Why I Regret Using Ikea Pax System To Build My Closet And What I Learnt *DON'T MAKE MY MISTAKES!*

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I hate feeling like I’m sh*tting on a brand for 20 minutes straight but I wanted to be honest with you guys about the experience I had because I know many of you are interested in a custom closet ❤️ who knows maybe I just got unlucky 😂

[@meiltoo]

I’ve had a similar experience, i went to an actual person who did the planning, couldn’t get my questions answered prob due to poor knowledge on her part… she ghosted my whatsapp messages most of the time (its her workphone) and then she did the invoice wrong and asked me to drop by asap to pay the shortfall. during the installation, i felt quite uncomfortable, cos im alone with 2 men. i bought snacks everyday to ‘appease’ them, its hard work but i also know that they can choose to do a good job or an ok job. I hate the whole process though, but the end product is satisfactory. At the end of the installation, a hole was drilled wrongly and i had to wait for parts and another appt to fix it… its tedious!

[@eyalshay496]

I totally understand what you’re talking about. I worked at IKEA’s costumer service at the store. Here in my country the policy was if the the product is damaged we would try to replace it right then & there (of course if that the costumer’s wish), instead of refunding the costumer and having them buy the same product all over again. I think the main issue is that IKEA is using another company’s delivery service. In my country after having those same issues with the delivery company, the IKEA franchisee basically bought the delivery company so it’s ‘under the same roof’ so we could improve all those issues.

[@junkwagonllcDOTcom]

Lol well I appreciate the video. It saved me all that headache. Maybe IKEA will read this post and take it to heart and maybe they’ll fix all those problems so people don’t experience so many issues with there system. Good job describing your experience

[@capelle3940]

So it’s not really the closet…

[@Grown-N-Nosey]

I appreciate the honesty! I'll skip IKEA for now. Thank you!

[@ronlovell5374]

This is why DIY is not the best solution for most people. They should hire contractors or professional installers that will take care of this entire process. But on the other hand, if people take on a project of this scope, it can really be a learning experience and wake up call, so maybe they would understand what professionals have to go through on a daily basis. I myself am a custom home builder with 25+ years experience and really like Ikea and their products for quick available budget friendly storage options for my clients, especially at the end of the builds when money usually gets super tight.

[@linzi94]

I’m a lone female and I love building flat pack, I fully understand items are getting delivered into my ground floor hall way. I have no issues opening the boxes and taking all the parts upstairs myself to assemble them in the room they’re required in. I don’t expect anything else. I enjoy this process.

[@christophergray1977]

Caitlin, me thinks you’re too precious. I don’t think anyone could make you happy and personally I would avoid working for you under any circumstances.

[@katarina5651]

Me, who built complete pax system in my home by myself while watching this video: “wat”

[@gingerbread-woman]

😂😂😂😂

[@aadwoaaa]

😂😂

[@missblue2583]

55kg woman here, installed and dismantled pax wardrobes (same ones) in 3 homes so far😂😂😂

[@awaken77]

I assembled 3 ikea pax wardrobes without problems. First I assembled alone (that was a mistake - doors are too heavy to handle). In second and third my wife helped me to hold the doors upright. The only one important thing I want to emphasize - you need to plan in advance where you going to assemble it, and ask delivery boys to lay down parts in certain order. Better to have clean room, with nothing else on the floor, and start to build only the frame . All internal shelves and drawers you can put aside, and mount them in the final stage.

[@helen0725]

I love the Ikea maze! I go to Ikea quite often and I love seeing how all the rooms are set up. My strategy is to have dinner at Ikea first and then walk off dinner by going through the maze of all the departments. Ikea is my happy place😊😊

[@katarzynafrasca5137]

Same here. 😊

[@dreamer6943]

I think IKEA is just not for you. It's not really designed to be an "order online and have it delivered" type company. You're supposed to go there, collect it all up yourself from the warehouse section which means you can make sure you have the right parts, drive it home yourself then you know it won't be damaged by the journey, then build it yourself with a friend if necessary. Thats the system really, thats what the company is set up for. The rest is a kind of reluctant "oh, if you insist" type add-on, so I'm not surprised you had problems with it.

[@helen0725]

My experience with Ikea was very seamless. I practically had my design memorized for what I wanted to plan. 3 - 50cm pax and 1 - 100 cm and 2 doors for the smaller unit. I did explore using custom built cabinets and they priced them for at least $5,000 whereas Ikea was about $1000. Plus, the custom design was too generic for me whereas the Ikea design was much more modern. I did have to wait a long time because of low stock issues at Ikea, but when everything was available I found the Ikea app very easy to use and it was delivered when they said it would be. I’m quite happy with Ikea.

