ᐅ How can I store MALM furniture more efficiently?

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking into how to store my Malm furniture more efficiently. In particular, the issue of a lot of space being wasted when the units are fully assembled is quite frustrating. I have taken some of the drawers out, but the combination of disassembled and fully assembled parts makes storage very confusing and inefficient.

Does anyone have tips on how to store MALM dressers or similar IKEA furniture space-efficiently without fully dismantling the pieces? Are there recommendations on how to stack or store the parts sensibly so that they take up less space during moves or temporary storage?

I would like to avoid having to completely take apart the dressers every time I rearrange or transport something. Thanks in advance for any helpful and thoughtful advice!

Fuenes schrieb:
how I can store my MALM furniture more efficiently

I understand your concern well. It’s frustrating when the furniture takes up too much space in the room and disassembling it requires a lot of effort.

One idea that helped me: always store parts like drawers and internal slides separately and flat. You can then lean the main carcass components upright against the wall, which saves much more space than laying them flat. Make sure to protect the furniture pieces from scratches by placing padding between them.

Fuenes schrieb:
a combination of disassembled and fully assembled parts makes storage very confusing

In this case, I would recommend at least partially disassembling the furniture, especially if you have already removed the drawers. Otherwise, it quickly becomes confusing and the stability suffers, which in turn takes up more space because you have to be more careful.

Would you like to describe how much you have already disassembled? Then I can give more specific advice for your setup.

For efficient storage of MALM furniture from an ergonomic and space-saving perspective, the following approach is recommended:

1. Disassemble the dressers down to the carcass, removing all drawers.
2. Store the carcasses upright against a sturdy wall, not lying flat, to prevent damage to the back panels.
3. Stack drawers, back panels, and cut-outs separately and flat—preferably in labeled containers.

Layla schrieb:
Always store parts like drawers and inner pull-outs separately and flat

This follows best practice. Storing fully assembled dressers requires very large storage spaces and is impractical in living areas due to the space required.

Another recommendation: Modular shelving systems or storage boxes can help protect individual parts from moisture and dust.

Make sure the storage location is dry and level to avoid long-term damage.

Remove drawers, store the cabinet upright, stack drawers flat. Store back panels separately.

Store fully assembled units: waste of space.

Labeling makes assembly easier later on.

meoreo schrieb:
Remove drawers, store the cabinet upright

That’s exactly what helps me as well. I’m just wondering if anyone has tips on how to best protect the disassembled parts from scratches. Do you use special foam or felt pads underneath, or something else?

Sometimes I feel that stacking and storing in plastic wrap causes more harm than good, as moisture can get trapped underneath. Has anyone had experience with the optimal protective layer for longer storage?

For me, efficient furniture storage is also a matter of time – there’s often not enough space for major rearrangements.