A move is prepared in volume, not in surface area. And that’s often where it all comes down to.
Incorrectly assessing your cubic meters means risking a truck that is too small on the big day, an imprecise mover's quote, or a poorly chosen box size. Three unpleasant surprises that cost time and money.
Good news: calculate the volume of your move is nothing complicated. A few simple methods are enough to obtain a reliable estimate, furniture by furniture or at a single glance at your home.
This guide explains everything: calculation methods, average volumes of your furniture piece by piece, and how to use our storage volume calculator to refine everything. And if the estimate leaves you in doubt, a temporary storage unit gives you the margin you need to move in with peace of mind.
Why is it essential to estimate the volume of your furniture?
The budget for a move varies depending on several elements but whether you are moving alone or with Before booking anything, only one question matters: how many cubic meters are you going to move? This estimate determines the rest of your move. Here's why it's essential.
1. Avoid renting an undersized vehicle. A truck too small, and that’s too many round trips, lost hours and extra fuel. Too big a truck, and you pay for empty space. Know your total volume allows you to choose the right size the first time.
2. Get an accurate moving quote. Professional movers set their rates per m³. A reliable estimate of your furniture saves you from price revisions on the day and allows you to compare several quotes on the same basis.
3. Adjust your storage rental. If you need to store some of your belongings between two accommodations, the volume determines the size of the box. Too big, you pay for nothing; too small, not everything fits.
A careful estimate therefore means a controlled budget and a move without any unpleasant surprises. And if the dates don't line up perfectly, a storage for moving gives you the flexibility to move in at your own pace.
To find out everything about our solutions dedicated to storage box for individuals in Île-de-France, it’s this way.
Simple methods for calculating the volume in m³
To optimize your move, you must first of all know this volume. Here are four calculation methods and tips for knowing how to calculate m³ for a successful move, well organized and at the fairest price.
Method 1: the mathematical formula for calculating volume
To determine the volume of an object, use the classic formula:
Volume = Length × Width × Height
Example: a piece of furniture 2 m long, 0.5 m wide and 1.5 m high.
2 × 0.5 × 1.5 = 1.5 m³
This method is especially useful for volume calculation with regularly shaped objects.
Method 2: estimation based on the surface area of the accommodation
A quick approach is to divide the surface area of housing by 2 to get a rough estimate of the total volume.
Moving tip
Volume (m³) ≈ Housing surface (m²) ÷ 2
An 80 m² apartment represents approximately 40 m³. A studio of 30 m² approximately 15 m³.
This method is of course indicative and varies depending on the density of furniture, depending on whether you are more of a minimalist or a collector. It nevertheless allows a quick overall forecast depending on the surface area of your home. Consider adding furniture to additional rooms such as the garage, attic or cellar. In most cases, it allows the volume to be estimated to within 20%.
Method 3: Using an Online Volume Calculator
For a more precise estimate, a free online tool like the Lockall storage volume calculator allows you to select your furniture and boxes and obtain a volume in m³ automatically. Practical for choosing the size of the truck or your storage space and optimizing your move.
Method 4: call a professional for an accurate estimate
A moving expert can accurately assess the volume in m³ of your belongings, avoiding errors of underestimation or overestimation. You get a reliable basis for choosing a suitable truck and controlling your costs.
The professional will take care of the evaluation quickly, avoiding complex calculations and an unpleasant surprise on the big day. He will also be able to advise you on the transport, packaging and handling solutions best suited to your situation, with coverage in the event of damage. This estimate also allows you to request a moving quote.
List of the volume of the most common furniture and equipment per room
The most reliable way to estimate your total volume, is to add the volume of your furniture one by one. Here are the average volumes of furniture the most common, piece by piece. Add up those that apply to you to get a solid estimate for your move.
Moving tip
Allow a margin of 10 to 15% on your total. We always forget a piece of furniture, and we often buy new ones for our future home.
