Measurements to Take During a Viewing: A Checklist for Furniture, Appliances, and Curtains

A viewing is a chance to check the floor plan and sunlight, but it's also an opportunity to take measurements that matter for life after you move in. Knowing the size of the entrance, elevator, and windows in advance means you won't be caught off guard when it comes to getting furniture and appliances in, or ordering curtains. Below, we've put together a checklist of measurements worth taking during a viewing.

Conclusion

A viewing isn't just for checking the floor plan and sunlight — it's also a chance to take measurements that matter for life after you move in. If you plan to bring large furniture or appliances into your new home, knowing the dimensions of the delivery route in advance is essential. Bring a tape measure and don't hesitate to measure anything you're unsure about.

Entrance, Hallway, and Elevator Dimensions

When moving in large furniture or appliances, the entrance, hallway, and elevator dimensions are often the first bottleneck. The width of the entrance opening, the width around hallway corners, and the depth and door width of the elevator all determine whether large items like a refrigerator or sofa can get through. For a condo, it's reassuring to also check the elevator dimensions and the width of the shared corridor. If the delivery route has several steps or corners along the way, checking the diagonal measurement of your furniture too helps prevent delivery-day headaches.

Window Size and Curtains

Window size is information you'll need when ordering curtains after you move. Along with the width and height of the window, recording the position of the curtain rail and its distance from the ceiling makes ordering much smoother. The length you need also changes depending on whether it's a waist-high window or a floor-to-ceiling one, so make a note of the window type as well.

Washing Machine Space and Kitchen Size

For the washing machine space, in addition to width, depth, and height, it's worth checking the size of the drip pan (bousui-pan) and the position of the water tap. If you're planning to use a drum-type washing machine, you'll also need to measure the clearance for the door to open. For the kitchen, measuring the built-in cupboard and the refrigerator space also helps you avoid a poor fit when choosing appliances after the purchase.

Checking Outlets and Wiring

The position and number of power outlets in each room, and the location of the TV antenna jack and internet connection port, also affect how you'll plan your furniture layout. Checking whether there's an outlet on the wall where you plan to put a bed or TV stand during the viewing can save you the hassle of rearranging things after you move in.

The Benefit of Keeping a Measurement List

We recommend recording the measurements you take during a viewing on the spot, either in a notebook or on your phone. If you're viewing multiple properties, keeping a separate list for each one makes it easier to compare later. The numbers you record can be used directly when planning furniture and appliance placement after purchase, and when ordering curtains and lighting. Recording them alongside photos also makes it easy to look back later and remember which wall or window each measurement belongs to.

FAQ

Is it okay to use a tape measure during a viewing?

Generally, yes. That said, for a property that's still occupied, some consideration for the current resident is needed, so it's a good idea to let the person showing you the property know before you start measuring.

Can I judge whether furniture will fit just from the dimensions on the floor plan?

There can be small differences between the figures on the drawing and the actual dimensions, so if you're planning to bring in large furniture or appliances, we recommend measuring on-site.

If I forget to measure, is there a way to check later?

You may be able to check again at the key-points explanation after the contract, or at the pre-handover open house (for new-build properties). Still, measuring during the viewing is the more reliable option.

Summary

A viewing isn't just for checking a property's condition — it's also a chance to capture measurements that matter for life after you move in. Listing out the entrance, hallway, elevator, windows, washing machine space, and outlet positions lets you handle furniture and appliance placement and curtain orders smoothly after the move. Taking the time to measure carefully now is what reduces small regrets after you move in.