fbpx

How To Make A Floor Plan

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.

How to draw a door, window, and wall for a floor plan https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/resources/how-to-sketch-a-floor-plan/
How to draw a door, window, and wall for a floor plan. Image courtesy of the American Institute of Architects.
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.

What your friends Say

Testimonials

Dave Tod
Positive: Professionalism
Read More
We used Darling to move my parents into the Redwoods September 1, 2020. The pre move consultation went smoothly as did the prepacking and on moving day the guys showed up on time and finished on time. I was greeted by name so that was a nice bonus. The team wore uniforms – a nice touch of professionalism.

The team knew where to park and the layout of both buildings – again good research. And although I was not present for the off loading it went smoothly as well. All of the team showed expertise and an understanding of the complexities of dealing with elderly people and their families.

We would definitely recommend them!
Pierre Sabourin
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
What a fantastic group of Professionals I have nothing but amazing things to say. They helped keep my parents positive in this huge transition into their new home.

This in my opinion is service the way it’s supposed to be. I love you all thank you so so much
Janet Smith
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
I have dealt with Darling Solutions to move my Dad from his home to a retirement residence twice and now as an estate move. All the staff are very helpful and professional. The first move I decided to do the unpacking myself but the second time I had them do the unpacking and placing of everything. They did a phenomenal job at placing the furniture, hanging pictures etc. The last move they delivered furniture donations to Mathew House for me also took things to Value Village and disposed of anything of no value and delivered what was coming to my home. They even moved a piece of furniture from my den to my basement as it was being replaced by a desk from my Dad.

I would definitely recommend Darling Solutions for your moving needs.
G Green
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
We are deeply appreciative of the work done by the Darling team, during a stressful time. Prospective clients can have full confidence in their services, from first contact, to final billing. We especially enjoyed working with the packers (who also set up and help to stage at the destination) and the movers. They were fast, friendly, and very good at their jobs. Big thanks to Julie, Kelly H, Dan, and Yan.
John O'Halloran
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
After 37 years military service and countless moves my recent move with Darling Solutions was the most professional, efficient, cost effective, caring and competent moving company I encountered. Darling handled my furniture and effects as if it were their own. Paul and Aimee were most efficient and careful packers. The entire team, under Paul as Team Leader, were so proficient, friendly and professional that my son gave them all a tip. I had a fantastic downsizing move. Customer service was top drawer. My move with Darling was painless. Darling looked after all my moving requirements in the most professional and caring manner. I was not disappointed when I selected Darling Solutions as my mover. John F. O'Halloran
Sarah Boyd
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
I appreciate the overall care and attention Darling Solutions gave to my mother's move from her house to a retirement home. They provided their services for the initial move to the retirement home, staging when her house went up for sale and removal and dispersement services when her house sold. Communication with staff was always polite and courteous.In addition, Darling Solutions pricing is very reasonable. I am so thankful we had the good fortune of finding them. I can't recommend them more highly!
Ellen Garmaise
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
Darling Solutions handled our large move faultlessly, from decluttering to packing to moving to unpacking. Everything that was promised was delivered. Over six days we got to know many of the staff members, and appreciated their support and suggestions. They were always good humoured with us and with each other. The office staff was unfailingly available, reliable and helpful. We were delighted with the service and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone.
Margot Laporte
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
Read More
We used Darling Solutions to pack up and move my elderly parents from their home of 35 years to live with family 3 hours away. They customized their services to meet our particular needs. Every aspect of the service provided was fantastic. All the involved staff were so professional and efficient. They made what was expected to be a stressful time so much easier. Highly recommend this company.
Flora Knight
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
I used Darling Solutions for my move which required downsizing from a house to an apartment. They did a fantastic job and relieved me of all the stress involved in such a move. They also moved and setup my personal belongings and other items into my new apartment. I highly recommend Darling Solutions for your next move.
Shawn Ladd
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
Read More
Kelly Darling and her crew have moved my aging parents twice now. They are discreet, considerate, careful, and do complete work.
Andre Cousineau
Positive: Professionalism, Value
Read More
Best movers we ever had. Ian, Colton, Tim, and Yan, did a great job. Every piece of furniture was carefully wrapped and unwrapped when we reached our destination. First time we move and not a stick of furniture was damaged. Great job guys!
Clarissa Brocklehurst
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
We were so, so pleased with the services of the Darling moving team. Liam and Jon were efficient, kind, polite and caring. They were a pleasure to have in the house and quickly put our minds at rest about the move – they got everything done and were unfailingly cheerful and positive.
Kimberly Irwin
Read More
Darling Solutions made a very difficult life transition for our family as smooth as could be hoped for. With 3 siblings, a dad with severe dementia and a mother not wanting to leave the home we grew up in and all the memories that were so hard to let go - it took a special person to navigate this.

