How to Estimate Your Moving Volume (m³ or ft³) Before an International Move

What Is Moving Volume? (m³ vs ft³)

Moving volume refers to the total space your household goods occupy inside a container or truck.
Depending on your location:

• Europe, UK, Middle East: cubic meters (m³)
• United States, Canada: cubic feet (ft³)

Both units measure the same thing — just expressed differently.
Quick conversion

• 1 cubic meter (m³) = 35.3 cubic feet (ft³)
• 100 cubic feet ˜ 2.83 m³

Professional international movers can work with either unit.

Why Accurate Volume Estimation Matters

Incorrect volume estimates often lead to:

• Unexpected price adjustments
• Delays in groupage consolidation
• Repacking or reallocation of container space

A realistic estimate helps you:

• Pay only for the space you use
• Choose the correct shipping method
• Avoid last-minute stress

This is especially important for groupage shipping, where precise space planning is essential.

Method 1: Room-Based Volume Estimation (Quick Estimate)

This method is ideal for early planning.

Typical volume guidelines

Home size	Volume (m³)	Volume (ft³)
Studio apartment	6–10 m³	210–350 ft³
1-bedroom apartment	10–15 m³	350–530 ft³
2-bedroom apartment	15–25 m³	530–880 ft³
3-bedroom house	25–40+ m³	880–1,400+ ft³

This method gives a good initial estimate, but it should be refined later.

Method 2: Item-Based Estimation (More Accurate)

This approach focuses on individual furniture items and boxes.

Common item volumes

Item	Approx. Volume
Standard moving carton	0.1 m³ / 3.5 ft³
Sofa	2–3 m³ / 70–105 ft³
Wardrobe	1.5–2.5 m³ / 53–88 ft³
Washing machine	~0.8 m³ / 28 ft³

This method works very well for groupage moves and partial households.

Method 3: Professional Pre-Move Survey

A pre-move survey is carried out by a moving professional who assesses your belongings:

• In person
• Or remotely (video / photo survey)

This method is commonly used for:

• Overseas relocations
• Corporate moves
• Large or complex households

It offers a high level of accuracy and planning reliability.

Method 4: Virtual AI Survey (Fast, Modern & Accurate)

A Virtual AI Survey uses smartphone video, guided photos, or scanning technology to analyze your belongings and automatically calculate volume in m³ or ft³.
Benefits of Virtual AI Surveys

• No physical visit required
• Fast and convenient
• High accuracy
• Ideal for overseas planning
• Reduces scheduling delays

Virtual AI Surveys are particularly effective for international groupage shipping, where correct volume allocation is critical.

Which Volume Estimation Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best Method
Early planning	Room-based estimate
Small or partial move	Item-based estimate
Overseas relocation	Professional or AI survey
Groupage shipping	AI survey or professional survey

Many international movers start with a quick estimate and confirm it later using a Virtual AI Survey.

What If Your Volume Estimate Changes?

For international and groupage moves:

• Initial estimates are used for planning
• Final volume is confirmed before shipping
• Pricing is adjusted transparently if required

Professional movers always communicate changes clearly — especially when volume affects container space.

How Simplo Helps You Estimate Moving Volume

Simplo makes volume estimation simple by offering:

• Online groupage calculators (m³ & ft³)
• Guided estimation support
• Virtual AI survey options
• Transparent volume verification

Whether you’re moving a few cubic meters or several hundred cubic feet, Simplo helps you plan accurately and cost-effectively.

Final Tips for Accurate Volume Estimation

• Slightly overestimate rather than underestimate
• Include storage rooms, balconies, and garages
• Count items you plan to pack later
• Use AI or professional surveys for overseas moves

Accurate volume estimation is the foundation of a smooth international relocation.