Bringing home a new piece of urban outdoor furniture is exciting, but the dreaded question remains: will it fit through the door? A successful delivery day hinges on one crucial step you must do beforehand: measuring. Here is your essential guide to avoid the hallway hassle.
First, become a measurement expert. Grab a tape measure. For your apartment door, you need two key dimensions: the height and the width of the door opening itself. Record these in both inches and centimeters for accuracy. Next, note the depth of the doorframe.
Now, measure the furniture. Get the item's height, width, depth, and most importantly, its diagonal depth. This is often the secret dimension that determines if an object can be tilted through an opening. Don't rely on the product's online specifications alone; if possible, confirm them with the retailer.
Time for some math. The furniture's smallest dimension must be smaller than your door's smallest opening. For example, if a sofa is 36" high, 90" wide, and 40" deep, its smallest dimension is 36". Your door's width must be wider than 36" for it to pass through straight on. If the item is wider than the door is tall, you'll need to tilt it. This is where diagonal depth and doorframe depth are critical. Calculate the diagonal space needed and ensure your hallway provides enough room to maneuver the item into a tilted position.
Always remember the golden rule: Measure twice, order once. A few minutes with a tape measure can save you from costly return fees and immense delivery day frustration. When in doubt, consult with your building's management about delivery protocols and consider professional movers who are experts in navigating tight spaces.