 am

    They do have “snap” boxes but the snapping mechanism doesn’t stay snapped if you put anything heavy in the box.

    There are also “pop” up boxes..

    ah boxes..

    Reply
  35. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:18 am

    I’m glad there are others that share my frustration with those things. They are nice, but they really take too long to assemble.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for AlexisAlexis says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:19 am

    I bought very similar boxes from The Container Store a few months ago and felt the same way when the arrived flat with dozens of tiny screws and bolts… and i had 6 to assemble. The confetti and time were both annoying, but the boxes do look great!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for MandyMandy says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:21 am

    This is hilarious! Oh how I also detest the tedious process of putting things together. My favorite is when you don’t quite get all of the pieces or they don’t fit exactly as they should…I just experienced that with metal shelves from Target that required “no hardware” =)

    Reply
  38. Avatar for JamieJamie says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Lol, hilarious!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I purchased several of these boxes a few months ago and my thumb is still recovering from the assembly. Those little screws took all of the skin off my right thumb. As much as I hated putting them together, I’m thinking about getting a few more next time I make an IKEA run. Glutton for punishment.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for AmeliaAmelia says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:23 am

    i can’t believe these boxes didn’t come assembled! good to know if i ever decide to purchase a few – they do look awfully good though :-)
    Looking forward to your basement reveal later today.

    Reply
  41. Avatar for kathleenkathleen says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:25 am

    oh goodness, i have already written this letter to ikea!!! so ridiculous! and i will say after having used them for a year, somehow the screws loosened and i lost a couple bolts (?) so make sure they are on tight!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for JacciJacci says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:26 am

    You are too funny. All you need is an 8 year old girl who RELISHES tiny detailed work, and you’re in business. SweetP is keeping her jammies and unmentionables in two white Kassett boxes for the time being and she assembled them all by herself with delight :)

    Oh, and I think she might have been a little faster than you. Sorry, John.

    Jacci

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Bev WeinbergerBev Weinberger says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:27 am

    OMG John, you’re hillarious. I felt the exact same way putting together my boxes, like seriously Ikea??? I hope you really send the letter!!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for DD says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:30 am

    Seriously?? Having to punch the holes yourself? Crazy!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Oh boy… what a pain in the rear. Good thing they look super sharp in the end though! Nice!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for SannaSanna says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Ha ha ha very funny! Been there, done that! I think, no matter where we live we seem to have a thing or two in common…the love for IKEA and the frustrating experience that follows.

    from a proud swedish girl ;)

    Reply
  47. Avatar for mauramaura says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Oh I feel for you. I use those boxes in my office closet and I remember my fingers being sore for days after putting them together. I had to put together 12 of them. UGH! Not fun at all. You should not need a topical anelgesic after assembling boxes!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:38 am

    This is so funny…but, after all that work, they sure do look good!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:43 am

    This made me laugh! I cant wait to see the finished product!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for GailGail says

    November 11, 2009 at 11:44 am

    Laughing so hard. Brilliant.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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