[@annakopczynska7644]

Hi Caitlin, I love your channel but I have to disagree with you on that one. You obviously love luxury items and ikea just seems to be a bit out of your leauge hence your frustrations etc. Delivery guys are the worst accross all Australia, doesnt matter for which brand they work. I remeber one of your instastories when you complained on delivery guy because he threw your parcel over the fence… or something similar. Ikea is a „budget” store so you need to understand that because of this there need to be some compromises - ie „exchange” policy where you have to pick something from the store yourself etc. Obviusly you could engage contractor and joinery company and have much better experience getting custom built wardrobe but that would be at least double in price… so As far as experience was not as smooth for you as you expected would you pay double to avoid whatever troubble you had?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I think you might be right Anna I’ll stick to odd bits and bobs and decor but probably the furniture and general service isn’t for me x

[@kerrieann1246]

Note to self. Print my plan out at home and don’t get my closet delivered 😂

[@taniyafidge5990]

Do you live in SA? I can't recall. As a person who designs and organises delivery and assembly for PAX at IKEA I can tell you a few things. . 1) Always print off ( screenshot) a plan when you've finished it for the session. All computer programs falter at sometime - it's just good to know you've got it. However it's rare what happened to you. 😬 2) Just like every company in the world - IKEA has supply issues due to covid. So if you are buying a product with 55 articles - chances are high not all are in at the time. It's unfortunate, but unavoidable. 3) The delivery company is contracted by IKEA. The delivery company then contracts out and they ABSOLUTELY need to know about those delivery drivers. It's appalling how you were treated and let's face it "bribed" in relation to the damage. IKEA would never ever accept that from a co-worker and would take this very seriously. 3) If I had served you I would have told you- a) The delivery men will take your packages to one place. That place should be the room of the assembly. Even if it's up flights of stairs or an elevator. b) While the delivery company does deliver between 7am -7 pm they contact you for a smaller window and then let you know an hour before arriving that they are on their way. That way you can be out, but within an hour of your home. If this didn't happen- again IKEA needs to know. C) If all your packages aren't available on the same day, we usually advise waiting until the majority are- one capped delivery price of $89. Then any smaller parcels coming from Sydney will be free. The only time you can't purchase something online is because it's very low in-stock and by the time it's necessary to be picked for your delivery it may have sold out. Lastly, IKEA isn't for everyone. It is for those that can't afford or choose not to pay $10,000 for a wardrobe. I regularly get customers with quotes for other companies and the average would be 75% greater. One lady had a quote of $60,000 for her whole house and we did it for $12,000. Having said that - you are our customer and should absolutely be annoyed with your experience and we need to know. If you are in SA I would be happy to forward your video to the customer service manager. If you are interstate then it will be forwarded on. This is not normal, it is not IKEA'S standard and it is not acceptable. Please accept my apologies on behalf of the pax team. 💗

[@desireeoliveira8158]

Hahaha, never been to ikea. Now i dont ever want to go....😊The extra parts you can use in another closet , in the kitchen or maybe in your garage...❤ I can relate to all that....yeah

[@emiliabolsas]

That delivery company did you dirty. I am also pretty sure that a text is not legally binding. I would still complain to IKEA. Please don’t blame yourself for not being confrontational with male workers in your home. I am also a single homeowner and normally very assertive, but find it very challenging when it comes to delivery people and contractors. I have accepted that it is worth it to pay more up-front for better service, people who work with contracts and well-communicated timelines. And I live in NYC, so it is already expensive to get anything done here.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for understanding and I think you’re right 💕

[@meiltoo]

Being a woman, home alone, i know how it feels and not wanting to be too insistent. The delivery men prob took advantage of that to avoid moving the large items up the stairs. The installation guys will have no choice but to move them upstairs to assemble them

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

My thoughts exactly

[@Sara01977]

I used IKEA Pax for my walk in closet and adore it. I’m not handy or strong either so also paid extra for delivery and installation. It sounds like most of your issues were related to the delivery not the actual closet though. Still frustrating though for you. The only thing that was a little annoying was that mine was fairly large and started in 2020 at height of pandemic so it took about 4 months to get all the parts due to supply shortages and freight delays. Once I had everything though, I scheduled the installation. They did it over 3 days. I got the lights installed too. I ❤ walking in my closet and just sitting in there looking around. It makes me so happy! My husband laughs because I finally have the chandelier, chaise lounge in middle with vanity setup when doing makeup. I have Alexa play some 🎶 while getting ready to go out. Related specifically to Pax, I love all the organization for glasses, belts, hats, scarves, shoes, purses and jewelry. I like the soft close drawers and even have space carved out for travel and for my makeup.

[@melocoton7]

In Switzerland IKEA does installation as well and have a recycling system. Like if you order a sofa you can add a request to take the old one with them and they’ll take it to the recycling company. The installation is done by the same delivery company and it’s great. So I think it’s really an issue for your IKEA to find a good delivery/installation company. I once bribed a delivery man with a good tip who brought a book shelf from another store to take an old armchair to the recycling thing (I don’t have a car). I did ask him nicely if he wanted to make a buck and if he could do XY if he’s going that way anyway. And regarding the parts, here you get everything at the customer care counter. I have a couple of old closets and the little thing that holds the clothes rail broke. This closet was discontinued for years mind you. So I give the lady this broken part and she disappeared in the back like forever and came back with 3 pieces. She’s “here, take them all. These are the last ones” 😄 she was lovely It’s probably a cultural thing.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It very well might vary from country to country 😘

[@monisamontoya288]

I enjoyed your dialogue. I am addicted to building Ikea furnishing- I am currently ordering the Pax system and I am looking forward to putting it together. I never use the task men because so far there is nothing I can't do myself.

