Storage Space Measurement Guide for Rental Viewings—Measuring Closet and Cabinet Dimensions and Assessing Functionality

Why Measuring Storage Space Matters

During apartment viewings, it's easy to focus on room size, natural light, and layout, but many tenants regret overlooking the functionality of storage spaces.

Common problems include:

• •Closet depth is too shallow, and clothes on hangers hit the door
• •Large items don't fit in the upper shelf of the cupboard
• •Shoe storage depth is insufficient for larger shoe sizes
• •Actual storage capacity is less than it appears

Spending just 5–10 minutes checking storage spaces during a viewing can significantly reduce these mismatches.

Tools and Preparation for Measuring

What to bring to the viewing:

• •Measuring tape: At least 2 meters, ideally around 5 meters
• •Smartphone notes app: To record measurements
• •List of belongings you plan to bring with approximate sizes: Pre-measure items like suitcases, bedding, and coats that require special attention

Measuring Your Closet

Three Essential Measurements

1. Width: Interior horizontal width (inside dimension between left and right walls)
2. Depth: Interior depth (inside dimension from door to back wall)
3. Height: Inside dimension from floor to ceiling (or shelf bottom)

Checking if You Can Hang Clothes on a Rod

If a closet has a hanging rod, check the following:

Minimum depth requirements:

• •Standard hanger width: approximately 45 cm
• •To close the door with clothes hung on hangers requires depth of at least 55 cm
• •If depth is less than 45 cm, clothes will be compressed when the door closes

Height check:

• •Check if the hanging rod height accommodates your clothes, especially coats
• •To hang coats or long dresses, you need at least 130 cm from rod to floor

Width calculation:

• •For one person's wardrobe, you need at least 90 cm width (so clothes aren't crammed on hangers)
• •For two people (couples), aim for at least 180 cm width

Differences Between Bifold, Sliding, and Swing Doors

The type of closet door affects actual usability.

With bifold doors, "dead space" in the corners is hard to access.

Measuring Your Cupboard

Cupboards are traditional storage spaces commonly found in Japanese-style rooms.

Basic Measurements

1. Width: Interior width
2. Depth: Interior depth (cupboards typically have a deep depth of approximately 80–90 cm)
3. Height (upper and lower sections): Height of both upper and lower sections

Typical cupboard dimensions:

• •Width: approximately 90–180 cm (one to two bays)
• •Depth: approximately 80–90 cm (quite deep)
• •Upper section height: approximately 120–130 cm
• •Lower section height: approximately 80–90 cm

Check if Bedding Fits

One of the primary uses of a cupboard is storing bedding.

• •Standard single mattress size: approximately 105 cm wide × 210 cm long × 10–15 cm thick
• •If the cupboard is at least 105 cm wide, you can store the mattress laid flat
• •If width is insufficient, you'll need to store it vertically or use a compression bag

Check if Large Suitcases Fit

Standard large travel suitcase (28-inch) dimensions:

• •Approximately 75 cm tall × 55 cm wide × 32 cm deep

The lower section (height 80–90 cm) can usually accommodate a standing suitcase, but check if there are shelves in between.

Measuring Your Shoe Storage

Entryway shoe storage is also worth checking during viewings.

Matching Shoe Sizes

Standard shoe storage typically has a depth of 25–30 cm.

People with larger shoe sizes often find standard shoe storage too small. Measure the shelf depth during your viewing.

Number of Shelves and Shoe Capacity

General guideline (storage per shelf):

• •Each shelf typically holds about 2 pairs of shoes (or about 1.5 pairs of men's shoes)
• •4–5 shelves can accommodate one person's shoes (8–10 pairs)

Check if the shelves and width can accommodate shoes for all residents.

Calculating Storage Volume and Simulating Your Belongings

Calculating Storage Capacity

Formula: Width (cm) × Depth (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 1,000,000 = Volume (m³)

Guideline: A single-person household needs at least 1.5–2.0 m³ of storage

Cross-Checking with Items You Plan to Bring

Before the viewing, list approximate sizes of items you plan to move—this makes it easier to assess storage fit.

Large items that need special attention:

• •Coats and down jackets (hang on rod)
• •Bedding and linens (cupboard or lower closet section)
• •Suitcases (storage when not traveling)
• •Seasonal appliances (fans, space heaters, humidifiers, etc.)
• •Hobby items (musical instruments, sports equipment, tools)

What to Do if Storage Is Insufficient

If you feel storage is insufficient after the viewing, consider these options:

1. Add portable storage furniture: Use tension rods, steel racks, and drawer units to increase storage
2. Consider a different unit with better storage: Check floor plans for symbols like WIC (walk-in closet) or SC (shoe closet)
3. Use external storage: Rent offsite storage for ¥3,000–10,000 per month

Summary: Storage Space Measurement Checklist for Viewings

• •[ ] Closet depth is at least 55 cm (for hanging clothes)
• •[ ] Closet width accommodates one person (at least 90 cm)
• •[ ] Confirmed bedding (single size, 105 cm) fits in the cupboard
• •[ ] Confirmed large suitcases (28-inch) fit in available storage
• •[ ] Confirmed shoe storage depth matches your shoe size
• •[ ] Confirmed storage for seasonal appliances and hobby items
• •[ ] Recorded measurements on your smartphone