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Moving inventory

International moving volume calculator

Count your belongings room by room and the calculator shows roughly how much you're moving, in cubic metres and cubic feet, as a range. It's an estimate to help you describe your move: your removal company confirms the volume, usually after a survey or video call.

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Method

How the volume estimate works

Each item has a size taken from published relocation and trade tables, converted exactly to cubic metres and cubic feet. The estimate adds up the items you mark to ship. Items you mark to store are counted on their own, and items you sell or leave aren't counted.

Graphic of a box whose length, height and depth are marked to give its volume, beside a ruler
  • Where the sizes come from. A German public-sector relocation form (1 RE is 0.1 m³) and a long-standing US household-goods cube sheet. Where the two agree within 20% the item is grade A. Where only one is available, or they differ by more, it is grade B and shows a range.
  • The range. Each item uses its published low and high figures where there are two. For the suitcase and the large box the range keeps the German and US figures and does not use PSS's. Otherwise it uses 15% either way for grade A and 25% either way for grade B. Items you measure yourself use 15% either way. A further 10% is added to the high end only, for things people forget to count. These percentages are editorial settings, not sourced facts.
  • Rounding. To the nearest half cubic metre below 20 m³ and to the nearest whole cubic metre above. Cubic feet are rounded to the nearest 10.
  • Containers. The picture compares your estimate with the internal capacity of each container. It shows a share of the space, never that something fits: packed furniture never uses every corner, and your removal company plans the load.
  • Left out. Items with no published volume, and items you add without measurements. They are listed under the estimate so you can see what's missing. Pets are never counted as items.
  • Catalogue version. 1.0, item sizes checked against their sources on 22 October 2026. It is printed on your PDF.

Container sizes used

The picture uses the 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high cube figures published by Swire Shipping. The container size guide shows each size as a range with its sources and explains why capacity is not the same as what goes in.

