Cubic metres of common household goods

In the removalist industry, a cubic metre is a key unit of measurement.

This measurement helps estimate space and may contribute to pricing; it does not alone determine vehicle choice or the full cost.

A cubic metre measures the volume of an item or items, with a cube that measures 1 metre long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high equating to exactly one cubic metre (1 m³).

By measuring the items you plan to take with you to your next house and determining a cubic metre total, you can generate a more accurate cost estimate for your move.

But just how do you do that?

Let us explain.

How to determine the cubic metres of household goods

Some fridges are bigger than others and things like dining tables and couches can greatly vary in size.

By measuring your own furniture, whitegoods and other household items, you are able to generate a more accurate picture of how many cubic metres you will require your removalist to transport – and therefore how much your move will cost.

To measure your own items, simply multiply the length, width and height of your items.

For example, if your couch measures 230 cm long, 85cm deep and 90cm high, its total volume would be 2.3 x 0.85 x .9 = 1.76 m³.

After you have done this for all your items, you can calculate the total volume of your belongings in cubic metres as an input to a removals estimate; the mover must also consider packing, load arrangement, access and service scope.

Volumes of common household goods in cubic metres

While individual items can vary in size, here are the volumes of some common household items in cubic metres as a guide:

• 3 Seater Couch – 2 m³

• Recliner Chair – 1 m³

• Dining Table – 2 m³

• Dining Chair – 0.25 m³

• Coffee Table – 0.4 m³

• TV – 0.5 m³

• Entertainment Unit – 0.3 m³

• Fridge – 1 m³

• Bookcase – 1 m³

• Queen Size Bed Frame – 1.4 m³

• King Size Bed Frame – 1.8 m³

• Chest of Drawers – 0.5 m³

• Office Desk – 1 m³

• Washing Machine – 0.3 m³

• Microwave Oven – 0.2 m³

• Dishwasher – 0.3 m³

• Bicycle – 0.5 m³

• 6-Burner Barbecue – 1.1 m³

The easy way to get an accurate removalist quote

It is possible to obtain a fairly accurate removalist quote without measuring all your household goods individually and calculating their volume in cubic metres.

At Fragile Removals & Storage we offer a detailed quote calculator on our website, which makes it incredibly easy to obtain a highly-competitive moving quote.

All you have to do is fill out some basic details – including where you are moving from and to.

You can then select all the items you intend on moving with you.

Our inventory list – which is based on average sizes – includes everything from three-seater couches to exercise bikes, wine racks, ladders, trampolines, washing machines, wheelbarrows and even pianos.

Based on the inventory list you select, we can determine the expected cubic metres of your items and cost of your move.

To try out our detailed quote calculator, visit www.fragileremovals.com.au/detailed-quote-form/

Alternatively, you can give us a call on 1800 500 584 to discuss all your moving needs.

Keep every dimension in the same unit

Measure the maximum relevant length, width and height of the item as it will be presented for the move. Record the units beside the numbers. Convert centimetres to metres before multiplying, or divide a cubic-centimetre result by one million. Mixing metres and centimetres in the same multiplication produces a misleading figure.

For the sofa example, 230 cm is 2.30 m, 85 cm is 0.85 m and 90 cm is 0.90 m. Multiplying those metre measurements gives 1.7595 cubic metres, rounded to 1.76 cubic metres. The earlier wording of 230 metres was a unit error; the intended 230-centimetre measurement matches the calculation.

Use the furniture measuring guide for the measuring workflow. Keep your unrounded figures until you calculate the total, then make the rounding clear. Repeatedly rounding every small measurement can make the total less useful.

Treat the common-item list as an estimate

The listed values are broad planning examples, not dimensions or specifications for a particular model. A three-seater sofa, refrigerator or dining table can differ substantially from another item with the same name. Use an actual measurement when the example does not resemble your item or when size is important to the quote.

For furniture that may be dismantled, record the assembled dimensions and ask how the mover wants the transport form described. Do not subtract space for dismantling that has not been agreed. Keep the pieces associated with their parent item so the same components are not accidentally counted twice.

Describe protruding parts and unusual shapes. The rectangular envelope from length × width × height is a useful way to communicate size, but it does not guarantee that empty spaces around irregular items can be filled efficiently. The mover plans protection, access and loading as well as arithmetic.

Include boxes and the less obvious areas of the house

Walk through cupboards, garage, shed, outdoor and other storage areas. Add items you intend to transport even if they are not ordinary furniture. If the packing is unfinished, identify which box quantities are estimates and update them before the quote is finalised.

The packing materials page provides published box dimensions and rounded capacities. Use the actual format you plan to use rather than treating every box as the same volume. A box's capacity does not tell you its loaded weight or whether its contents can safely be handled.

Keep a separate list of items being sold, donated or left at the property. Remove them from the transport total only when that decision and the relevant arrangements are settled. If a buyer fails to collect something, tell the mover before adding it back to the load.

Keep volume separate from weight and access

A compact dense object can require more handling assessment than a bulky light one. State known weights for unusually heavy goods and identify items such as pianos or gym equipment separately. Do not use a cubic-metre calculation to choose lifting equipment or decide how many people should carry an item.

Measure relevant openings and describe stairs, turns, lift restrictions and the intended destination room. Two items with similar volume can have very different shapes and access needs. A total that fits a vehicle's nominal capacity does not prove every item can reach the vehicle or enter the new home.

Resolve differences with the estimator

If your total differs from the mover's estimate, compare the inventory, dimensions, packing assumptions and any dismantled pieces. Check for duplicated items or missing rooms before assuming one figure is wrong. Ask which additional space or handling assumptions the quote uses.

Keep the accepted inventory with the detailed quote, and update it when the load changes. The purpose of measuring is to give the estimator clearer information, not to promise a fixed price from a volume number alone. Use the interstate service category when the route requires a separate interstate quotation.