I recently bought a new refrigerator for my home. As I started the tedious shopping process, I realized that there was a shallower than normal opening for a refrigerator in my kitchen. Because I had the exact measurements, it was not a problem and the new model fit perfectly.

As a home stager and professional organizer, I often see spaces where homeowners haven’t taken the time to measure. Sofas, bedroom sets, refrigerators, light fixtures and more are too large for areas. With furniture, it can make a room feel small and crowded. With appliances such as a refrigerator, cabinets or doors may not function properly or may jut out into a walkway. I’ve seen homes that required a carpenter to rework trim because of an ill-fitting refrigerator.

Merchandise will always look smaller in a giant showroom–be sure and take a few minutes to measure so you’ll know how much space you actually have for a large item!

Cathy Brosius is the owner of Arranged Smartly, a home staging and organizing company.  Cathy and her team are working smartly for homeowners and real estate agents throughout the St. Louis region.  She has also been interviewed on KMOV’s Great Day St. Louis, providing tips on staging a home for sale.

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