It’s officially schlepping season. College students are moving into dorms and apartments, while road-trippers are loading up their trunks with snacks and beach gear. Whatever stuff you need to move from point A to point B, consider skipping the awkward cardboard box or flimsy fabric tote in favor of one of my all-time favorite buys: the IKEA Frakta Shopping Bag. You can grab 10 of ’em on sale for $17 from Amazon right now, which means you don’t even have to get in spitting distance of any flat-packed furniture.
Amazon
Why is it a good deal? 💰
Full disclosure: These are about a buck each at IKEA. But not everyone has an IKEA close by or wants to brave its uniquely exhausting, always-packed maze of Swedish splendor, especially during college move-in season. This is just a few cents above the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this set of 10 at Amazon, and at about $1.67 each, these are still very, very worth the spend.
Why do I need this? 🤔
How much do I love thee, IKEA Frakta? Let me count the ways. First, you are massive: You hold 19 gallons of stuff, and I’ve loaded you with everything from beach toys and towels to bulky clothing, blankets and school supplies. Second, you are strong: You can handle up to 55 pounds, and I’m pretty sure I put that weight limit to the test by using you to carry half my pantry on a recent trip to the lake. Third, you fold flat when I don’t need you, and fourth, you’re easy to wipe down or hose off — your bright blue polypropylene has shrugged off entire summers of sand and dirt, and even an exploded bottle of syrup (oops).
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The reinforced polypropylene handles deserve a special shout-out. Look closely and you’ll note that there are slingable shoulder straps, handy for lighter loads, as well as shorter hand straps that are absolutely clutch when you’re carrying heavier stuff. They don’t look like they should be able to bear the weight of a small child, but they can (and no, I don’t recommend toting children in your Frakta, tempting as it may be).
Talk about a ludicrously capacious bag: Here’s the Frakta loaded with a 10-pound package of pancake mix, three jumbo bags of chips, a warehouse-club-size jar of peanut butter, marshmallows, graham crackers, two family-size boxes of cereal and four jigsaw puzzles. (Saundra Latham/Yahoo)
(Saundra Latham/Yahoo)
What reviewers say 💬
I’m certainly not the only one vouching for the IKEA Frakta in all its bright blue brilliance — plenty of Amazon shoppers also recognize its utility.
Pros 👍
“They are the all-purpose bag,” said this practical purchaser. “We buy in bulk for moving. So much easier to use than boxes and so much cheaper too. Great for laundry, groceries, etc … and they store away so easily, it does not take up a lot of space in your home or garage.”
“I use these bags all the time!” proclaimed another bag booster. “They came in handy when taking Christmas presents to family at other houses. I use them when I have a few returns from Amazon that I have to take to either Whole Foods or UPS. I keep them in the back of my car [for] my trips to Costco so I can bring things in the house with less trips. They are large, and more importantly, sturdy!”
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“I am still using these bags five years later,” said a longtime Frakta fan. “Very durable. The double handles help lifting different size/weight loads. I am now buying another set because the bags have been loaned out, and some have not returned.” (Fair warning: Yes, friends and family will “forget” to give them back.)
Cons 👎
If you want the prettiest bag on the block, I agree with the next reviewer — the Frakta ain’t it. “I’m a bit embarrassed to say what little thing I think keeps me from ‘loving’ them. … They are, in my opinion, unattractive,” said this four-star buyer. “Utilitarian, practical, made of fantastically strong and loudly crinkly material that hasn’t thought twice about all the weight I’ve loaded in! But not cute … my prissiness in this area surprises even me!”
“This old bag loves these bags!” remarked a self-effacing reviewer. “Seams are still tight. Easily wiped down with antibacterial wipes. Can’t fold them back up to save my life, but I don’t really care.” (I agree that they’re a bit fussy to fold nicely — but I’ve also simply smashed ’em flat many, many times and they’re no worse for the wear.)
Amazon
Don’t need a 19-gallon behemoth? Behold, the Frakta junior:
Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Looking for more great Amazon home deals? Check these out:
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