Moving Volume Calculator (m³)
The same volume references used by French professional movers, in English.
In France, every moving quote starts with one number: volume in cubic meters (m³). Unlike in the US or UK, French movers don't price by weight or by hour as a default — they price by volume. The total cubic meters of your belongings determines truck size, crew size, and ultimately the price.
This page gives you the same reference standards French movers use, so you can estimate your volume before requesting quotes.
How volume estimates work
Two methods are common:
- Standard room-based estimate — used for moves under 15 m³ or simple inventories
- Item-by-item inventory — required for moves above 15 m³ per Mon Meilleur Déménageur policy, more accurate
For moves above 30 m³, a video assessment or in-person visit is highly recommended.
Standard volume by home type
| Home type | Typical volume (m³) |
|---|---|
| Studio (≤25 m²) | 8–12 |
| 1-bedroom (35–45 m²) | 15–22 |
| 2-bedroom (55–70 m²) | 25–35 |
| 3-bedroom (75–95 m²) | 35–50 |
| 4-bedroom (100–130 m²) | 50–70 |
| 5+ bedroom (140 m²+) | 70–100+ |
These ranges assume an averagely furnished home. A minimalist couple may halve these numbers; a family with three children, a piano, and a complete library can easily exceed the upper bound.
Volume by room
Living room (3–8 m³)
- 3-seat sofa: 1.5 m³
- 2-seat sofa: 1.0 m³
- Armchair: 0.7 m³
- Coffee table: 0.3 m³
- Bookshelf (large): 0.8 m³
- TV stand: 0.4 m³
- TV (boxed): 0.2–0.5 m³
Master bedroom (4–8 m³)
- Double bed with mattress: 2.5 m³
- Wardrobe (3-door): 2.0 m³
- Chest of drawers: 0.8 m³
- Nightstands ×2: 0.4 m³
Kitchen (3–6 m³)
- Fridge: 1.0 m³
- Dishwasher / oven: 0.6 m³
- Kitchen table: 0.5 m³
- Boxes (typically 8–15 standard boxes): 2.0–3.5 m³
Office (2–5 m³)
- Desk: 0.6 m³
- Office chair: 0.4 m³
- Bookshelves: 0.8 m³ each
- Boxes (files, documents): 1.0–2.0 m³
Children's bedroom (3–6 m³)
- Single bed: 1.5 m³
- Wardrobe (small): 1.2 m³
- Desk: 0.5 m³
- Toys & boxes: 1.0–2.0 m³
Bathroom (0.5–1.5 m³)
- Washing machine: 0.6 m³
- Cabinets and accessories: 0.3 m³
- Towels & boxes: 0.4 m³
Specialized items (declare separately)
- Piano (upright): 1.0 m³ + specialized handling
- Baby grand piano: 2.5 m³ + specialized handling
- Grand piano: 3.5 m³ + specialized handling
- Safe (small): 0.5 m³ + reinforced handling
- Aquarium (full setup): variable, declare separately
- Outdoor furniture set: 2–4 m³
- Bicycles ×2: 0.6 m³
- Skis, large sports equipment: 0.4–0.8 m³
Why accuracy matters
Per Mon Meilleur Déménageur policy, if the actual volume exceeds the declared volume by more than 15% on moving day, the mover is entitled to re-assess the contract proportionally. This protects both parties — but underdeclaring leads to bad surprises.
For peace of mind on moves above 20 m³, request a video volume assessment (Twilio Video link sent by the mover) or an in-person visit. Both are free with Mon Meilleur Déménageur.
Get a precise quote
The fastest way to know your real volume is to start a quote on Mon Meilleur Déménageur. You'll be guided through an inventory builder that uses the same reference values as French professional movers.