[@sh8kit]

I do dread going to IKEA, I went in ONE TIME, and after spending two hours looking around I decided to leave…BUT I SPENT AN HOUR looking for the exit! Asked numerous employees “follow the line” WHICH ONE??? I did and every time, I ended up in the same place…well apparently there were some doors I needed to go through LIKE A MAZE…I was about to start crying, I couldn’t take it anymore! Now my husband makes fun of me, I feel it left me with PTSD symptoms. 🥴

[@MyMegnificent]

Everyone always talks about the good and how great the system is. I appreciate having a real perspective and you helping us know what to watch out for!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much!

[@kimsvisualdiary]

so it sounds like your beef is more with the delivery service and not necessarily with the product?

[@s44577]

You made an assumption about getting the planner, that's not on Ikea. I've done this and no, nowhere in the process was I told you get the planner. If you're "not good with numbers" or "remembering measurements" maybe this isn't a project you should take on. If you are a person who is "mechanically inclined" these cabinets are not too hard, if you're not, then you need help, so get help. You say you learned "Don't trust the robots," not really what you should have learned here---perhaps you should have learned something about your limits and skill set---no shame in that, just learning. Their planner is glitchy, yes---that they can't fix it makes no sense looking at it from the customer's POV. Ikea calls you about the delivery---to make it go as smooth as they can and you rant about how awful the delivery was and that it's their fault because of the delivery service they chose. This is your expectation that is off target. Perhaps rather than making so many assumptions, you should talk to people, ask questions and set up your service providers for success rather than just assume it will all go your way of magical thinking.

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@linalulu5153]

In my country ikea delivery or every furniture company has the same policy.You pay the fee for delivery on your street that means the truck stops and they just leave it on the street in front of your address door for you to deal with it and take it to your apartment and second fee for apartment door delivery if you have an elevator.That means they take it out from the truck load it in your elevator and bring it up to your apartment door and you take it inside your apartment.If you have no elevator it is 15-20 bucks per floor.I live in city with apartment buildings only and no houses.When you pay for the delivery service they ask you for you elevator mesurements to calculate if everything is gonna fit and like you know what to expect.About the planning i am now planing a Pax wardrobe and i took photo on my phone of the project i did to know what i have created.That way if the website glitches i will know what i've made. Also when you need to exchange parts in ikea in my country you go to this return and exchange desk that is after the cash register and they call someone from the assembly people that work in the store to go pick up a package and like bring you the new part.You dont need to go inside yourself.Sounds like ikea in your country is very lazy.

[@RollTideRobyn]

Ordered 10 pax units with SO MANY interior components they were delivered straight to my guest room and I had no missing or broken parts. Sorry for your trauma, my experience was a dream!

[@CariSalgado]

Hi, i had a wonderful experience building my closet with IKEA. I did an sketch for my closet, I went to ikea with that and I build one with them in the system and they printed it for me. With all the details and part information and measurements. The print look exactly what is supposed to look and I was able to see where every little part was supposed to go. I’m from US maybe is different where you at.

[@monalisasmiles1978]

I’m seriously thinking about doing a closet so I’m curious on if you would do it all over again and if you’ve had any issues with the product?

[@christinecao4803]

Had the absolute worst experience, including delivery service as well. Never again! Bought the billy shelves for my walk-in closet and I they paid extra (more than the shelves themselves) for in home delivery since I’m tiny and alone to carry. When they called to arrive, they were going to dump the heavy boxes downstairs in receptionist areas of a 45 floor high-rise. I had to nicely persuade them to bring up (using elevator. I quickly opened to inspect to find shelves broken. They didn’t take it back and had me contact Customer service to reorder. Those calls were a nightmare in itself. Too much time wasted, having rerouted and discounted several times, time I will never get back. Bottom line, unless it’s small items or something you can buy In-store and have your own way to get it home, beware!!! Horrible horrible experience.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Ugh that sounds like a freaking nightmare! 😠

[@Maymm91]

They cannot take it upstairs because insurance issues, if they get injured inside your home the insurance will not pay them. Deliveries like mattresses and all that have a more expensive rate because their insurance do cover going upstairs (and therefore the chances of falling are taking into account)

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Why did they call to ask about my home and ask how many many flights of stairs I had and how best to deliver it and if that’s the case why did the second man who was all by himself have no issue delivering upstairs that’s what I was confused about 🤔

[@KimberlySchreiber]

OMG, this is why I bought all my closet stuff as beautiful wardrobes instead of having things come in a thousand tiny pieces, We used Lowe's stuff for my son's closet and had a good experience. Not an IKEA fan either.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thousand tiny pieces is the best way to describe it 😂

[@kaybee1028]

I want to love Ikea but my experience has been garbage. I ordered a few things earlier in the pandemic, but the store I ordered from closed a few days after my order, and I never heard anything. It took me 2 months and many, many calls to get a refund for the items that were never delivered.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Oh that sounds like the biggest annoyance 😠

[@sarahwhite8698]