Kelly's team displayed the same mindfulness, caring and compassion on the job as she did during the initial consult. We are grateful to your company for helping us through this. Thank you
Chris Jackson
Read More
The best moving company I have ever dealt with, all their crew is very professional, friendly and very hard working.

I highly recommend Darling Solutions to anyone.
Robert Cope
Read More
My wife and I have moved more than a dozen times over the years – this was the very best! Very professional, efficient and capable. Despite some challenges at move-in including a torrential downpour, the crew (Kelly (the boss herself), Ian, Rob, Julie, Susan and David were upbeat, considerate and responsive. Special mention to Susan – a human dynamo – involved from beginning to end including making up our bed! Charges were in line with the estimate
Bill Tomes
Positive: Responsiveness
Read More
I recently moved my mother to an assisted living facility and was recommended Darling Solutions for the move. Their name should be Guardian Angels. They took care of all needs and made my life so much easier. I live in Toronto and was managing this move in Ottawa. I had to rely on trust and reputation. Boy did they come through for me. Every service I needed they provided. The entire process from start to finish was done with accuracy and professionalism not to mention with heart when dealing with someone with dementia. I will definitely recommend Darling Solutions for any move involving an elderly person if you want a team that gets the job done with compassion!
Brendan Gleeson
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
Darling Solutions ensured that our whole move process was completed thoughtfully, professionally and at a very reasonable price. From the assessor to the movers themselves, it was obvious that this whole company believed in excellent customer service. I would refer them to anyone who needed good and reliable moving services.
Marjorie Harvey
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
Ten years ago, Kelly, Founder and Director of Darling Solutions, helped us move from our house to a condo with the help of a very small team. We could not have done it without them. We are delighted to see how Kelly’s business and team have grown into a sizable organization. We did not hesitate to ask her to help us with our recent move, from condo to retirement residence.

Again, we could not have done it without them! From decluttering and packing our condo to moving and setting us up in our new home, every member of the team was hardworking, helpful, warm and extremely competent. Their attention to detail in setting up our new place was remarkable. Honourable mention to the whole team: Kelly, Shawn, Ian, Phyllis, Barb M., Barb Y. Jack, Susan, Glen and Paul. Barb M., our team leader, and Ruth, in the office, were particularly good at calming a nervous client.

We recommend Darling Solutions without reservation. We can’t thank them enough.

Marj and Weldon
Susanne Cork
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Read More
We recently engaged Darling Movers to move my Mother from one Senior's residence to another. This move also required a secondary stop to pick up some additional items and then move everything into her new home. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the Darling team. Right from the first phone call, we knew we were in good hands. The team was so gracious handling my Mother's questions and anxiety about making a move at 93! The quotation we received was very reasonable with no surprises or hidden charges along the way, and everything was accomplished with great efficiency and care. I will be recommending Darling Movers without reservation, to my family, friends and colleagues - this was by far the most worry free move we have made, and we will certainly be engaging them again.
Paul Saker
Recommend? Yes
Read More
My in laws were recently given an opprtunity to move into a retirement facility. This was very much smaller than the home they had been living in for the past 40 years.
Adding COVID into the mix it was almost paralysing to think about. After a recommendation to Contact Darling most of that fear went away.
Professional, competent and most importantly Caring.
They made this move so smooth for my wife and her parents.
On moving day they left their old home and at the end of the day arrived in a new home with all their belongings unpacked and arranged. Completely stress and back pain free. The next day Darling took care of removing items targeted for donation and all remaining items for waste.
I cannot recommend this service enough.
Thank you so much.
Jennifer Perry
Read More
I wanted to thank you so much for all of your help with my parents move.

Frankly thank-you does not even cover it. Your team, led by Julie, was absolutely incredible from the first moment we met down to the beautiful new plant for my mom and our goodbyes at the door.

They were so organized, thoughtful, friendly and polite. It was a sincere pleasure to work with all of them. I enjoyed the experience so much I am almost sad that the move is finished but happy that we will meet again when my parents are ready to hang their many pictures.

Again, I am in awe and am telling anyone with ears about Darling Solutions so they will hopefully in turn tell their friends and family.

Very best regards and please send our thanks once again to your team.
Previous
Next

Looking for an estimate?