Hello everyone,
I’m facing the problem that my newly purchased IKEA KALLAX shelving cube doesn’t fit in our elevator. The elevator’s dimensions are 85 cm (33 inches) wide, 110 cm (43 inches) deep, and 210 cm (83 inches) high. The KALLAX unit measures 77 x 77 x 39 cm (30 x 30 x 15 inches). However, it doesn’t fully fit in terms of depth because the elevator shaft has some indentations and the door is a bit narrower – overall, the shelf didn’t seem to fit despite the correct measurements.
Now I’m wondering how I can reliably and with as little damage as possible transport my KALLAX shelf to my apartment on the 4th floor. Do you have any tips on the best way to disassemble, carry, or secure the shelf? Are there any clever tricks others have used to move it without an elevator? I don’t have a hand truck or any professional equipment but I also want to avoid damaging the shelf or injuring anyone during the move.
Looking forward to your experience and advice!
I’m facing the problem that my newly purchased IKEA KALLAX shelving cube doesn’t fit in our elevator. The elevator’s dimensions are 85 cm (33 inches) wide, 110 cm (43 inches) deep, and 210 cm (83 inches) high. The KALLAX unit measures 77 x 77 x 39 cm (30 x 30 x 15 inches). However, it doesn’t fully fit in terms of depth because the elevator shaft has some indentations and the door is a bit narrower – overall, the shelf didn’t seem to fit despite the correct measurements.
Now I’m wondering how I can reliably and with as little damage as possible transport my KALLAX shelf to my apartment on the 4th floor. Do you have any tips on the best way to disassemble, carry, or secure the shelf? Are there any clever tricks others have used to move it without an elevator? I don’t have a hand truck or any professional equipment but I also want to avoid damaging the shelf or injuring anyone during the move.
Looking forward to your experience and advice!
For clarification:
The KALLAX cube, typically measuring 77 x 77 x 39 cm (30 x 30 x 15 inches), is relatively compact but often problematic for narrow elevators due to its shape.
Adjusting the dimensions by disassembling is essential. The back panel is usually made of thin MDF and is only nailed or glued, not screwed, so it can be removed carefully.
An elevator with a width of 85 cm (33 inches) and a depth of 110 cm (43 inches) is theoretically sufficient, provided there are no construction tolerances or recesses that reduce the space. Doors are usually the limiting factor. It is recommended to measure the door width when it is fully open.
Conclusion: Transport without disassembly is risky, complicated, and may cause damage. Disassembly is the optimal solution.
The KALLAX cube, typically measuring 77 x 77 x 39 cm (30 x 30 x 15 inches), is relatively compact but often problematic for narrow elevators due to its shape.
Adjusting the dimensions by disassembling is essential. The back panel is usually made of thin MDF and is only nailed or glued, not screwed, so it can be removed carefully.
An elevator with a width of 85 cm (33 inches) and a depth of 110 cm (43 inches) is theoretically sufficient, provided there are no construction tolerances or recesses that reduce the space. Doors are usually the limiting factor. It is recommended to measure the door width when it is fully open.
Conclusion: Transport without disassembly is risky, complicated, and may cause damage. Disassembly is the optimal solution.
I would personally recommend breaking the work down into two phases:
1. Preparation at home: Identify all screws and nails, carefully remove the back panel, and disassemble the furniture as much as possible to reduce its dimensions.
2. Move the pieces one by one through the elevator or stairwell. Take breaks as needed and, if possible, have a second person assist you.
If you feel uncertain, practicing with the individual parts in the stairwell a few times can help. This way, you can better assess handling and reduce the risk. 🙂
Depending on the floor level and your physical condition, this can be quite challenging, so please take care of your health!
1. Preparation at home: Identify all screws and nails, carefully remove the back panel, and disassemble the furniture as much as possible to reduce its dimensions.
2. Move the pieces one by one through the elevator or stairwell. Take breaks as needed and, if possible, have a second person assist you.
If you feel uncertain, practicing with the individual parts in the stairwell a few times can help. This way, you can better assess handling and reduce the risk. 🙂
Depending on the floor level and your physical condition, this can be quite challenging, so please take care of your health!
Palenar schrieb:
What are your experiences with assembling and disassembling furniture of this model?The assembly of KALLAX is straightforward and classic; however, there is a certain stability principle behind the seemingly simple joints. The back panel is not just a stiffener but also helps maintain the rectangular shape. Therefore, when disassembling, proceed carefully to avoid warping.
Once the back panel is removed, you can usually take the KALLAX apart into separate pieces (sides, shelves) without issues. Be careful not to over-tighten or damage the screws, as this makes reassembly easier.
Since the elevator space is reduced by unusual recesses, I recommend measuring the door frame and shaft dimensions precisely again, especially the diagonal. The issue might also be resolved by slightly tilting the furniture when pushing it in.
If you plan to move the piece through the stairwell, consider the angles the furniture needs to navigate while climbing stairs – 90-degree turns can be challenging. In this case, it can help to detach the side panels from the base to make the KALLAX flatter and more maneuverable.
Filippo schrieb:
Be careful not to overtighten or damage the screwsVery important! And if you notice a screw is stuck while disassembling, it's better to apply some WD-40 (or a similar product) and let it sit for a moment. That makes unscrewing much easier 😄
Also, a little tip from me: wrapping the individual parts in old blankets or furniture fleece during transport not only protects the furniture but also your walls and the elevator, in case space gets tight.
And honestly, once the KALLAX is assembled – you’ll definitely feel proud! 🙂
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