How To Know If A Sofa Will Fit Through Your Doorways

Bringing a new sofa into your home can be an exciting experience. However, before you commit to a purchase, it's crucial to ensure it can actually fit through your doorways. Navigating a bulky sofa through narrow hallways and tight corners can be a logistical nightmare, leading to potential damage to both the furniture and your home. To avoid such headaches, meticulously measuring both your doorways and the new sofa is essential.

1. Measure Your Doorways

The first step is to measure the width and height of every doorway the sofa needs to pass through. This includes not only the main entrance door but also any interior doorways leading from the entryway to the desired room. It's also important to factor in any staircases, as a sofa may need to be carried up or down.

When measuring, ensure you are measuring the narrowest point of each doorway. Don't forget to account for any door frames or molding that might protrude into the doorway space.

It's also wise to note the measurements of any tight corners or hallways the sofa needs to navigate. This will help you determine if there's sufficient space to maneuver the sofa without causing any damage.

2. Measure Your Sofa

Next, measure the dimensions of the sofa you are considering. This is an essential step to properly assess if it will fit through your doorways. It's not enough to just consider the overall width and height of the sofa. You need to account for any protruding arms or backs, as well as the sofa's depth.

When measuring, it's always advisable to err on the side of caution. Measure the widest point of the sofa, including the armrests and back. Also, take into account the overall height, including any additional features like cushions or headrests.

3. Account for Clearance

Even if the sofa's measurements appear to fit within your doorway dimensions, it's crucial to consider the necessary clearance for maneuvering. You need to ensure there is sufficient space to easily move the sofa through each doorway without bumping into walls or other obstacles.

A general rule of thumb is to add at least 2-3 inches to the sofa's width and height to account for clearance. For example, if your sofa is 36 inches wide, you should aim for a doorway that is at least 39 inches wide.

If your doorway is particularly tight, you might consider disassembling the sofa if possible. Some sofas are easily separable into sections, which can be carried through doorways more readily.

4. Visualize the Process

After completing the measurements and accounting for clearance, it's helpful to visualize the entire process of moving the sofa. This can be done by creating a rough sketch of your home's layout, including the doorways and the sofa's dimensions.

Alternatively, you can use online tools or furniture placement apps to simulate the sofa's movement in your home. These digital tools can provide a more realistic representation of the sofa's path and identify potential obstacles or tight spots.

5. Consider Professional Assistance

If you have any doubts about your sofa's ability to fit through your doorways, it's always wise to seek professional assistance. Professional movers have extensive experience in navigating large furniture through tight spaces and can provide expert advice on the feasibility of your sofa's delivery.

Professional movers also have the necessary equipment, such as dollies and straps, to safely and efficiently transport your sofa to its final destination. This can help minimize the risk of damage to both the furniture and your home.