Paying to move a sofa that won't go through the new front door is a painful way to learn to measure. A half hour with a tape measure, before moving day, can save money, scratched walls, and arguments. This guide covers what to measure and a simple way to plan rooms on paper.
For each item you hope to bring, write down: - Width (side to side at the widest point) - Depth (front to back, including handles and knobs) - Height (floor to the highest point)
Measure the widest points, including arms, legs, and trim. For sofas, also measure the diagonal depth: from the top of the back to the front edge of the seat, measured at an angle. Movers often tilt a sofa to get it through a doorway, so this number matters.
Note whether legs, headboards, table leaves, or cushions come off. A removable part can make a "no" into a "yes."
The room may be big enough while the path to it is not. Measure: - Exterior and interior doorways: width and height of the open doorway, not the door. If you can remove the door from its hinges, measure that too. - Hallways: width, and any tight corners or turns. - Stairs: width, ceiling height above the stairs, and any landings or turns. Low ceilings on stairs are a common surprise. - Elevators: door width and height, plus inside width, depth, and height. Some buildings require you to reserve an elevator for moves.
A piece usually fits through a doorway if one of its smaller dimensions (often depth or height) is less than the doorway width, since it can be turned on its side. Tight turns in hallways and stairs are harder to predict. When in doubt, ask your movers; they make this call every day.
For each room in the new home, measure: - Wall lengths - Location and width of doors and which way they swing - Windows, including the height of sills - Radiators, vents, outlets, and built-ins - Ceiling height (for tall bookcases and wardrobes)
Draw each room to scale on graph paper (for example, one square equals six inches). Cut out paper rectangles for each furniture piece at the same scale. Move them around until you find a layout that works.
Leave room to walk. Common rules of thumb are around three feet for main walkways and enough space to pull out chairs and open drawers. Check that doors and cabinets can swing open fully.
If you can visit the new home before moving day, mark the outline of big pieces on the floor with painter's tape. Standing in the taped outline tells you more than a drawing.
Sort each piece: - Fits and has a place: bring it. - Fits but no place: sell, donate, or give to family. - Doesn't fit the path or the room: don't move it. Sell or donate before moving day.
Label each piece with its destination room in the new home. Movers can then place furniture directly, saving you from rearranging heavy pieces later.
We make a spreadsheet that records furniture and doorway measurements and flags what fits. It's optional; the steps above work with paper.