"You really must like this place." This was my boyfriends reaction when I told him that I am planning another trip to the Swedish furniture store with the yellow and blue sign. Yes, I have been to IKEA at least 20 times the past three years. But here is the thing: I moved about three times ever since I started college about three years ago and every time I move into a new place an IKEA trip is kinda mandatory. That justifies three of the trips, but the other 17 trips? There are so many more reasons for an IKEA trip other than the simple purpose of buying furniture. So here is the truth why I (and probably everyone else) loves making trips to IKEA.

1. Walking through the IKEA showroom is like walking through a museum.

I mean there is no big difference, right? I could wander around the showroom for hours looking at those beautiful rooms wishing my place would look like this. There is no better way to spend a rainy afternoon. And we all have to admit, spending one night at the IKEA exhibition would be freaking amazing. Just think about jumping on all those beds, the pillow fights and playing hide and seek in the closet area.

2. IKEA has awesome food.

One time my friend and I went to IKEA and she brought a big Tupperware box and bought her boyfriend 12 hot dogs. I am not joking. She really did. On the way back, the whole car smelled like hot dogs. But whether it's hot dogs, Swedish meatballs or Kanelbullar, (Swedish cinnamon bun) food is another reason why it's always worth a trip to IKEA.

3. IKEA is cheap.

Especially when you are a broke college student IKEA is the place to go when it comes down to cheap furniture, cookware and kitchen utensils. So at least you can look kinda classy while eating your Ramen noodles out of a real bowl instead of a paper bowl.

4. You can waste a lot of time. And it's for free.

You are slightly broke and don't know what to do on a Sunday afternoon? Go to IKEA and waste some time with wandering around the exhibition. It's fun and doesn't cost you anything (as long as you don't buy something).

5. Free supervised play area for your children.

Need a break from your kids? Just head to IKEA and drop your kids off at Småland while you enjoy a cup of coffee at the restaurant. Just don't forget to pick them up eventually.

6. They always have what you need.

You didn't know that you needed a Parmesan granter until you saw that IKEA had one for only $3. No matter what, you always leave the store with more than you originally planned on buying. That's probably the reason why you are always broke, but you go to IKEA because you are broke. It's a vicious cycle.

7. Free pencils.

You can get your annual supply of pencils for free. They might be kinda small, though.

As you can see IKEA is always worth a visit. On a side note, I am not sponsored by IKEA, even though I only own IKEA furniture.