Measuring Doorways and Spaces for Large Appliances——Complete Guide to Avoid Moving Day Installation Disasters
Master the measurement technique to prevent the dreaded "it won't fit!" when moving large appliances and furniture like refrigerators, washing machines, and sofas into your new place. Includes essential dimensions to check during apartment viewings, entry route checklists, and size selection guides by appliance type.
"Won't Fit" Disasters Are One of the Most Common Moving Day Problems
Among the problems that occur when moving to a rental property, one of the most common is that large furniture and appliances won't fit into the room. Moving companies often find themselves stuck at entryways or hallways, forcing owners to pay extra for crane delivery or reluctantly part with newly purchased appliances.
This problem can be completely prevented by taking proper measurements beforehand. For large items like refrigerators, washing machines, sofas, and beds, it's essential to verify the measurements of the entry route and installation location before purchasing and before moving.
This guide explains in detail the measurement points you should confirm during apartment viewings and the key considerations when selecting appliance and furniture sizes.
Key Measurement Points: Checking Your Entire Entry Route
To successfully move large appliances and furniture into your room, you need to confirm that the entire route from your entrance is clear of obstacles. Here are the specific areas you need to measure:
1. Front Door (Opening Height and Width)
Measure the door opening (the effective width and height when the door is open). Since items may be tilted diagonally against the doorframe, it's helpful to also note the diagonal measurement. Standard apartment entrances typically measure 80–85 cm wide and 190–200 cm high, though older buildings may have narrower openings.
2. Entryway and Hallway (Width)
Measure the width and height of the hallway leading from the entrance to your room. A narrow hallway makes it difficult to stand furniture upright while moving it. Standard hallways are 80–90 cm wide, though some properties are narrower. If your hallway has corners, also consider the turning radius at those points.
3. Interior Room Doors (Door Opening Dimensions)
Measure all interior room doorways. Even if an item passes through the front door, it can still get stuck at interior doors. Pay special attention to closet doors, bathroom entrances, and bath doors, which tend to be quite narrow.
4. Elevator (For Apartment Buildings)
For apartment buildings, measure the elevator's interior width, depth, height, and door width. If there's a separate freight elevator, check whether you can use it. For buildings without an elevator, verify whether stair delivery is possible (checking for handrail protrusions and stair width).
5. Washing Machine Location (Drain Pan)
Measure the drain pan (plastic base) at your washing machine location. Confirm both the interior and exterior dimensions of the pan and verify that your washing machine's base (depth and width) will fit. If there's no drain pan, measure the floor space instead.
6. Refrigerator Location
Measure your refrigerator's installation space (width, depth, and height). Be sure to account for clearance above (heat dissipation space is essential). Refrigerators release heat from both the top and back, so you need approximately 5–10 cm of space above and 5 cm behind. Also verify that the door swing direction (right-hinge, left-hinge, or French doors) works with your living layout.
Size Guidelines: What Fits Where
Refrigerator Size Guidelines
For studio (1K) and one-room apartments designed for single occupants, compact models in the 150–200L range typically fit comfortably. If you're considering a 300–500L or larger refrigerator for a couple or family, check in advance that your installation space is at least 60 cm wide.
Typical refrigerator widths are:
•100–150L: approximately 45–50 cm wide
•200–300L: approximately 55–60 cm wide
•400–500L: approximately 65–70 cm wide
•600L or larger: 75 cm or wider
Washing Machine Size Guidelines
For washing machines, the limiting factor is the external width and depth rather than capacity—these must fit your drain pan. Standard drain pans measure 640×640 mm (interior) or 740×640 mm (interior).
Before purchasing, measure your drain pan's interior dimensions and confirm that the washing machine's base will fit. Modern top-loading washers tend to be wider and deeper as capacity increases (some 8 kg and larger models exceed 640 mm in width).
Bed and Sofa Size Guidelines
When moving beds into your room, check whether the frame can be disassembled. Non-disassembling frames require especially careful route planning. Sofas vary greatly in difficulty: one-piece models are much harder to move than modular or assembly-required designs. Ask your retailer about disassembly options before purchasing.
Apartment Viewing Measurement Checklist
Always bring a tape measure when viewing apartments. You can also use a smartphone AR app (such as Measure) for quick measurements. Record your data in notes and photos on your phone.
Areas You Must Measure:
□ Front door: opening width ( cm) × height ( cm)
□ Hallway width (narrowest point) ( cm)
□ Hallway corner turning radius ( cm)
□ Interior room door opening widths ( cm)
□ Elevator interior: width, depth, height, door width (apartments only)
□ Washing machine drain pan interior dimensions (width cm × depth cm)
□ Refrigerator space width ( cm) × depth ( cm) × height ( cm)
□ Entry door width and height for each room ( cm)
What to Do If Something Won't Fit
Here are your options if you discover something won't fit despite your measurements.
Crane Delivery: Large appliances and furniture are hoisted via balcony or window. Typically costs ¥30,000–50,000 per delivery. Requires management company approval in advance.
Disassembly and Assembly Delivery: If your bed frame or sofa can be disassembled, the moving company will bring in the pieces and reassemble them in your room. Verify disassembly options before purchasing.
Return or Exchange: Contact your retailer immediately if you realize something won't fit. Most stores have strict return policies after purchase, so act quickly if you discover a measurement error.
Size Adjustment: Consider switching to a more compact model with similar features. Most manufacturers offer smaller versions of refrigerators and washing machines.
Summary: Bring a Tape Measure to Every Apartment Viewing
You can prevent every moving-day furniture and appliance problem with proper measurements during your apartment viewing. Make it a habit to bring a tape measure, measure your entire entry route, and photograph the key dimensions on your phone.
Most importantly, always cross-reference your washing machine drain pan and refrigerator space measurements against your appliances before placing an order. Never rely on guesswork. Measuring takes just five minutes but is the single most reliable way to prevent a moving-day disaster.