I enjoyed your video. I have a completely different perspective. I designed a different Ikea closet for two other closets. Then I wanted a nice master closit for my room. I removed a wall, taped out dimensions. . . .then designed my PAX to exactly fit in the space. Because I had done it before, I just headed to Ikea with my truck and have them pick the items. It was near the end of the pandemic so they only had a third of the items. I had some more shipped and I went back for the last. I assembled some, my niece assembled some, the neighborhood teenager did the rest. I love my closet. Like you, I learned a lot even though I had done this twice before. But I absolutely love mine. XOXO

[@Nefertsukia]

I'm very happy with my closets, but I also had a bad experience with delivery. The system for booking a delivery is, in itself, very annoying and I felt a bit frustrated with the first staff member I spoke to in store. He literally wanted my bf and I to grab a sofa, dining table set, bed, mattress, five ikea pax closets, two besta cabinets, three shelving units, by ourselves -and he was quite rude, instead of explaining there's an actual paid service for that. Lol. Anyway. Where I'm living right now, in Europe, you have to book with the city hall and pay for a parking spot for the delivery van, which has very limited timing, and Ikea don't even accommodate for this (extremely limited delivery dates). So I ended up calling their customer service to tell them to change the delivery date for two days later. They said no problem.... Guess what?? Yes, next day the delivery comes, so I had to rush from work in the middle of the afternoon to the new apartment. Delivery guys start telling us they're not bringing almost one ton of items upstairs. Even though we triple checked it was possible and we have a moving elevator in the building (it's very tall!). They said they'd leave all our stuff OUTSIDE THE BUILDING in the middle of a super busy street, or they'd leave with my items. Then the delivery guy starts saying that if I pay him he'll consider bringing my things inside, or even upstairs depending on how much I'd pay. I'd already paid 160 eur for the delivery and wasn't gonna budge. Thankfully I'm fairly confrontational, so I asked them to wait for a bit while I called the police to register the theft - after all, they were threatening to leave with over 3K euro of my furniture which I'd already paid for... Suddenly the delivery guys became very nice and changed their minds, they could bring our stuff upstairs after all. 🧐 we still helped them as there were a lot of small bits, and I was lucky the service elevator in the building was still available for reservation. But it was very stressful! Lucky I have an understanding employer and had no deadlines that day, or I'd have been in a pickle. Moving into an empty apartment without even a mattress, with my health issues, wouldn't have been doable. Then we assembled everything ourselves, haha 🤭😢 sorry you also had a crappy experience. But I'm still glad I went to ikea, for this budget I have a lot of storage and comfort. Their customer service though, eugh, awful.

[@mida3beijo]

I was about to buy ikea. I just changed my mind after reading all these comments

[@kp6459]

I really don't see the point of this video, there's nothing really useful. It's not talking about the furniture just talking about your personal experience. This could have happened with any company, if you don't like Ikea maybe shop somewhere else, but I guarantee you that the same problems might happen elsewhere. I have personally seen closet companies that are more expensive than Ikea making terrible mistakes, having major delays, and sometimes clients waiting to have a closet finished for more than 6 months oh, it's not just Ikea. Just saying. Maybe it was just a series of unlucky coincidences. Either way I think that it could have been said in last time. Unfortunately I did not find anything useful.😣

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😁😁😁😄🫠😄😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@minwade5436]

Oh Caitlin. Caitlin, Caitlin you have learned a VIP lesson. Only had 1 experience with IKEA ( chest drawers), the box was marked with the item/ colour req’d - got home it was the right item, wrong colour a return journey of (35 mins 1 way) to IKEA To changeover‼️ I had custom closets built by a cabinet maker, no stress, no Allen keys, cabinet maker came with selected materials & all done in a day. Same as a new kitchen build, carpenter designed, pick the materials & all built over a couple of days (needed electrician to rewire new ceramic cook top & oven LOL. My friend is single & whenever there’s going to be a trades person @ her home always has an extra friend with her or a neighbour. I find it unsettling having tradies around on my own (unless it’s a friends business personnel). Take a deep breath & just chill, job finished now. 💐😘

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou my love 💕

[@diva944lux9]

Hi. Too bad all that happened. I have heard drama about IKEA from other people. I got the IKEA pax system in black, June 2020. However they could not deliver it until Oct 2020 due to covid. In Oct a huge 48 foot trailer truck showed up at my front door with all the boxes. Total of 3 pallets with boxes stocked up. They were left in my garage; as due to covid, they were no longer, not only not going to the second floor, (they used to) but delivery person will not go into the house at all. When we decided to buy the system, my fiancé and I knew we were going to put it together ourselves. So we started dragging boxes into the house and up to second floor. It took us 3 days of about 2 - 3 hours a day to complete it. Luckily, I received all of the pieces and nothing was damaged. I did end up adding a couple of shelves after the fact which arrived in the mail. Overall since I didn't have to return anything, and nothing was damaged, the overall experience wasn't bad at all. I never had to set foot into the Ikea store for this project. And actually putting it together wasn't that bad. I mean, it helps to have people to assist you (my fiance and my 16 yr old daugther) No way I could have put it together by myself. I am really happy with it. TFS ❣❣

