Hello everyone,
I’m currently considering getting a Kallax shelf from IKEA, but I have a question that maybe some of you can answer: Does a Kallax shelf (the standard size 77x77 cm (30x30 inches), depth 39 cm (15 inches)) fit easily into a car without needing to be disassembled for transport?
I have a medium-sized station wagon, but I’m unsure about the height and whether the shelf can be tilted or if it’s too bulky. Has anyone tried this? How did you go about it?
I would appreciate any experiences, even if different vehicle types are mentioned. Thanks!
I’m currently considering getting a Kallax shelf from IKEA, but I have a question that maybe some of you can answer: Does a Kallax shelf (the standard size 77x77 cm (30x30 inches), depth 39 cm (15 inches)) fit easily into a car without needing to be disassembled for transport?
I have a medium-sized station wagon, but I’m unsure about the height and whether the shelf can be tilted or if it’s too bulky. Has anyone tried this? How did you go about it?
I would appreciate any experiences, even if different vehicle types are mentioned. Thanks!
lucianoba schrieb:
...did you transport the shelf with the openings facing up or down? I’m asking because of scratches.Hey lucianoba,
I transported it with the openings facing up. I thought this would keep the surface safer, especially since the bottom of the shelf is thicker there and less likely to get damaged when placing it down. It’s best to put a blanket underneath as well, that way the risk of scratches against the vehicle trim is basically zero 🙂
If you transport it standing upright, make sure to cushion the sides well, otherwise it can get messy quickly.
I understand the frustration when you’re looking forward to a quick transport and then realize the dimensions don’t fit in the car. I had the same experience with my Opel Astra.
After removing the frame, the transport was much easier. Also, reassembling it at home was actually enjoyable once you start dealing with the shelves and accessories.
If you’re worried about the assembly, just let me know – I’m happy to help with step-by-step tips!
After removing the frame, the transport was much easier. Also, reassembling it at home was actually enjoyable once you start dealing with the shelves and accessories.
If you’re worried about the assembly, just let me know – I’m happy to help with step-by-step tips!
One thing I have often noticed when transporting the Kallax shelf: although the external dimensions are 77 x 77 cm (30 x 30 inches), the depth of 39 cm (15 inches) can be troublesome for many vehicles because it still has to lie across the trunk/boot, and there isn’t always enough space.
If the shelf is placed sideways on the back seat, the angle matters as well. This means that with vehicles that have a raised loading edge or, for example, a trunk/boot divider net, you might need to be a bit creative to prevent it from getting stuck.
A practical solution for tight spaces is to carefully lay the shelf on its side—lengthwise. In doing so, it’s important to ensure the shelf doesn’t shift and that furniture padding is used to protect it during transport.
Also very important: the back panel of the shelf can sometimes be easily damaged if the shelf is pressed directly against hard surfaces inside the vehicle, so be cautious here!
Another tip: if you have a larger vehicle, such as a van or a bigger station wagon/estate car, it’s worth measuring beforehand whether the Kallax will fit inside—especially when closed. The “camping perspective,” where everything is placed so it won’t move during the drive, is crucial.
Are there any specific vehicle types you want to mention? Then I can offer you more tailored advice.
If the shelf is placed sideways on the back seat, the angle matters as well. This means that with vehicles that have a raised loading edge or, for example, a trunk/boot divider net, you might need to be a bit creative to prevent it from getting stuck.
A practical solution for tight spaces is to carefully lay the shelf on its side—lengthwise. In doing so, it’s important to ensure the shelf doesn’t shift and that furniture padding is used to protect it during transport.
Also very important: the back panel of the shelf can sometimes be easily damaged if the shelf is pressed directly against hard surfaces inside the vehicle, so be cautious here!
Another tip: if you have a larger vehicle, such as a van or a bigger station wagon/estate car, it’s worth measuring beforehand whether the Kallax will fit inside—especially when closed. The “camping perspective,” where everything is placed so it won’t move during the drive, is crucial.
Are there any specific vehicle types you want to mention? Then I can offer you more tailored advice.
Additional to the discussion:
The official dimensions of the Kallax shelf unit (77x77x39 cm) (30x30x15 inches) can be affected by slight variations during manufacturing and packaging. The box itself may add an extra 2-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) in width or height.
Some users report that a mid-size station wagon (e.g., VW Golf Variant, Ford Focus Estate) can fit the shelf lengthwise or diagonally, provided the rear seats are fully folded down and the headrests are removed if necessary.
When transporting in a car with the rear seats folded down, it is important to ensure that the total load size remains under the roofline in both length and height, to avoid obstructing the tailgate from opening or damaging the rear window.
It can also depend on the seat backs, which in some vehicles do not fold down completely flat, creating an angle or slope that the shelf can fit into.
For transport without disassembly, you should therefore:
- Measure the maximum cargo space dimensions precisely.
- Check the accessible openings through different vehicle parts (trunk edge, roof, dashboard).
- Ensure the shelf is securely fixed to prevent movement during transport.
Depending on the vehicle model and features, transport without assembly is possible but not guaranteed.
The official dimensions of the Kallax shelf unit (77x77x39 cm) (30x30x15 inches) can be affected by slight variations during manufacturing and packaging. The box itself may add an extra 2-4 cm (1-1.5 inches) in width or height.
Some users report that a mid-size station wagon (e.g., VW Golf Variant, Ford Focus Estate) can fit the shelf lengthwise or diagonally, provided the rear seats are fully folded down and the headrests are removed if necessary.
When transporting in a car with the rear seats folded down, it is important to ensure that the total load size remains under the roofline in both length and height, to avoid obstructing the tailgate from opening or damaging the rear window.
It can also depend on the seat backs, which in some vehicles do not fold down completely flat, creating an angle or slope that the shelf can fit into.
For transport without disassembly, you should therefore:
- Measure the maximum cargo space dimensions precisely.
- Check the accessible openings through different vehicle parts (trunk edge, roof, dashboard).
- Ensure the shelf is securely fixed to prevent movement during transport.
Depending on the vehicle model and features, transport without assembly is possible but not guaranteed.
L
lucianoba3 Mar 2016 16:41leebi7 schrieb:
Another tip: If you have a larger vehicle [...] it’s worth measuring before purchasingThank you for the detailed advice! My vehicle is a 2009 VW Passat Variant. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 40/60 split, the headrests can be removed, and I have a relatively flat loading area with the seats folded.
I’m wondering how difficult it is to transport the shelf across the loading area (using the height as the width) or whether it’s better – as some have suggested – to disassemble the shelf.
Are there any experiences specifically related to a car like my Passat? Especially considering the height of 77 cm (30 inches), I suspect it might be a tight fit.
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