I knew it would be busy - even not knowing about the sale - so I was well prepared. I had my list. I checked the size of the flat packs and measured the car. I decided to take my tiny car rather than DH's estate because, well, it's small. It's easier to manouevre on some very busy roads, easier to park and unpark.
I got there in good time, wound the front seat down (manually, took ages) ready for my return, and went into the store. I didn't go round the showroom, I went straight to the downstairs bit. I picked up some bits I hadn't put on my list, I found some of the big bits I needed. I then spent ages trying to locate everything in the warehouse.... I got most things quite quickly (by asking the chappy on the desk, as the self service screens weren't helping me), but it took me a while to dfind everything and I gave up on a couple of bits. Some of the boxes were heavy, a lovely customer offered to assist me but I declined... if I couldn't get it on the trolley, I wouldn't be able to get it in the car.
I then joined the queue. It was long, it was expected. We slowly progressed. It took forever. The pleasant chap in front of me had multiple trollies, he was kitting out several new flats. It took a surprising amount of time, as they had a lot of items. Eventually I got to the checkout and got through reasonably quickly.
It was raining when I got out of the shop. At the car, I flipped down the back seat. Only it didn't fold flat. Sigh. I opened the passenger door, and wound the seat upright, and then wound it forward. Only it didn't go very far forward. I tried one of the long boxes. Nope. I tried it diagonally-ish. Nope. Another sigh.
I wound the car seat back to the upright position, and wound it back down. By now I had someone waiting to park in my space. I ignored them. I took the head rest off. I tool the head rest off the back seat. I folded it down. It was flatter, but not flat.. I put some of my non-breakable purchases at both ends to try and make a flat surface. I then womanfully lugged the heavy long boxes into the car and, in a flash of inspiration, flipped them on to their sides. This would avoid them sliding over to me when I went round a bend. I'm an old hand at small cars packed with Ikea furniture.
Eventually it was done. I put my trolley away, and set off. I was late home. DH had waited for me so we could visit Wash together.
Furniture unloaded later that evening, and a couple of items put together. Well worth it.
Another trip needed now to get some more.
After the sale.
