What People Forget to Measure Before the Move (But Should)

You have packed the boxes. You have scheduled your movers. You think everything is ready. But did you measure? One of the most common moving day headaches happens when people forget to measure before the move. Skipping this simple step can lead to oversized furniture that does not fit through doorways or stairwells, or appliances that will not make it into your new space. Taking a little time to measure ahead can prevent a lot of stress.

Why You Need to Measure Before the Move

Measuring ahead of time helps you avoid unexpected delays, damage to your furniture and frustration on moving day. It also allows you to plan for any disassembly or adjustments that might need to happen before moving day arrives. If you wait until the movers are carrying your couch through the door to find out it does not fit, it is too late to make an easy adjustment.

What to Measure Before Moving

Doorways and Hallways

Start by measuring the width and height of all doorways and hallways in both your current home and your new one. Be sure to account for trim, door frames and any tight corners.

Stairwells

Staircases can present unique challenges. Measure the width of the stairs, the ceiling height above them and any landings or turns that could restrict movement.

Elevators

If you are moving into or out of a building with an elevator, check its interior dimensions and weight capacity. Some elevators will not accommodate large furniture or appliances.

Large Furniture and Appliances

Measure bulky items such as sectionals, mattresses, armoires, refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Compare these measurements to your doorways and pathways to see if they will fit.

Angles and Turns

Do not overlook tricky corners or narrow hallways where you might need to pivot or turn with an item. Measure these spots to make sure you will not run into obstacles.

Why This Step Is Worth It

People often underestimate the importance of measuring before the move. It is easy to assume that if something fit into one home, it will fit into the next, but that is not always the case. Homes vary in layout and dimensions. Measuring ahead of time gives you the chance to plan for disassembly, consider alternate pathways or even decide to sell or donate an item if it simply will not fit.

Make Your Move a Positive One

It is easy to overlook the need to measure before the move, but doing so can save you a lot of hassle. Taking a little time to plan now will make your moving day go much smoother. And if you ever have questions about moving best practices, the team at Positive Moves is always here to help make your move a positive one.

FAQs

1. What should I measure before moving?

You should always measure the doorways, hallways, stairwells and elevators in both your current home and your new one. Pay special attention to any tight corners or angles that could affect how larger items move through the space. You will also want to measure bulky furniture and appliances, such as sectionals, beds, armoires, refrigerators and washers and dryers. This way, you can plan for any pieces that might need to be disassembled or moved using an alternate path. Measuring ahead helps prevent unpleasant surprises when it is time to move.

2. Why is measuring before a move so important?

Measuring before you move helps avoid frustrating delays and the risk of damaging your furniture or your home. Many people assume that if an item fit through the door once, it will fit again, but layouts and doorway sizes vary from house to house. Taking time to measure ensures you know exactly what will fit and where. It also gives you the chance to plan ahead for special handling or adjustments that might be needed for oversized items. This kind of preparation can make your moving day much smoother and less stressful.

3. Do I need to measure my furniture before moving?

Yes, it is a good idea to measure any large or bulky furniture before you move. Even if an item fit perfectly in your old home, the new space could have narrower doorways or tighter stairwells. By measuring your furniture in advance and comparing it to the spaces you will need to move through, you can figure out whether items need to be disassembled, carried in a different way or possibly left behind. This simple step can help avoid damage to your furniture or walls and make your move much more efficient.