DIY IKEA Bed Shipping Box Extension: Maximize Your Existing Box!

Updated at: 11/02/2025

Moving house? Flat-pack furniture assembly a dreaded task? Then you'll appreciate the ingenuity of repurposing those sturdy IKEA bed shipping boxes. Instead of tossing them to the curb, consider this: what if you could transform that discarded cardboard into a valuable extension for your existing storage? This clever DIY project shows you exactly how to do just that, maximizing the space within the box itself and creating a customizable solution for blankets, off-season clothes, or even extra bedding. The robust nature of these boxes means they are far more durable than typical storage solutions.

Forget expensive, bulky storage solutions! This guide offers a simple and cost-effective way to turn your unwanted IKEA flatpack shipping materials into a practical and surprisingly sturdy addition to your existing storage. Ready to get started and build your own custom storage extension? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • IKEA bed (or similar item)
  • Box (slightly too small)
  • Razor blade
  • Tape
  • Packaging material
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Optional: Christmas wrapping paper (or other wrapping material)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always prioritize safety. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and safety glasses when handling box cutters and other tools.
  • Ensure the extended box is structurally sound before placing any weight on it. Reinforce weak points with additional cardboard, tape, and/or supports as needed.
  • Never exceed the weight capacity of the original bed box. Overloading a modified box can lead to collapse and potential injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Assessment and Planning

    • Measure the item and the box to determine the necessary extension.
    • Calculate how much longer the box needs to be to accommodate the item. In this case, 9 inches were needed.
    Determine the extension needed: Calculate how much longer the box needs to be to accommodate the item. In this case, 9 inches were needed.Determine the extension needed: Calculate how much longer the box needs to be to accommodate the item. In this case, 9 inches were needed.
    Assessment and Planning

  2. Prepare the Box

    • Cut the tape and lay the box flat.
    Cut the tape and lay the box flat.
    Prepare the Box

  3. Extend the Box

    • Draw lines indicating the needed extension (9 inches in this example) on each flap of the box.
    • Carefully cut along the marked lines to extend the box.
    Cut the flaps: Carefully cut along the marked lines to extend the box.Cut the flaps: Carefully cut along the marked lines to extend the box.
    Extend the Box

  4. Refine and Adjust

    • Crease the extended flaps to create clean folds.
    • Check if the item fits. Trim excess flap length as needed.
    Adjust and trim: Check if the item fits. Trim excess flap length as needed.Adjust and trim: Check if the item fits. Trim excess flap length as needed.
    Refine and Adjust

  5. Finalize and Secure

    • Tape up the extended box to reinforce it.
    Secure the box: Tape up the extended box to reinforce it.
    Finalize and Secure
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Tips

  • Use packaging material to protect the item's edges during shipping.
  • Consider adding extra support (cardboard) to any gaps created by the extension.
  • Use creative wrapping! (Christmas paper was used in the video example).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Measurement and Cutting

Reason: Improperly measuring the existing box or cutting the extension pieces leads to a poorly fitting or unstable extension.
Solution: Double-check all measurements multiple times and use a sharp, accurate cutting tool for precise cuts.

2. Insufficient Reinforcement

Reason: The extension lacks sufficient support, leading to collapse or sagging under the weight of the mattress and bedding.
Solution: Add extra cardboard supports, bracing, or use strong tape in key stress areas to reinforce the structure.

3. Ignoring Existing Box Flaws

Reason: Attempting to extend a damaged or weakened original box will compromise the entire structure's stability.
Solution: Assess the original box for damage and reinforce any weak spots before beginning the extension process.

FAQs

What tools do I need to build an IKEA bed shipping box extension?
You'll primarily need a sturdy utility knife or box cutter, strong tape (like packing tape), and possibly some wood glue or construction adhesive for extra reinforcement, depending on the extension design. Measuring tape and a pencil are also helpful for marking and planning.
Can I use any kind of cardboard for the extension?
It's best to use cardboard of similar thickness and strength to the original IKEA box. Thin cardboard will be too flimsy and may not hold up the weight. Ideally, try to source cardboard from a similar-sized appliance or furniture box for a better match in strength and durability.