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m glad it all worked out for you in the end 😘

[@em6933]

lol 😂 my poor dad is traumatised from building an ikea closet for my mum. Getting lost in ikea, missing parts , broken bits , instructions don’t make sense he can overhear this video and is laughing

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Lmaooo 😂

[@euniqued_plans4536]

Caitlin I could TOTALLY have made the same video about my ikea pax system!!! Same issue with getting the stuff upstairs and the delivery drivers trying to pawn it off to the person assembling the system, damaged items, having to go into store myself to return then repurchase (another epic beast of a journey), having to wait weeks for the assembly service to be available after the scheduled delivery, the delivery drivers NOT SHOWING UP on the day / time scheduled, being on hold for ages with ikea. Absolute nightmare. Not sure I’d do it again, both definitely get what you pay for (and I really do love my closet despite the horrendous customer service journey!) 😬😬😬

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I can’t believe we have basically had the same experience 😯

[@naimahq8739]

OMG this happened to me today! They seriously need to drop Lugg delivery service

[@Camahone]

In France I also always have to face HELL with delivery. The delivery men ALWAYS left ALL the heavy boxes, even the washing machine, ON THE PAVEMENT in front of my building in Paris and my apartment is on the 4th floor.... and I'm single with no elevator 😱😭🤬. International problem here. Thanks for your video, good to know for the planner 👍

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

OMG NOOO that sounds like a nightmare!

[@tamarac.435]

Yes, it’s because you need to pay extra to have heavy items delivered in the room you want them. Most of the companies give you the option between « livraison simple » which is delivery at your door and « livraison dans la pièce » which is delivery in the room. And the prices are widely different between those two options.

[@doomergirl3981]

you need to pay extra for that idiot , i also live in Amsterdam 4th floor no elevator but they always deliver to my front door if i pay extra

[@josephinebournes8212]

This is why I'm glad that I hired a company to plan, design, and install my custom closet.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Definitely the way to go!

[@kemishabains2865]

My Ikea delivery guys were amazing and took my pax delivery upstairs in the room I needed them in

[@terrasmiley7076]

This was such a funny and informative storytime and at the same time I am SO SORRY that you had to go through this ordeal!!! So many things to worry about and so much work! It's almost as if we are students of IKEA University and we have to complete assignments in order to earn the privilege of having the shelving verses just paying them to think about and do everything! (other than the delivery/installation scheduling of course!) At least it is all over and you are now safe at home with your new organized space!!!😹😹😹💕

[@Kbydfrsghusy]

I m so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I was super lucky when I got mine done. I had made some planning at home and then went to the store where the nice store assistant re did all my planning and ordered all the items and scheduled the shipping. She was super nice and printed double copy of everything . I got lucky and paid super cheap for shipping and got it all delivered to the third floor. I had 99 boxes 🙈. I feel like Ikea is really struggling with shipment , inventory and customer service since the pandemic. Sadly I am hearing a lot of people having issues with delivery.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for sharing this! Xx

[@naimaspicks3436]

The only thing I love about IKEA is the DIY part 😂😂😂

[@sally3570]

"Don't trust the robot!" 🤣 Great video. Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@cquinnth]

I’ve never shopped in IKEA and after hearing about your experience, I never will!😕

[@jennysjoplin3165]

What a horrible experience! I remember paying for the picking service because I didn't want to look for all the pieces myself. When I unpacked them at home, I realised that they packed parts of my pax system that was supposed to be white in the wrong colour, so I also had to go back and exchange them. So annoying! I hope all of this shit was worth it and you will be happy for years and years to come with your gorgeous wardrobe!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou Jenny 😘

[@sonicretronym]

Ikea isn’t white glove service, which means they don’t deliver yo your room of choice. It’s the same as Amazon. They bring it inside if it’s a large item, but nothing more. The reason the company is affordable is because it doesn’t offer these extras. I’m not sure why you didn’t look at the FAQs or ask someone if this is such a big deal.

[@joanbaczek2575]

Amazon won’t even bring it in the building

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😁😁😁

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

​@@joanbaczek2575😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😁😉😁

[@handbagaddicted]

Eerie timing. I just signed a contract with California Closets for exactly all of these reasons. Custom designs and endless materials selection and professional installers that do all the worrying for me. That’s actually the most I’ve ever heard Ikea do. I didn’t know they even did as much as you mentioned.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

You did the right thing ❤️

[@lolipena8051]

California closets is the way to go. I’ve always wanted my closet done by them ever since I was in college. One day. Also they did an amazing job with Shae Whitney’s closet.

[@SprayArtNYC]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You saving me from going through this myself. Can't imagine being stuck with large boxes in a small NYC apartment for weeks and then trying to get damaged items back to them for exchange.

