How to Create a Floor Plan to Fit Your Old Furniture into Your New Home

You have your new place, but still have your old furniture. How are you going to arrange your old furniture to fit in your new home? The easiest way is to create a floor plan. By creating a floor plan, you will be better able to visualize your new space and make sure everything fits.

While there are many resources on the Internet that will allow you to put in your room and furniture measurements and design a room online, creating a floor plan with good ol' pen (or pencil) and paper allows for better customization.

Supplies

• Measuring tape
• Paper or thin cardboard (like an empty cereal box)
• Pen or pencil
• Graph paper

Measuring

• Measure the width and length of the room with the measuring tape. The most accurate measurement is one that is taken against the wall. Draw the size of the room on the graph paper to scale, with each ¼ inch square equaling 1 foot. Note the measurements on the outside of each line. It is best to use a straight edge or a ruler to make your lines.
• Measure the location of the electrical outlets, light switches, cable hookups and ceiling lightings and mark them on your graph. This way you will know where you should direct movers to put things that need to be plugged in or areas that need specific lighting.
• Measure the location of the electrical outlets, light switches, cable hookups and ceiling lightings and mark them on your graph. This way you will know where you should direct movers to put things that need to be plugged in or areas that need specific lighting.
• Measure your furniture. Draw the furniture on a new sheet of graph paper or regular paper using the same scale as you did for the room. Label each piece as you draw it.
• Make copies of both the floor plan and your furniture so you will have it for future reference. Cut out each piece of furniture. If you want a sturdier model, glue the furniture templates to a piece of thin cardboard.

Arranging

• Start arranging the furniture cutouts on the floor plan. Keep in mind the height of each piece of furniture, so that you don't put an armoire in front of a window.
• Be sure to allow for traffic flow and ease of use. Most traffic paths need 2 feet of space. In addition, allow 18-20 inches of space in front of furniture to allow traffic to pass easily, and place any furniture 2 inches from the wall.
• Think about lighting and how much will be needed in the space. This is when knowing where the electrical outlets are comes in handy.
• If there is a TV in the room, most sofas or other seating should be at least 8 feet from the screen.

A floor plan should be created whether you are buying new furniture or are using the furniture you have already. Be prepared to rearrange the furniture in many different ways. By using a floor plan, you might decide that you need to get rid of some pieces in your new place or maybe even purchase new items.

Creating a floor plan doesn't necessarily mean that when you start putting the actual furniture in the room you will be completely happy or satisfied. But it will make it easier on your back, especially if you are not using a moving company to unload your belongings!