I'm an Ikea super fan – here are my store secrets & there's a shortcut through the labyrinth

PLANNING a visit to IKEA can feel similar to packing for a multi-day camping trip: you need to chart a path, bring plenty of bags, and wear your best hiking shoes for a long walk.

But there are a number of little-known secrets that make shopping at the home store so much easier.

The IKEA superfans at Homes to Love compiled a list of shopping secrets that could save you time at the store and money at the register.

Read on to learn the hacks all IKEA shoppers can take advantage of during the next home shopping spree.

SHOPPING IN-STORE

One of the intimidating aspects of an IKEA trip is the "labyrinth" of aisles, marked by directional arrows that lead shoppers through the maze of products.

You actually don't need to traverse the entire store to go from department to department, though – and in fact, the store will provide the shortcuts to you, if you know where to look.

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"If you look on the back of your in-store IKEA shopping list, you'll see a map marking quicker routes between the departments," the experts explain.

Even if you bring your own shopping list to the store, snag one of the company-provided lists when you walk in so you can navigate with the "secret passages" in mind.

On your way to the checkout, keep your eyes peeled for the as-is department.

That's where you'll find some of the best discounts in the entire store.

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"You can pick up bargains that are slightly damaged, heavily discounted or ready for a 'second life' after being returned as a Buy-back item," the pros advise.

Be prepared to root through the odds and ends to find last-minute additions to your shopping basket.

ONLINE AND IN-APP SECRETS

Before you leave for the store, hop onto the IKEA website to take advantage of tools that will shave time off your shopping.

Using the brand's Click and Collect service, you can place an order online, then go pick up the products when you receive a notification that they're ready.

"Beware: orders not collected within three days will be canceled and refunded," the pros warned.

You can also download the app to preview how pieces will look in your home, and avoid the hassle of returning a shelf or table that's way too big for the space.

"Scan your real-life room, browse the app for IKEA pieces then place furniture virtually in your home," the experts said.

Or, use IKEA's online planning tools to customize rooms, then generate shopping lists based on your design.

If you need expert help, IKEA can provide that, too, with low-cost interior design advice starting at under $30.

"A $29 consultation will give you tips and ideas to get started, as well as a shopping list," the experts at Homes to Love explained.

"If you want to take things to the next level, an interior designer can reimagine a single room for you for $169 or up to three spaces for $399."

Your online or in-person meeting with an interior designer will leave you with a mood board, floor plan, and 3D renderings of the space – plus, of course, a shopping list so you can recreate the dream design.

SAVING MONEY EVERY VISIT

The Buy-back program mentioned earlier allows customers to return certain, used furniture pieces.

Qualifying furniture needs to still be usable, so that excludes any pieces you've completely worn out– or damaged in a half-baked DIY attempt.

"Providing it's in good-enough condition, IKEA will give you up to 50 percent of the item's original value," the home professionals wrote.

You'll receive your refund on a gift card that can be used in-store.

Once you're ready to check out at IKEA, make sure to add on the insurance offered by the company's rewards program.

"You need to scan your IKEA Family membership at the checkout to receive free 'Oops-assurance,'" the pros revealed.

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While you're bringing your products home, or while you're assembling them, they may incur damage.

If that happens, and you have Oops-assurance, the brand will replace the furniture for free.

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