There are plenty of things worth picking up during an IKEA run, but one of the most useful isn’t a piece of furniture, a storage system or even something for the kitchen. It’s that enormous blue bag you’ve probably seen hanging around the store.
The FRAKTA shopping bag is one of those purchases that doesn’t seem particularly exciting until you own a few. Then suddenly they’re everywhere holding laundry, packed for a camping trip, stuffed with things for the kids or waiting to haul another load of stuff from one place to another.
And considering how inexpensive they are, it’s hard to think of many IKEA purchases that get this much use.
It’s the Iconic Blue FRAKTA Bag
The bag is officially called the FRAKTA Shopping Bag, and the large version measures 21 ¾ by 14 ½ by 13 ¾ inches and holds 19 gallons. IKEA describes it as strong and durable, and it’s made with at least 90% recycled material.
But the size is what makes it so useful. It’s big enough to hold a surprising amount without being so enormous it becomes impossible to carry, and the wide opening means you don’t have to carefully arrange everything just to make it fit.
It’s So Much More Than a Shopping Bag
Shopping is probably one of the least interesting things to do with a FRAKTA bag. It’s perfect for hauling laundry, especially bulky towels and bedding that don’t fit particularly well in a regular laundry basket.
It’s also become a go-to for moving things around the house or taking things from one place to another. Clothes, toys, shoes, blankets, random closet clutter, if something needs moving, there’s a good chance it can be tossed into one of these bags.
It’s Surprisingly Good for Camping
Camping is another time these bags really earn their keep. They can hold blankets, sleeping bags, towels, kids’ gear, shoes, food supplies and all those miscellaneous things that somehow multiply every time the car gets packed.
The wide opening also makes unpacking much easier because everything is visible instead of buried inside a suitcase or duffel bag. When the trip is over, the bags fold down nearly flat until you need them again.
They’re Great for Storage Too
FRAKTA bags aren’t necessarily the prettiest storage containers, but sometimes practical wins. They’re especially handy for temporarily storing seasonal clothes, extra bedding, stuffed animals, holiday decorations, or things waiting to be donated.
They also work well when decluttering because one bag can be designated for donations while another holds things that need to be moved somewhere else. Once everything is dealt with, the empty bags take up almost no room.
They’re Made for the Messy Stuff
One reason these bags stick around for years is that there’s no need to be precious with them. A FRAKTA can go to the beach, sit on the ground at a campsite, haul gardening supplies, or carry dirty laundry without feeling like something that needs protection.
IKEA says the bag can be cleaned with lukewarm water, which makes a lot more sense for messy jobs than using a nice tote or fabric storage bag. The handles are also designed to carry the bag by hand or over the shoulder.
They’re Especially Useful With Kids
Anyone who regularly hauls things for kids knows a normal tote bag can fill up ridiculously fast. A FRAKTA has room for jackets, toys, blankets, extra clothes, beach towels and all the other things that somehow need to come along for even a relatively simple outing.
They’re also great when the kids are spending time with grandparents or going somewhere overnight. Instead of trying to neatly pack every random toy and blanket into luggage, you can put everything into the big blue bag.
Moving Is Where They Really Shine
Moving boxes have their place, but not everything needs to be carefully boxed, taped and labeled. FRAKTA bags are incredibly convenient for clothes, linens, pillows, shoes and other soft or awkward items that just need to get from one house to another.
They’re also useful for smaller moves around the house, whether that’s clearing out a bedroom, reorganizing a closet or hauling a pile of things upstairs. Grab the handles, move everything at once and deal with it when it gets where it’s going.
You’ll Probably Want More Than One
That’s probably the funniest thing about buying a FRAKTA bag. One seems perfectly reasonable until you realize how useful it is, and then three or four suddenly don’t seem excessive.
For around a dollar, it’s one of those simple IKEA purchases that can stick around for years and continually find a new job. Laundry today, camping gear next weekend, donations next month and who knows what after that, which is exactly why this big blue bag remains one of the best inexpensive things to pick up at IKEA.
