We’ve talked about why floor plans are important before – a floor plan equates to less stress before and during your move. If you’re downsizing, you can make plans for the items that you know ahead of time won’t join you.
There are multiple methods to create a floor plan, but we’ll share our favourite way here. We like to do things this way because we know we aren’t going to miss anything important!
Let’s look at how to create a floor plan:
Step 1: Measure your new space
Before you start creating your floor plan, it’s important to measure the space accurately as this will directly affect how you place everything.
You’ll need to measure the length, width, and height of each room. Be sure to include alcoves, recesses or unusual shapes.
Note: Some buildings will provide you with a floor plan. Use at your own risk – we have found that the accuracy isn’t always up-to-par due to small repairs or changes over the years. An inch here or there can make a big impact when space is precious!
Step 2: Indicate all doors, windows, light switches, and outlets
Next, you should go through each room and record all the doors, windows, light switches, outlets, and cable or other hookups.
It’s important to note which way the doors open – you wouldn’t want to block anything off! You can use symbols to represent these items on your floor plan.
Step 3: Measure your furniture
Now that you have measurements of the new space, it’s time to measure your stuff!
If you are concerned about having enough space, be sure to prioritize measuring the basic width, depth, and height of furniture that you consider to be “essential” first. It’s not a good use of time to measure every last thing if you know that much of it won’t be joining you.
Step 4: Decide on furniture placement
Now that you have a detailed floor plan, and you know how much space everything takes, it’s time to decide on furniture placement.
Consider the size and shape of each room, as well as the natural flow of traffic. If there are mobility concerns, be sure to plan adequate space for maneuvering through hallways and around doors.
You should also think about which rooms will be used for what purpose. For example, if you plan to use one room as a home office, you’ll need to make sure it has enough space for a desk and other office equipment. On the other hand, let’s say you have currently have a home gym that you don’t use – that’s space that could be used to serve you better.
Step 5: Create a scale model
Creating a scale model of your furniture can be a helpful way to visualize how everything will fit in your new space.
You can use graph paper to draw a scale model of the rooms (you can print or cut each piece of furniture to scale too, but we find that can feel more complicated than it is – your mileage may vary). Once your scale model is ready, you can move pieces around or sketch them on your floor plan until you find the perfect arrangement.
Step 5: Make adjustments as needed
When you move in, you may find that some items don’t fit in the way you had planned. Don’t panic, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your floor plan as needed. Your moving team may be able to offer helpful advice or suggestions as well – we see many alternative and creative arrangements.
Remember, your floor plan is a tool to help you make the most of your new space, but it’s not set in stone. Your house and everything in it is there to serve you, not the other way around!
In Summary:
A floor plan is a vital tool for anyone who is moving, but especially for those who are moving to a smaller space. It can help you to visualize your new space, plan your furniture placement, and prioritize your belongings. By creating a floor plan, you can ensure that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Still need help?
We understand that it can be challenging to create a floor plan that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. We are fortunate that our team is naturally gifted and well-practiced – truly the best of both worlds!
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we can measure and plan it all for you. We’ll present options for your new layout that make the most of your new space, while keeping it safe, functional, and beautifully organized.