[@liborplistak]

Sad to hear about your bad experience. I love Ikea. And to be honest most of the troubles happened due to the delucery company. The topic with the planner, you should have saved or printed it out.. but it's easy to say afterwards 😆 I have only great experience with Ikea in Germany, but mostly because I do organize all by myself including pickup and installation. And that's the original Ikea concept. Yeah.. and I always take some parts more, for occasion that's something goes wrong and than return what's left and not needed.. But its a hassle .. I had nightmares after building pax closets after I moved last time .. all the screws ang niles 😅

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Hindsight is a beautiful thing 😂

[@frenzy8539]

I feel like this is less (pretty much not at all) about the Pax but more about IKEA in general. I am also a woman living alone and live on the third floor with no elevator. I have bought, carried up the stairs and assembled 10 Pax for my walk in closet. Yes, it’s not a luxury experience, it’s ikea after all. But the final product is pretty good for a fair price. Personally I would recommend hiring someone yourself who drives to ikea, picks it up and assembles it for you, should be a much smoother process than using ikeas third party service which is indeed and admittedly … not good …

[@jenniferglapan]

Absolutely fascinating. Not being facetious at all. Love the outcome anyway!!!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou Jennifer 😘

[@thebooze123]

OMG. What a nightmare. Glad your closet still turned out beautiful. I’ve been trying to get 3 closet systems from IKEA. It’s been months and I’m still missing a lots of pieces. And customer service in the store is horrible too. They always gave me an attitude when I asked about the expected delivery date of the missing parts. It’s so frustrating.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It’s so frustrating! 😖

[@hayleysroom]

I always recommend Ikea as a "cheap" solution... keyword CHEAP (not even affordable because the quality is not decent enough to save it) BUT if you have a little extra money DON'T SHOP AT IKEA!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Live and learn 👏

[@Jon-hb6gx]

Your planner doesn't go into the basket, the items from the planner go into your basket. Your cookie settings may have messed up the planner. My 125cm wide wardrobe is costing me £600, including primer, paint and a few other bits. I looked at buying a custom one (still with me fitting and finishing) and it was £3000-5000. I don't think IKEA is perfect either but it's pretty good for projects like this if you can use a computer and are DIY competent. For building the PAX as is, you don't even need to be able to do DIY, it's just Lego.

[@abbylux6991]

Did you have to remove the skirting boards to install the closet?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

They gave me the option but i chose not to xx

[@MrPoosarlasrinivas]

My experience with ikea is same. The only way your experience will be good is, buy everything in store , bring it by yourself and do it yourself

[@em84c]

It's soooo frustrating when stuff like that happens. When something goes wrong at literally every stage. It shouldn't be so hard!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

At every stage it starts to destroy your soul 😂

[@Antoinettescloset]

Oh God. Thank you for your honesty. Personally I would've told Ikea that unless they wanted to pay for the extra people you had to hire b/c you had numbskulls deliver your first delivery, they had better send out the delivery people, like today to move that shit upstairs. That's bullshit. What happened was you had 2 lazy delivery guys who just passed the buck. Next time you buy something from anyone and have to rely on a delivery service, ask the company you're purchasing from if the delivery people will bring to 2nd floor, install, etc. Save yourself a little bit of worry there. You're a super sweet person and some people will take advantage of that. And girl, go back and get your money for those extra shelves. I'd be damned if they'd get extra money out of me! xoxoxo

[@princesscarroll537]

Thanks for sharing your honest feedback! This is the first time I've heard a lot of this.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching ❤️

[@andrewlange5285]

Delivery people don't move stuff in your home because of responsibility for damages. Just like your fence. I work for ups and am told enter homes at your own risk.

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

🤣😁😁😁😁🤣🤣👍👍👍🫶🫶

[@aynose]

But does the Pax system works or it is a fail cause i wanna buy it for a pantry hack but i dont know

[@art_and_about]

It's very interesting that I have the exact same experience with Ikea and their delivery service all the way in Europe. Did the same to me. They use a separate delivery company, I have paid for the 3rd floor and they were arguing that my apartment building looks like a house and if it's a house they shall leave it downstairs at the main door. Then they mixed up the instructions for our bed and even their builder didn't know how to do it. We paid for delivery and assembly of everything and they made us DRIVE to their store for new instructions and parts....

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

What a freaking nightmare!

[@crustyrash]

I am so happy that all my "post-collegiate modern" Ikea furniture is all gone. I still like their IVAR shelving but that's it.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I definitely still like their shelving and some of the storage, organisational items and little bits and bobs but the service was unfortunate xx

[@mdog11400]

You have to have specific liability insurance to deliver up stairs. We couldn’t deliver appliances upstairs without a custom install crew

[@whatsupw9017]

LOL, but your closest looks nice. IKEA is some work I have my pax closet had to bribe my son to install it more work, husband was not down with it. Sweating and walking around ikea long line for pickup and payment I will not do it again

[@DaylesAddiction]

What a shit show! Omg 🙈🙈🙈 Tbh that’s what’s stopping me redesigning my closet- I feel like I’d rather spend the money on a wardrobe company who project manage the whole job - but I like the ikea planner for conceptualising it. Does it sound terrible that I always laugh that we spend a tonne on our things and not our wardrobes. Gotta save for our luxe

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Definitely the way to go dayle 😘

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😁😁😁😁😁🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Miss_Annlaug]

Ikea has book shelves 40 cm deep that are a frection of the price of pax that can easily be put together as a wardrobe❤

[@kimbelford9932]

Everyone thought I was crazy paying extra for California closets but this is exactly why. The designer came to my house did several configurations till I was happy and she has control over the whole thing and they have their own installers. Everything smoothly and quality 😊

[@LucyStokesOceansofNotions]

When I was planning my wardrobe, I knew from the outset that I was NOT going the ikea route. Yes it’s cheaper, but I didn’t want the time and hassle involved. Hired a local company who did everything, discussed what I wanted, measured everything, made really good suggestions I didn’t think of. Then they came and installed the whole thing, took their rubbish and left. It was completely stress free. The extra money was completely worth it to me.

