Measuring Furniture for Your New Space: Avoid Move-Day Surprises

What to Measure Before Moving Day

Start with your largest pieces: sofas, bed frames, dressers, and dining tables. Measure height, width, and depth, then add the diagonal measurement for items that need to tilt through doorways. Write everything down in a simple spreadsheet or your phone's notes app.

Next, measure the critical pinch points in both your current and new home: front door frames, interior door frames, hallways, stairwells, and elevator doors if applicable. Most Montreal apartment doors are 30 to 32 inches wide, which is tighter than many people expect.

Montreal Walk-Up Challenges: Stairs, Turns & Balconies

Montreal's iconic spiral staircases look charming, but they are a nightmare for large furniture. The typical exterior spiral has a turning radius of about 36 inches. If your sofa is longer than 84 inches and does not have removable legs or arms, it may not make the turn. Interior staircases in older Plateau and Mile End triplexes are often even narrower.

Experienced Montreal movers frequently use balconies to hoist furniture with straps and ropes. If your new place has a balcony with a wide enough opening, this can solve the staircase problem — but confirm with your moving team ahead of time so they bring the right equipment.

What to Do When Furniture Does Not Fit

If measurements reveal a piece will not fit, you have options. Some furniture disassembles — IKEA items, sectional sofas, and bed frames with removable headboards often break down enough to clear tight corners. For solid items like antique armoires, a furniture hoist through a window may be the answer.

In worst-case scenarios, selling or donating the piece before the move saves time and money. Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji Montreal are quick outlets. It is always cheaper to sell a $500 couch and buy a new one that fits than to pay movers for an extra hour of problem-solving on a staircase.