You load the car, and the box sticks out of the boot like a rebellious flag. The drive home feels like a victory lap. You’re already planning where to put the new shelf, even though you know it’ll stay in the hallway for three weeks. But that’s the beauty of the Ikea Manchester experience: it’s not about the furniture. It’s about surviving the labyrinth, eating the meatballs, and pretending that tomorrow, you’ll finally become the organised person you saw in the showroom mirror.
And you will. Right after you build that shelf. Or, you know, next weekend. Definitely.