[@josephinebournes8212]

Exactly 💯

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

1000000%

[@KeishaAnulika]

I had a closet designed by ikea last year and I am still waiting on all the parts to be in stock before I order.. but I am searching for an alternative that looks similar to the PAX system.. I still like the design and the price point

[@RobinWagner08]

You should consider ordering pieces as they come in stock. It’s going to be a very long time before everything you need is in stock at once. I am going through this right now and building as I go.

[@TheQueenie1975]

No, it’s not just you. I had some damaged packages as well but you were really unlucky with all the other issues you’ve had. For me it’s been 3 years and I’m still really enjoying my closet so I can say it was worth it!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m glad after the trouble you had you feel it was worth it years on xx

[@henrylong45]

If you are older than, say 25, you may want to skip this video. The speaker sounds like a 15 year old Valley Girl from Australia or some other former British colony. Some of the information is good. But, her voice and speaking cadence sound irritatingly child-like.

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😁😁😁😁😁😉😉

[@thatshoppinghigh4853]

I’m so sorry for laughing at car park scene.😆😆 It’s totally something I would do. My pax system was also a 2month process. It kept saying I had to go in store but I was like “nope”, and kept trying for delivery every week and eventually home delivery was an option. I don’t understand this system!! I also had to install it myself because installation cost more than the whole closet itself! Luckily, I’m handy and stubborn, and my spare room isn’t as big as yours, but man, it was a journey! If it’s any consolation, your closet looks marvelous. And I hope it brings you joy everyday that you walk into it.😍

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m glad you stood your ground and didn’t go in store and still managed to get it done 👏

[@mistyrichardson6041]

A little over dramatic! It is you. You are the high maintenance type and not a DIYer. That is why ikea is on the budget friendly side. Next time hire a contractor to build for you. That's your style.

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌😆😆😆😆😆 LOL you said what a shitshow LOL

[@lindsayturcaloro5661]

This is so good to know!!! 👍🏻💖

[@sonicretronym]

You’re basically complaining about a million things that have nothing to do with the closet itself. Like if you don’t like shopping at IKEA, don’t buy something from there.

[@monicaadams2008]

I thought it was just the delivery company in my area… I’ve NEVER had a good experience with a large delivery. They are the WORST! However, their “small goods” delivery service is delivered by the postal service and it was a MUCH better experience.

[@ralphperez7475]

Thanks, something to think about!!!

[@jq77]

I feel your pain. Ikea has pretty terrible after sales service, as seems like most of it is outsourced (as I have seen in both Malaysia and Singapore). I remember once the delivery guys went to the completely wrong apartment complex, insisted it was my mistake (Nope. The address was correct in the invoice), then grudgingly drove to the right place. Adding on: It's not just you, my hubby also HATES Ikea. I don't love it either, (we have many a story) but I still end up going back as there are some cute items there that are functionally good ideas although usually made quite poorly.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I feel you, some items are indeed cute but I think I need a break from them for a really long time 😂

[@jq77]

@@CaitlinPawlowski that would probably be best for your mental health. (Oh man there was even one time I went n rage quit/ returned EVERYTHING like 5 mins after buying it because the IKEA outsourced delivery company said that my needed date was 1 day beyond their schedule. But in that case the IKEA customer service was actually helpful as they helped twist the delivery company's arm (so that they wouldn't have to deal with all the paperwork I think. Lol)

[@claudiacervantes5379]

I totally want to do this for my spare room, but quite literally… all your fears and issues you had is what’s holding me back. Is it worth the headache? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Honestly I don’t know still to this day I’m glad it’s all behind me but would I do it again hmm honestly I’d probably seriously consider building companies and see what the price differences are vs time and headache etc 😂

[@claudiacervantes5379]

@@CaitlinPawlowski i hear ya!!! Well, your closet is gorgeous and it really makes me want to do mine… but I’m so hesitant! Especially cause I have a budget and the Pax system is affordable. But sometimes the extra money paid is worth it!

[@mizmelbourne]

Any time I’ve purchased an ikea product there’s been an issue requiring a return-visit

[@Gott510]

We are in 🇨🇦. When we moved a few yrs ago my husband got 8 foot billy bookcase and ordered delivery and installation. Again the delivery guys told us they wouldn't bring the pieces upstairs by we are in a new build and they didn't want to damage the walls 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jimkelley8658]

I feel like that's with several delivery companies these days. I ordered a dishwasher from Home Depot and paid for them to haul the old one away. They wouldn't since I hadn't pulled it out of the bay. I had disconnected the hoses and everything else and there's just a couple of screws holding it in there. They said it was "their policy". I asked what if you had to install it. (I didn't pay for install since the last time I got one installed they didn't remove the drain plug and the place flooded). Their reply was we would remove it then. Well I told them I paid for removal so remove it. They wouldn't budge. I talked to their supervisor on the phone. No help there. I then told all of them, load the new one back up, bring it back to your truck as I'm not accepting it and give me a refund today. Yeah, they rubbed me the wrong way. Company was Temco that delivers appliances here for Lowe's and Home Depot.