All item figures (127 items)
  • Sofa, 2-seat: 0.9 m³ each (31.6 cubic feet), range 0.8 to 0.99 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Sofa, 3-seat: 1.31 m³ each (46.2 cubic feet), range 1.2 to 1.42 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Sofa, 4-seat: 1.65 m³ each (58.3 cubic feet), range 1.6 to 1.7 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA and WA.
  • Corner or sectional sofa, per section: 0.85 m³ each (30 cubic feet), range 0.64 to 1.06 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Sofa bed: 1.42 m³ each (50 cubic feet), range 1.06 to 1.77 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Armchair: 0.75 m³ each (26.6 cubic feet), range 0.71 to 0.8 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Occasional chair (no arms): 0.41 m³ each (14.5 cubic feet), range 0.4 to 0.42 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Recliner chair: volume not available, grade C.
  • Rocking chair: 0.34 m³ each (12 cubic feet), range 0.26 to 0.42 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Footstool: 0.06 m³ each (2 cubic feet), range 0.04 to 0.07 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Ottoman or pouffe: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Coffee table: 0.34 m³ each (12 cubic feet), range 0.26 to 0.42 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Side table or nest of tables: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • TV stand or cabinet: 0.42 m³ each (15 cubic feet), range 0.32 to 0.53 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Wall unit or entertainment centre: 0.99 m³ each (35 cubic feet), range 0.74 to 1.24 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Flat-screen TV: 0.29 m³ each (10.3 cubic feet), range 0.28 to 0.3 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Bookcase, small: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Bookcase, large: 0.57 m³ each (20 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Display or china cabinet: 0.85 m³ each (30.2 cubic feet), range 0.71 to 1 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Sideboard: 1.2 m³ each (42.4 cubic feet), range 0.9 to 1.5 m³, grade B, sources DE.
  • Dresser with top (buffet and hutch): 1.32 m³ each (46.8 cubic feet), range 0.85 to 1.8 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Grandfather clock: 0.48 m³ each (17.1 cubic feet), range 0.4 to 0.57 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Floor lamp: 0.14 m³ each (5.1 cubic feet), range 0.08 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Table lamp: 0.06 m³ each (2 cubic feet), range 0.04 to 0.07 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Rug, large (rolled): 0.29 m³ each (10.3 cubic feet), range 0.28 to 0.3 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Rug, small (rolled): 0.08 m³ each (3 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.11 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Speaker (each): 0.08 m³ each (3 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.11 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Piano, upright: 1.74 m³ each (61.5 cubic feet), range 1.5 to 1.98 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Piano, grand: 2.13 m³ each (75.3 cubic feet), range 2 to 2.26 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Mirror, large: 0.14 m³ each (4.8 cubic feet), range 0.1 to 0.17 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Mirror, small: 0.08 m³ each (3 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.11 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Picture or painting, large: 0.18 m³ each (6.5 cubic feet), range 0.17 to 0.2 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dining table: 0.82 m³ each (29.1 cubic feet), range 0.8 to 0.85 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dining chair: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dining chair with arms: 0.3 m³ each (10.6 cubic feet), range 0.22 to 0.38 m³, grade B, sources DE.
  • Corner cabinet: 0.57 m³ each (20 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Tea trolley or serving cart: 0.41 m³ each (14.5 cubic feet), range 0.4 to 0.42 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Drinks cabinet or home bar: 0.46 m³ each (16.3 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.5 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Kitchen table: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Kitchen chair: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Bar stool: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • High chair: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources SIT.
  • Microwave: 0.23 m³ each (8 cubic feet), range 0.17 to 0.28 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Fridge freezer, tall: 1.35 m³ each (47.7 cubic feet), range 1 to 1.7 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Fridge, under-counter: 0.89 m³ each (31.3 cubic feet), range 0.5 to 1.27 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • American-style fridge freezer: volume not available, grade C.
  • Freezer, small (chest or upright): 0.85 m³ each (30 cubic feet), range 0.64 to 1.06 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Freezer, large (chest or upright): 1.35 m³ each (47.7 cubic feet), range 1 to 1.7 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Washing machine: 0.6 m³ each (21.3 cubic feet), range 0.5 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Tumble dryer: 0.6 m³ each (21.3 cubic feet), range 0.5 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dishwasher: 0.53 m³ each (18.8 cubic feet), range 0.5 to 0.57 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA and WA.
  • Cooker (freestanding): 0.68 m³ each (23.8 cubic feet), range 0.5 to 0.85 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Freestanding kitchen cabinet, large: 0.85 m³ each (30 cubic feet), range 0.64 to 1.06 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Dehumidifier: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Fan or portable heater: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Vacuum cleaner: 0.12 m³ each (4.3 cubic feet), range 0.1 to 0.14 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Ironing board: 0.08 m³ each (2.8 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.1 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Sewing machine, portable: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA and WA.
  • Single bed with mattress: 1.07 m³ each (37.6 cubic feet), range 1 to 1.13 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Small double bed with mattress (about 120-140 cm): 1.5 m³ each (53 cubic feet), range 1.12 to 1.88 m³, grade B, sources DE.
  • Double bed with mattress: 1.85 m³ each (65.3 cubic feet), range 1.7 to 2 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • King-size bed with mattress (UK, about 150 cm): 1.84 m³ each (65 cubic feet), range 1.38 to 2.3 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Super king bed with mattress (UK, about 180 cm): 1.98 m³ each (70 cubic feet), range 1.49 to 2.48 m³, grade B, sources MESA and WA.
  • Bunk beds (pair): 1.79 m³ each (63.2 cubic feet), range 1.6 to 1.98 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Cot: 0.39 m³ each (13.8 cubic feet), range 0.28 to 0.5 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Child's bed: 0.85 m³ each (30 cubic feet), range 0.64 to 1.06 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Mattress only (any size): volume not available, grade C.
  • Wardrobe, single: 0.57 m³ each (20 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Wardrobe, double (two doors): 1.32 m³ each (46.5 cubic feet), range 1.13 to 1.5 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Wardrobe that comes apart, per metre of width: 0.8 m³ each (28.3 cubic feet), range 0.6 to 1 m³, grade B, sources DE.
  • Chest of drawers, small: 0.56 m³ each (19.8 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.7 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Chest of drawers, large: 1.13 m³ each (40 cubic feet), range 0.85 to 1.42 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Bedside table: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA and WA.
  • Dressing table: 0.58 m³ each (20.6 cubic feet), range 0.57 to 0.6 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dressing table stool: 0.08 m³ each (3 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.11 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Blanket box or ottoman chest: 0.36 m³ each (12.8 cubic feet), range 0.3 to 0.42 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Chaise longue: 0.71 m³ each (25 cubic feet), range 0.53 to 0.88 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Toy box: 0.27 m³ each (9.6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.4 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Baby changing table: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Playpen: 0.08 m³ each (2.8 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.1 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Pram or pushchair: 0.36 m³ each (12.9 cubic feet), range 0.23 to 0.5 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Desk (up to 1.6 m): 0.91 m³ each (32.2 cubic feet), range 0.62 to 1.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA and WA.
  • Desk, large (over 1.6 m): 1.27 m³ each (45 cubic feet), range 0.85 to 1.7 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Office chair: 0.26 m³ each (9.3 cubic feet), range 0.23 to 0.3 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Filing cabinet, 2-drawer: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Filing cabinet, 4-drawer: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Computer with monitor: 0.42 m³ each (15 cubic feet), range 0.32 to 0.53 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Printer or small copier: 0.23 m³ each (8 cubic feet), range 0.17 to 0.28 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Bicycle, adult: 0.35 m³ each (12.3 cubic feet), range 0.2 to 0.5 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Child's bike or tricycle: 0.14 m³ each (5.1 cubic feet), range 0.08 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Lawn mower, push (non-powered): 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Lawn mower, powered: 0.46 m³ each (16.3 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.5 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Ride-on mower: 1.56 m³ each (55 cubic feet), range 1.17 to 1.95 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Garden or patio table: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Picnic table: 0.57 m³ each (20 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Garden chair: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Folding chair: 0.11 m³ each (4 cubic feet), range 0.03 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Sun lounger: 0.62 m³ each (22 cubic feet), range 0.47 to 0.78 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Garden or picnic bench: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Barbecue: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA and WA.
  • Barbecue, small or portable: 0.08 m³ each (3 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.11 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Parasol: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.14 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Toolbox: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Stepladder: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Extension ladder: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Workbench: 0.48 m³ each (17.1 cubic feet), range 0.4 to 0.57 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Wheelbarrow: 0.31 m³ each (11.1 cubic feet), range 0.23 to 0.4 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Garden tools (bundle of about 5): 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Swing set (dismantled): 0.71 m³ each (25 cubic feet), range 0.53 to 0.88 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Plant pot or planter: 0.12 m³ each (4.3 cubic feet), range 0.1 to 0.14 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dog kennel or crate: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Golf bag with clubs: 0.06 m³ each (2 cubic feet), range 0.04 to 0.07 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Exercise bike: 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Treadmill: 0.57 m³ each (20 cubic feet), range 0.42 to 0.71 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Weight bench: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Table tennis table: 0.43 m³ each (15.3 cubic feet), range 0.3 to 0.57 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Pool table (not slate): 1.13 m³ each (40 cubic feet), range 0.85 to 1.42 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Skis (pair): 0.13 m³ each (4.5 cubic feet), range 0.06 to 0.2 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Suitcase: 0.12 m³ each (4.3 cubic feet), range 0.1 to 0.14 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA and PSS.
  • Trunk or footlocker: 0.14 m³ each (5 cubic feet), range 0.11 to 0.18 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Box, small (book carton): 0.04 m³ each (1.5 cubic feet), range 0.04 to 0.05 m³, grade B, sources MESA and PSS.
  • Box, medium: 0.09 m³ each (3.2 cubic feet), range 0.08 to 0.1 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA.
  • Box, large: 0.14 m³ each (4.9 cubic feet), range 0.13 to 0.15 m³, grade A, sources DE and MESA and PSS.
  • Box, extra large: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.13 to 0.21 m³, grade B, sources MESA and NAVL.
  • Wardrobe box (hanging clothes): 0.44 m³ each (15.6 cubic feet), range 0.28 to 0.6 m³, grade B, sources DE and MESA.
  • Dish pack (crockery carton): 0.28 m³ each (10 cubic feet), range 0.21 to 0.35 m³, grade B, sources MESA.
  • Plastic storage box, large: 0.17 m³ each (6 cubic feet), range 0.13 to 0.21 m³, grade B, sources MESA.

