How should you plan for furniture? Are tape measures on the way out?

As an agent who views a large number of houses on a regular basis, I find that every person’s hunt is a little different, but all share a certain similarity in soul searching. The most common question? “Will this place fit me, my lifestyle, and my stuff!”

And while I cannot speak for each person’s individual lifestyle, there are a fews quick tips and tricks I’ve found to help with the quandry facing house hunters regarding their belongings.

As you begin your hunt for the perfect home, be certain to look and see if the furniture currently in place is similar in size and type to your own. Staging is an absolutely wonderful tool (to be discussed at a later date), but it can trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it is. Sure, they have two chairs and sofa in the living room, but is it two straight-backed chairs and a loveseat: whereas you have two chair-and-a-halfs and a corner sectional?

Enjoy the rush of serotonin from finding a place you love, but don’t get swept away by the wave of emotion. Ask your agent to go back for a second viewing if you need to do so. Any good agent legitimately wants to to find a place that works for you AND that you love. Really.

OK. So now you’ve looked at the furniture. Maybe yours won’t fit. Take a step back now. Deep breath. Ready?

#1 Ask yourself this question. “How much do you NEED that oversized sectional/ 60 inch TV/ Large Wardrobe (the list is endless.)” and “How much do you WANT it.” The creator of the Awkward Yeti web comic sells fun post-it notes in a two pack, with “want” at the top of one pad and “need” at the top of the other. Now is the time to create your version.

Buying a place to live is a huge investment. Make sure that you are buying a place that will suit you in the long-term: long after that sectional has died, or you’ve given that wardrobe to a family member. Perhaps though, it is an heirloom that you’ll never give up or will last for many joyful years. Great! Just remember you want to be sure you are not purchasing a multiple hundred-thousand-dollar purchase around a $2,000 sofa if you haven’t thought it out first.

#2 You’ve found it, you love it. You’ve taken a breath and established your priorities. Now, before you get too far ahead of yourself, create a visual so that you can follow on your plannning when you get home.

My favorite app for this? It’s called MagicPlan. I tried quite a few apps before settling on this one for ease of use. It’s measurements are probably not perfect, but they’ll give you a good approximation. It’s pretty straightforward to use. Place yourself at the center of the room, set your arms like a tripod, tap to place a floor and a ceiling. Now you simply tap at each corner of the room to create a general floorplan. Easy. Add windows and doors if you like by simply fitting them in your capture screen.

You can even place “furniture” in your floorplan if you’d like. Trust me, your back will thank you later when you already know where things are going.

SO…with all this said, is the physical measuring tape going the way of the dodo? That is up for debate, but for now I’d have to say no. Apps like MagicPlan are wonderful tools. And they are incredibly convenient: especially if you don’t have a tape that day. But ultimately it will behoove anyone concerned with space to double check the measurements with a tape measure. The app allows for you to type in specific measurements in pre-created floorplans, so you don’t lose anything by using both.

Just remember- EXPLORE your options, EVALUATE your priorities, ESTIMATE whether your wants and needs fit the space. Create a rough PLAN, and MEASURE to prevent as many surprises as you can.

Happy hunting!!

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