[@grzejnikMilosz]

I did not hear anything about the PAX system itself. You are just talking about the IKEA store process, which if you are not a fan, obviously is going to hurt.

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

😅😁😁😁😁😉🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@xank73]

The thing I don’t like is them wanting you to pay 100.00 to get a 150.00 product delivered so I’ve never done it. BTW, are you really diabetic? I am. No fun, no fun at all. Figuring out what to do with your pump when wearing a dress can be very frustrating. Oh well, at least it is manageable.😊

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Yes the delivery costs vs products are annoying I’m a type 2 so lucky it’s diet controlled xx so don’t go in the maze that is ikea without your sugar being right 😂 x

[@xank73]

@@CaitlinPawlowski Yup. Those lows can sneak up on you.

[@LifeinStylebyCarlie]

I got a Billy bookshelf from ikea and it too had some cracks in it and I just didn't want to go back there either so I just left it as it and swallowed that pill. It does look nice from afar but upon closer inspection there's cracks 🙃

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Oh I totally get you on not going back for your sanity lol 😘

[@carolineinsydney1281]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video. You are an amazing story teller and you throw some humour into it to give your audience a bit of a giggle too.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou! Xx

[@cosmeticsandpurseswithevelyn]

Thumbs Up!👍IKEA was a complete nightmare now we need to take screenshots for measurments. They should have given you 20% Off and free instalation...shame on ikea how aweful! Unprofessional Id say. Now for me to figure out what how I will get my small Pax closet and many Comlements accessories up the stair at 5 foot 110 pounds I will have to bring the pieces up one by one. As Ive done before my downstair nieghbor friend would help with the pieces.

[@sams3015]

I don’t like IKEA either. I’m 6 foot 4 and still feel tiny walking through the warehouse bit with the parts. Only thing I like is the Swedish snacks at the end and maybe the bits and bobs for like storage or kitchen

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Ah yes the snacks and bits and bobs are what I live for but the rest no Thankyou 😂 xx

[@ToBeFetching]

I hate the store & the maze but I really like the customization. I figured out what I wanted in store (without the design studio thing online) using only measurements of our space and then my husband and I bought everything, loaded everything, got it home, unloaded everything, built everything and then brought it upstairs (assembled!) ourselves. I’ve never used their delivery or installation - that sure sounds like a nightmare! I’m about to expand and we’ll do it all ourselves again. 😅

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I definitely think having someone with you to do this probably helps and I’m so glad you and your partners was a smooth one ☺️🥰

[@morganwentworth2041]

I'm a woman living alone and whenever someone comes to do something in my apartment I take the dog for a walk and stay away until they're gone 🫥 Love a rant, happy to listen even though it sucks you had a bad experience!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

That’s a good idea I guess I’m weirdly paranoid of them snooping or stealing 😂

[@JanGlow]

I think after all that delivery drama, I would’ve demanded a refund from ikea. They would have to come pick up their packages if they wanted

[@richardgoodwin6652]

Ok this video doesn't address any functionality issues or QC issues. It's basically a rant about nothing.

[@gela5921]

Sadly you just described my experience almost exactly. Ikea needs to improve their customer service. I am still waiting for parts to become available for mine and their response to me was it may come or it may even be discontinued 😩

[@kyliet1688]

I had both a positive and negative experience with deliveries from IKEA. The first one the dropped the boxes inside my apartment and the second one they left them in the mail room (I was home) and I had to drag the boxes to the lift and then to my apartment. I think it depends on the delivery driver. I got the call from the delivery guy after he left that they were in the mail room 😡.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Omg so frustrating! Maybe it can vary depending on the delivery drivers xx

[@sarerusoldone]

the lesson for that whole delivery fiasko is probably to get swole as heck, rent a truck and do everything yourself lmao

[@LAMaman]

LOL… it is NOT you! I just went through a major home renovation. It’s been 4 months and I’m still building my PAX closet. Everything is out of stock. If I find it online, I can’t purchase it, I have to go to the store and pick up what I need. Luckily, the large pieces were delivered but it took 4 deliveries total. Some delivery guys wouldn’t take the items upstairs than some would. I had one guy delivery pieces for my kitchen and he said they couldn’t go inside the house! I HATE IKEA!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Omg so frustrating

[@chrish733]

Love your makeup look in this video 😍

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou! Xx

[@junkwagonllcDOTcom]

Lol, You earned that closet! IKEA should be paying you.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😂

[@me1998j]

all i can hear is this woman whining about something so basic

[@SuperPiper27]

Admittedly I love IKEA but holy shit!!!! This experience would make me ghost them for life

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Right!!!?