ᐅ How durable are Ikea BRIMNES wardrobes when frequently moved?

Hello everyone,

I will be moving more frequently soon and am considering getting some IKEA Brimnes wardrobes. My main question is: How durable are the IKEA Brimnes wardrobes when they are regularly assembled and disassembled and transported often? Specifically, I am interested in whether the wardrobes can withstand frequent moves over several years without the joints becoming loose or the material deteriorating.

I know the Brimnes series as relatively affordable but sturdy furniture, but what about long-term durability? Are there particular weak points to watch out for? Any experiences or advice on assembly and maintenance would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!

Hello Horstgi,

your question is definitely justified, as not all IKEA furniture is designed for frequent assembly and disassembly. The BRIMNES wardrobes are mostly made of particleboard with a melamine coating, which basically makes them quite resistant to everyday use.

The durability during frequent moves mainly depends on how carefully you disassemble and reassemble them. The fasteners (dowels, screws, cam locks) can lose grip more easily over time with repeated use. The biggest risk is that screw holes become worn out—especially in areas that are often stressed, such as top panels or door hinges.

I recommend checking all fasteners carefully before each assembly and, if necessary, reinforcing screw holes with a small amount of wood glue. You probably cannot avoid wear entirely, but with care, you can definitely extend the lifespan.

Hey Horstgi,

BRIMNES is kind of a little IKEA classic – I once heard they last almost as long as your favorite socks, just without holes! 😉 Joking aside, I would say that these cabinets can actually take a bit of a beating if you move frequently. Of course, they’re not heavy solid wood pieces, but rather clever, lightweight constructions.

What helped me was:
- Always using the proper screwdrivers (never a cordless drill at full power) to disassemble and reassemble
- Well padding the individual parts during transport (it’s easy to underestimate how quickly corners can get damaged)
- And very importantly: Not overtightening the screws, as this can sometimes cause the material to chip

If you keep this in mind, the cabinets still look pretty good even after several moves. A bit of patina (and maybe a few dents) is unfortunately part of it. Good luck packing!

Hello Horstgi,

Your question about the durability of the IKEA BRIMNES cabinets with frequent moving deserves a detailed response. Technically, the BRIMNES furniture is mainly made from coated particleboard panels, held together by metal fasteners and dowels.

- The coating itself is relatively scratch-resistant, but damage can occur along the edges if transported improperly.
- The screw connections are generally designed for multiple assemblies and disassemblies, but the material wears down over repeated use—especially the drilled holes suffer when screws are loosened and tightened too often.
- A typical issue during moves: uneven load distribution while carrying can cause stress that leads to microcracks at the joints.

In practice, I recommend:
- Each assembly and disassembly should be done with the load as evenly distributed as possible, avoiding stress on the joints.
- Especially use suitable screwdrivers with torque control to prevent over-tightening.
- The screw connections can be reinforced with some wood glue in the dowel holes, which improves stability when assembling frequently.

In conclusion: BRIMNES is sturdy enough for occasional moves, but with very frequent or improper moving, signs of wear are inevitable.

I’m curious how often you plan to transport the cabinet per year! Are there any specific stresses we should consider?

bapar schrieb:

I’m curious how often you plan to transport the cabinet each year! Are there any specific stresses we should consider?

Good question, thanks for pointing that out! I will probably assemble and disassemble the cabinet at least twice a year, sometimes three times, depending on how the moving plans go. I currently live in a growing city where student housing sometimes lasts less than two years.

Otherwise, the stresses are quite normal: transport in a station wagon/crossover, with the parts usually wrapped in wool blankets. Load weights are not excessive, mostly regular clothing or household items stored inside. I also make sure to assemble it carefully.

So basically, it’s a moderate but regular stress. Would you recommend avoiding this type of furniture in this case, or not? Maybe there are similar models in this price range with better durability? Thanks for your input!