Photo by Matt Picio

As someone whose house is still post-dorm, I'm more than a little excited about IKEA. If nothing else, there's swedish meatballs, and a 99 cent breakfast served from 9:30-11am. And, I'm excited that it's on the MAX line, and that they have more bicycle parking than I have ever seen for a retail establishment in the US.

And that's how I'd recommend you get to IKEA: by public transport, or by bike. Yes, they do have a huge parking lot, but the Portland Police, and Port of Portland personnel expect that if you drive, at least in the next week or so, you'll get some extra time in your car to think about what you're looking for, and to have buyers remorse trying to get back to the freeway.

According to Anna Griffin's article in the July 19, 2007 Oregonian,

The company expects to welcome more than 150,000 Allen wrench aficionados over the first five days, and police and Port officials say the only question is whether our traffic jams will be as bad as those during other Ikea openings.

Seven years ago, the first Northern California Ikea caused a two-week gridlock. Two years ago in Stoughton, Mass., an Ikea debut backed up freeway traffic five miles.

The frenzy over inexpensive -- or cheap, depending on your taste -- Scandinavian sofas and storage bins has been worse overseas: In London three years ago, a half-dozen people went to the hospital for injuries when one grand opening turned into a riot. In 1995, three people died when the crowd stampeded into a new Saudi Arabian Ikea.

Portland police say they're ready, or at least as ready as they can be. The city usually sends four officers and one sergeant to control traffic outside Trail Blazers games; the team pays about $1,200 a game.

During the chain's first five days in Oregon, 40 Portland police officers will guide traffic toward and away from the store. The company's tab: $120,000.

So if you get to IKEA and fall in love with a couch, or a bookcase, you can always have it delivered to your residence. Here's what the IKEA FAQ says:

The IKEA store offers (or will refer you to) a home delivery service if you prefer. Home delivery is not included in the product price.

How sweet is that? (Now if only they'd also take it to the dump for you at the end of its short life...)