The key points

  • Installed space includes more than cabinet dimensions.
  • The exact manual determines required clearances.
  • Check the route into the laundry before collection.

Record the whole space

Measure width at the narrowest point, height beneath any bench and depth from the back wall to the front edge. Note skirting boards, door trims and uneven surfaces. If the wall is not square, take more than one measurement. A photograph with dimensions written beside it makes conversations with a seller easier.

Locate taps, drain connections and the power outlet on the same drawing. Their position can affect how far forward the appliance sits. Do not treat a cabinet depth figure as the final installed depth. Check whether the model specification includes its door, controls and other projecting parts.

Add the clearances in the manual

Manufacturers specify installation space for individual products and arrangements. Read the exact manual for side, rear and overhead requirements, including any extra rules for cupboards or underbench use. Avoid borrowing a measurement from a different model, even if both appliances are sold as the same capacity.

Allow hoses and the power lead to follow the approved route without being trapped or sharply bent. If the existing connections appear awkward, have the installer assess them before purchase. Any changes to electrical or plumbing services belong with appropriately qualified trades, including licensed electricians or plumbers where required.

Check doors and daily access

Mark the washer door’s opening area on the floor. Stand where you would load clothes, then open nearby cupboard and room doors. For a top loader, check the lid at its fully open position and make sure you can reach the drum comfortably. A shelf directly above can create a problem that floor measurements miss.

Also consider the detergent drawer, accessible maintenance points and any water shutoff taps. A machine tightly boxed into a corner may be inconvenient to look after. If the manual permits a cupboard installation, make sure the cupboard design meets its ventilation and access requirements while the appliance operates.

Measure the journey into the room

Follow the route from the collection or delivery point to the final position. Measure gates, doorways, stairs, landings and narrow turns. Account for the appliance’s packaged size when relevant, and ask how it can be moved safely. Cabinet dimensions alone cannot establish whether a tight stairwell is negotiable.

Keep the final measurement sheet with your shortlist. Confirm the listed model number, installation documents and included fittings before committing. Value House pickup is by appointment, so plan suitable transport and handling around the appliance you select. Rechecking one narrow doorway is simpler than reorganising the laundry after collection.

Before you buy

  • Measure width, height and depth at several points.
  • Mark taps, drainage and power positions.
  • Check doors, lid and drawer access.
  • Measure every narrow part of the transport route.

Sources & further reading

Prepared with AI assistance using the manufacturer and Australian guidance linked below. Check the exact model’s documentation when planning a purchase or installation.