How Do You Calculate If A Sofa Will Fit Through Door

How Do You Calculate If A Sofa Will Fit Through a Door?

Moving day is filled with excitement and anticipation, but it can also be fraught with stress. One of the biggest anxieties is whether your new furniture, particularly a large sofa, will fit through the doorways of your home. Measuring your sofa and doorways before the move can save you headaches and potential damage. This article explains how to measure both your sofa and doorways to ensure a smooth and stress-free delivery.

1. Measure Your Sofa

The first step is to measure your sofa meticulously. Grab a tape measure and note down these crucial dimensions:

Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the sofa’s tallest point, including any decorative elements or cushions.
Width: Measure the widest point of the sofa, typically the seat or the arms. If your sofa has an unusual shape, you might need to measure the widest point from both angles.
Depth: Measure the distance from the front of the sofa to the back, including any protruding elements.
Doorway Clearance: If your sofa has any removable cushions, measure how much clearance you need to remove these cushions and then measure the dimensions of the sofa itself.

It's vital to consider the sofa's overall shape. For instance, if your sofa has a curved back or unusually shaped arms, account for the widest point of these features in your measurements.

2. Measure Your Doorways

Next, you need to measure the doorways leading to the room where you plan to place the sofa. Grab your tape measure and ensure you focus on the following dimensions:

Width: Measure the width of the doorway at its narrowest point. This is usually the area where the doorjamb meets the frame. Also, measure the width of the doorway in the middle and at the top to ensure consistent width.
Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the doorway. Remember to factor in any molding or trim that may be present.
Angle: If you have an angled doorway, such as an archway, measure both the height and width at the narrowest point.

Remember to measure the doorways at all potential entry points. If your sofa needs to be maneuvered through multiple hallways or landings to reach its final destination, measure those doorways as well. It’s also a good idea to measure the doorway’s clearance above the door handle, especially if your sofa is particularly tall.

3. Account for Tight Spots

Once you have the dimensions of your sofa and doorways, it’s time to consider the tight spots. These are areas where the sofa might encounter obstacles or difficulty in passing through. Here are some common areas to consider:

Stairs: If you need to move the sofa up or down stairs, measure the width and height of the stairwell. Consider the angle of the stairs and the potential for a tight turn. If your sofa is excessively wide, you may need to consider disassembling it or hiring professional movers with experience in navigating tight spaces.
Corners: Tight corners in hallways or rooms can present a challenge. Measure the angle of the corner and the available space to ensure that the sofa can maneuver around it.
Door Handles and Molding: Measure the distance from the doorway’s edge to the door handle or any molding, especially if your sofa is close to the maximum width of the doorway.

Take careful measurements and add a bit of leeway. This will help to prevent close calls and potential damage to the sofa. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when dealing with large furniture items.

If your sofa is slightly larger than your doorway, you may need to consider some alternative options, such as removing doors or disassembling the sofa. If you find that your sofa won't fit. You may need to choose a different sofa, or consider professional movers who can help you navigate tight spaces.