Hello everyone,
I have a question that might be relevant to many here: Is it advisable to keep the packaging of Billy shelves (IKEA’s standard wood shelving) after unpacking and assembling the shelf?
In my opinion, there could be several reasons to keep the packaging, such as for a possible return shipment, extra protection during moves, or easier storage if you want to disassemble the shelf later. On the other hand, the packaging takes up space and is mostly made of cardboard, which can usually be disposed of.
How do you handle this? Do you keep the original packaging or dispose of it right away? And if so, why? I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and thoughts, especially regarding the advantages and disadvantages. Thanks!
I have a question that might be relevant to many here: Is it advisable to keep the packaging of Billy shelves (IKEA’s standard wood shelving) after unpacking and assembling the shelf?
In my opinion, there could be several reasons to keep the packaging, such as for a possible return shipment, extra protection during moves, or easier storage if you want to disassemble the shelf later. On the other hand, the packaging takes up space and is mostly made of cardboard, which can usually be disposed of.
How do you handle this? Do you keep the original packaging or dispose of it right away? And if so, why? I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and thoughts, especially regarding the advantages and disadvantages. Thanks!
Hey Rrezart0,
what a great question! 🙂 Personally, I think it’s fantastic to keep the packaging of Billy shelves – and I can only recommend doing so! Why? Because the shelf is very flexible, and if you happen to move or want to use the shelf differently at some point, the packaging offers the best protection.
Exactly that! I recently packed up my Billy shelf to transport it – without the packaging, it would have been quite risky. Sure, it takes up space, but for me, the protection is worth it.
So, my advice: definitely keep it! You’ll be glad when you want to safely store the shelf again sometime. That’s just great! :-)
what a great question! 🙂 Personally, I think it’s fantastic to keep the packaging of Billy shelves – and I can only recommend doing so! Why? Because the shelf is very flexible, and if you happen to move or want to use the shelf differently at some point, the packaging offers the best protection.
Rrezart0 schrieb:
"for potential returns, extra protection during moves, or better storage"
Exactly that! I recently packed up my Billy shelf to transport it – without the packaging, it would have been quite risky. Sure, it takes up space, but for me, the protection is worth it.
So, my advice: definitely keep it! You’ll be glad when you want to safely store the shelf again sometime. That’s just great! :-)
Regarding whether it is advisable to keep the packaging of the Billy shelves, I would like to clarify the following:
Original packaging is indeed useful if a return or complaint is expected. Additionally, it protects the furniture during transport from scratches and other damage.
However, it should be considered that the packaging is usually made of cardboard and plastic, which take up a lot of space and are susceptible to moisture.
In cases where the shelf is not regularly disassembled or no move is planned, disposal is recommended to save storage space.
If the shelving parts are stored for an extended period without the cardboard packaging, they should be kept dust-protected and as dry as possible. For future planned moves or sales, this argues in favor of keeping the packaging.
Original packaging is indeed useful if a return or complaint is expected. Additionally, it protects the furniture during transport from scratches and other damage.
However, it should be considered that the packaging is usually made of cardboard and plastic, which take up a lot of space and are susceptible to moisture.
In cases where the shelf is not regularly disassembled or no move is planned, disposal is recommended to save storage space.
If the shelving parts are stored for an extended period without the cardboard packaging, they should be kept dust-protected and as dry as possible. For future planned moves or sales, this argues in favor of keeping the packaging.
I would like to add some technical aspects because, in my experience, the question of storing the Billy shelf packaging is often answered without much differentiation.
First, regarding the material properties: The packaging for Billy shelves mostly consists of corrugated cardboard, sometimes with protective films. While relatively sturdy, they have limited resistance to abrasion and moisture. Long-term storage in damp basements can lead to mold growth on the packaging, which can also damage the shelf components.
Therefore, if you plan to keep the packaging, I recommend storing it in a dry, well-ventilated, and temperature-stable place. This protects not only the packaging but also the shelf itself.
Second, if the goal is moving or reselling, having the original packaging is indeed an advantage in terms of value and protection during transportation.
Third, for shelves that have been altered or modified (e.g., repainted or retrofitted), the packaging usually only has limited usefulness.
A question for Rrezart0: Do you plan to keep the shelf long-term or possibly sell or move it?
This will help tailor the recommendation better to your specific situation.
First, regarding the material properties: The packaging for Billy shelves mostly consists of corrugated cardboard, sometimes with protective films. While relatively sturdy, they have limited resistance to abrasion and moisture. Long-term storage in damp basements can lead to mold growth on the packaging, which can also damage the shelf components.
Therefore, if you plan to keep the packaging, I recommend storing it in a dry, well-ventilated, and temperature-stable place. This protects not only the packaging but also the shelf itself.
Second, if the goal is moving or reselling, having the original packaging is indeed an advantage in terms of value and protection during transportation.
Third, for shelves that have been altered or modified (e.g., repainted or retrofitted), the packaging usually only has limited usefulness.
A question for Rrezart0: Do you plan to keep the shelf long-term or possibly sell or move it?
This will help tailor the recommendation better to your specific situation.
Domau0 schrieb:
"Are you planning to keep the shelf long-term or possibly sell it or move?"Thank you for the detailed answer!
I am currently using the shelf at home and plan to keep it long-term. However, I will be moving within the next 2 years.Therefore, I am inclined to keep the packaging in case I want to disassemble the shelf for the move.
What I am also curious about: Are there common best practices for storing packaging to save space and maintain its sturdiness? Is it worth trying to flatten the box, or does it become too easily deformed?
It is clear that throwing away the packaging completely frees up space, but maybe the effort is worth it after all.
Rrezart0 schrieb:
"Is it even worth trying to flatten the box, or does it deform too easily?"I’ve always carefully flattened the boxes from my Billy furniture. It works really well, and the box stays sturdy enough if you keep it dry.
I put the packaging inside a tarp or a large garbage bag if I want to store it for a longer time, which protects it from dust and moisture.
Domau0 schrieb:
"as dry, airy, and temperature-stable as possible"That’s absolutely correct, you can’t do without that. But with a bit of care, it’s not much effort—and then your packaging stays in great condition, practically like new!
Glad I could help! 🙂
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