The living room and the dining room
| Furniture | Average dimensions (L × W × H) | Approximate volume |
|---|---|---|
| 2 seater sofa | 1.6 × 0.9 × 0.9m | 1.3 m³ |
| 3 seater sofa | 2.2 × 0.9 × 0.9m | 2 m³ |
| Armchair | 0.9 × 0.9 × 1m | 0.8 m³ |
| Coffee table | 1.1 × 0.6 × 0.45 m | 0.5 m³ |
| TV cabinet | 1.4 × 0.45 × 0.5m | 0.2 to 1.2 m³ |
| Library | 0.9 × 0.4 × 1.8m | 0.5 to 1.5 m³ |
| Dining table | 1.6 × 0.9 × 0.75 m | 1.5 m³ |
| Chair | 0.45 × 0.45 × 0.9 m | 0.15 m³ |
| Buffet | 1.6 × 0.5 × 0.85m | 1 to 2 m³ |
| Grand piano | 1.5 × 1.5 × 1m | 4.5 m³ |
Kitchen and bulky appliances
| Equipment | Average dimensions (L × W × H) | Approximate volume |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (low or high) | 0.6 × 0.6 × 1.7m | 0.9 m³ |
| American refrigerator | 0.9 × 0.7 × 1.8m | 2 m³ |
| Chest freezer | 1.1 × 0.7 × 0.85 m | 1.4 m³ |
| Dishwasher | 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.85 m | 0.4 m³ |
| Washing machine | 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.85 m | 0.5 m³ |
| Dryer | 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.85 m | 0.5 m³ |
| Built-in oven | 0.6 × 0.55 × 0.6m | 0.3 m³ |
| Kitchen table | 1.2 × 0.7 × 0.75 m | 0.5 m³ |
| Gas stove | 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.9m | 0.5 m³ |
Rooms and workspaces
Single bed (90 × 190 cm): 0.6 m³
Double bed with mattress (140 × 190 cm): 1.2 m³
2-door wardrobe or dressing room (1 × 0.6 × 2 m): 1.5 m³
3-door wardrobe or dressing room (1.5 × 0.6 × 2.2 m): 2.5 m³
Convenient (0.9 × 0.45 × 0.9 m): 0.8 m³
Bedside table (0.4 × 0.4 × 0.5 m): 0.2 m³
Desk (1.4 × 0.7 × 0.75 m): 1 to 1.5 m³
Small office (computer, printer): approximately 0.8 m³
Boxes and miscellaneous objects
THE cardboard boxes represent a major part of your volume. A standard carton occupies approximately 0.1 m³, a box of books approximately 0.05 m³.
Memo Boxes
On average, 10 standard boxes ≈ 1 m³ loading. Count your boxes, divide by 10, you get their volume in m³.
Also think about objects other than furniture: bicycle (0.8 m³), stroller (0.8 m³), vacuum cleaner (0.4 m³), lawn mower (1.3 m³), scooter (2 m³). And don’t forget plants, lamps and fragile objects, which take up more space than you might think once packed.
Need boxes and packaging materials? Discover our store boxes and packaging.
How to choose your utility or storage unit after the estimate?
You now know your total volume (including safety margin). All that remains is to choose the right means of transport, and possibly the right one. box size if you need to store part of your belongings.
This table gives you the correspondences between your volume, the truck size adapted and the Lockall box recommended:
| Volume to move | Truck Size | Recommended storage box |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 m³ | Small utility | Box from 5 to 8 m² |
| 12 to 25 m³ | Medium truck | Box from 8 to 15 m² |
| 25 to 40 m³ | Large truck | Box from 15 to 25 m² |
| More than 40 m³ | Big truck + rotations | Box of 25 m² and more |
Moving tip
A box is chosen by volume, not just by floor space. Our boxes go up to the ceiling: by stacking correctly, a 10 m² box can absorb the contents of a complete two-room apartment.
For the truck, keep in mind that the useful volume announced is theoretical: between the odd furniture and the wasted spaces, always count a little wider. A B permit is sufficient for up to 3.5 tonnes; beyond that, you need a heavy goods vehicle license.
When it comes to storage, there’s no need to oversize. A box that is too big is space paid for for nothing. Our tool helps you find the size of the box or storage unit which exactly matches your volume.
Use the Lockall calculator for a free, no-obligation online estimate
Adding up your furniture by hand gives a good base. But for precise results in just a few clicks, nothing beats a dedicated tool.
OUR storage volume calculator allows you to refine your estimate room by room: you select your furniture and your boxes, the tool automatically calculates your volume in m³ and recommends the appropriate box size.
The estimate is free and without obligation. You immediately get a clear idea of your volume and the corresponding price, without having to create an account or provide unnecessary information.
Whether you are preparing a complete move or simple temporary storage, this is the quickest way to obtain a reliable estimate and reserve the box that suits you, at the right price.
Savings tip: how to reduce your moving volume?
To optimize your moving cost, let's see how to reduce intelligently the number and volume of your property before this:
Methodology:
- Sort efficiently by asking yourself 3 essential questions:
- Have I used this item in the last 12 months? Do I still need it?
- Do I have a duplicate of this item that might be sufficient?
- Does this item have real sentimental value or is it clutter?
- Optimize packaging : instead of using several small boxes, choose boxes of suitable sizes, balancing the load and optimizing space.
- Resell or give away : list the platforms and associations where you can intelligently get rid of unnecessary items before moving.
Benefits :
- Less volume to transport = reduced cost for the truck and/or movers.
- Saves time loading and installing.
- Moving more ecological by reducing the carbon footprint (and your gas bill by the way).
By using these methods and tools, you will be able to effectively plan your move, avoiding volume-related unforeseen events.
Remember, however, that your estimate will remain approximate.
If you do not want to have the surprise of paying more than your needs, in the event that you entrust your move to a professional moving company, ask a free quote from a salesperson who will be responsible for calculating the exact volume to give you the price of your move.
