Measure the furniture at its widest, tallest, and deepest points, including arms, feet, handles, and hardware. Then measure every narrow point between the item and the vehicle. The smallest turn, not the front door, usually decides the plan.
Measure the piece
For sofas, record overall length, depth, back height, and diagonal depth. For dressers and cabinets, empty them and measure with doors closed and loose shelves removed. For bed frames and tables, photograph the fasteners and determine whether disassembly is intended by the manufacturer.
| Measure | Why it matters | Include |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture width | Checks door and hallway clearance | Handles, arms, trim, and protrusions |
| Furniture height | Checks tipping and stair clearance | Feet and removable top pieces |
| Diagonal depth | Helps assess sofa turns | Back corner to front lower edge |
| Route width | Finds the true bottleneck | Door stop, trim, railing, and corner |
Walk the complete route
Start at the final resting position. Check flooring, rugs, light fixtures, railings, low ceilings, door closers, elevator dimensions, lobby turns, gates, and the loading point. Photograph each constraint in sequence so the crew sees the same route you measured.
Photos to send
- The full item from two angles
- Any glass, damage, reclining mechanism, or unusual hardware
- The narrowest doorway and turn
- The full stair run, not one step
- The elevator interior and loading area
Leave risky disassembly to the right person
Do not improvise with gas lifts, tensioned mechanisms, powered furniture, wall anchors, or glass assemblies. If the maker’s instructions are missing or the piece can shift unexpectedly, ask for an assessment before taking it apart.
Publisher: Ruff Removal Co. Material program details are informational and can change. Check the linked authority before relying on fees, acceptance rules, or preparation requirements.