You’re staring at a $250 IKEA haul in your online cart. Then you hit the checkout page and—bam—the delivery fee makes you do a double-take. Honestly, figuring out how much is IKEA delivery feels like solving a riddle sometimes. One day it's five bucks for a box of napkins, the next you’re looking at a $70 charge to move a sofa three miles.
It's not just you. The pricing is a weird mix of weight, your zip code, and whether you’ve joined their free loyalty club.
If you're trying to budget for a room makeover, you need the actual numbers. No fluff. Just the breakdown of what you'll actually pay in 2026.
The Short Answer: It Starts at $5
Basically, if you’re buying small stuff—think cushions, candles, or even a small side table—you’re looking at Parcel Delivery.
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For IKEA Family members (which is free to join, so please just do it), shipping starts at $5 for small orders. If you aren't a member, that baseline jumps to $10.
There is a catch, though. To even qualify for shipping, your merchandise subtotal usually needs to hit at least $35. If you’re just buying one $4 spatula, the system might not even let you ship it.
When Shipping Becomes Free
Everyone loves free shipping. At IKEA, this usually kicks in for Family members on "qualifying orders" over $50.
Wait, don't get too excited. This only applies to items under 50 lbs. If you try to sneak a massive PAX wardrobe into that "free shipping" window, the algorithm will catch you.
The Heavy Stuff: Truck Delivery Explained
Once you cross that 50-pound threshold or buy something that physically won’t fit in a standard cardboard box, you’re in Truck Delivery territory. This is where the price tags get a bit more "real."
IKEA has tiered this out into a few different levels.
- Standard Delivery: This is the "drop and dash" option. They leave it at your door or in your lobby. If you're a member, it starts around $19. For everyone else? Usually $29.
- Scheduled Doorstep Delivery: You pick the day. This usually starts at $29 for members and $39 for non-members.
- Scheduled In-Home Delivery: This is the "save my back" option. They bring it into the specific room you want. You’re looking at $59 for members or $69 for non-members.
- Express In-Home Delivery: Need that bed tomorrow? If you live in a supported zip code, you can get it next-day starting at $79.
Keep in mind that if you live in high-cost areas like New York or parts of New Jersey, these "starting at" prices often tick up by $10 or $20 immediately.
Why Your Quote Might Look Different
The biggest mistake people make is assuming the price is flat. It isn't.
Distance matters. A lot. If you live 50 miles from the nearest distribution center or store, that $39 delivery could easily turn into $99 or more. IKEA uses third-party delivery partners, and those partners charge based on mileage and the "zone" you fall into.
Then there's the weight. While standard delivery covers most orders, if you are ordering literally 1,000 pounds of cabinets for a kitchen remodel, expect a surcharge. Orders over 800 lbs often see an extra $20 fee tacked on.
The Regional "Tax"
Interestingly, some states have higher baseline rates. If you’re shopping in Connecticut, Maryland, or New York, the "starting" price for scheduled delivery is often $39 or $49 right out of the gate, even for members.
The "Click & Collect" Alternative
If the delivery fee makes you want to scream, there’s always Click & Collect.
For most of the country, this is free for IKEA Family members. You buy it online, they pull the items from the shelves, and you drive over and pick them up. If you aren't a member, some locations (like Las Vegas) might charge a small $2 to $5 fee for the service.
It’s a massive time saver compared to walking the entire maze of the showroom, but obviously, you need a vehicle big enough to fit a flat-pack Kallax.
Is IKEA Delivery Worth It?
Let's talk reality. A U-Haul rental usually starts at $19.95 plus mileage (usually $0.79 to $0.99 per mile). By the time you pay for the van, the gas, and the insurance, you’ve spent $45.
If IKEA is offering to bring a 200lb dresser to your door for $39, you’re actually saving money.
The value proposition shifts when you’re only buying one small thing. Paying $10 shipping on a $35 order feels like a 30% tax. That’s when you should probably wait until you have a bigger list or just go to the store in person.
Surprising Details About Returns
If you decide to return a big item that was delivered, IKEA doesn't usually refund the original delivery fee. And if you want them to come pick up the return? They’ll charge you the delivery fee all over again.
So, if you paid $59 to get it there, expect to pay roughly another $59 to get it back to the store.
How to Get the Lowest Price
To make sure you aren't overpaying, follow these steps before you hit "buy":
- Sign in to IKEA Family. This is the easiest way to shave $10 off a truck delivery or get free shipping on small stuff.
- Bulk your orders. Don't buy a lamp today and a chair next week. Since truck delivery is a flat(ish) rate for the whole order, it costs the same to deliver ten boxes as it does to deliver two.
- Check the "Last Chance" section. Sometimes you can find items with shipping promos, though it's rare.
- Use the Zip Code Tool. Before you fall in love with a sofa, put your zip code into the cart. The "starting at" prices are often wildly different from the actual price for rural addresses.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning a purchase right now, start by creating a digital shopping list on the IKEA website while logged into a Family account. Add everything you think you want, then go to the "Shopping bag" and enter your zip code.
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Don't guess. The system will give you a dynamic quote based on the current stock at your nearest hub. If the price is too high, try removing one "oversized" item to see if the rest of the order drops down to the cheaper Parcel Delivery rate. Often, one slightly too-long curtain rod can trigger a $39 truck fee when everything else could have shipped for $5.
Check your vehicle's internal dimensions before opting for Click & Collect. A surprising number of people show up in a sedan to pick up a queen-sized mattress, only to end up paying for delivery anyway because it won't fit. Save yourself the double trip.