Load options

Shared load or a vehicle of your own: what the volume tells you

On a shared load, also called part load or groupage, your belongings travel on a vehicle with other households' goods, and the space you use is what counts. A vehicle of your own, or a container, is yours alone, so dates are easier to fix. There is no fixed volume at which one stops making sense, so the calculator shows your share of a container and leaves the advice to your removal company.

For a move to Germany, see sharing space on a lorry to Germany and the Germany guide.

Before you count

Things people forget to count

  • The loft, the shed and the garage, where bikes, tools and garden furniture hide.
  • Space under beds, and boxes you've already packed.
  • Items stored somewhere else that are coming too.
  • Big electrical items such as freezers, which need their own check at the destination.

Ship, store or sell

Ship, store or sell: why it matters on an international move

Every item you send abroad adds to the load, so deciding early what to sell, store or leave changes the size of the move. Mark each item as you count, and the estimate shows the shipment and the storage separately. Your removal company can then work from the same split.

What happens next

What happens after you send your list

Choose Send this to the enquiry and the list and estimate go with your enquiry details. We pass them to a suitable partner removal company that covers your route. It assesses the move, which may include a survey or video call, and gives you a written quotation. The moving planner and the checklist use the same details.

Sources

Sources and facts checked

Questions

Questions about the volume calculator

How many cubic metres is a three-bedroom house?

It varies widely with the furniture, the boxes and what you leave behind, and published rules of thumb disagree, so this calculator doesn't give a figure by number of bedrooms. Count your rooms instead and use the range it shows.

Is the result a quotation?

No. It is an estimate to help you describe your move. Your removal company confirms the volume, usually after a survey or video call, and gives you a written quotation.

Why is the result a range?

Item sizes come from published tables that don't always agree, and your own furniture will differ from any table. The range shows that, and a small allowance is added on the high side for things people forget to count.

Is my list sent to anyone?

No. Everything is worked out on your device. Nothing is sent unless you choose to send it with an enquiry. You can save the list in this browser, copy a private link, or download a PDF. Saving, copying a link or sending also keeps the estimate on this device, for the planner and the container guide, until you clear saved data.

Why are some items marked volume not available?

We couldn't find a reliable published volume for them, so we leave them out of the estimate rather than invent a figure. You can add them with your own measurements instead.

Ready to send your move details?

Your enquiry goes to a suitable partner removal company, which assesses the move, quotes for it and carries it out. The introduction is free. Anything you worked out here can go with it.

Send your move details