How to Estimate Your Move Size

Life is a journey, and moving is just a pit stop.

And honestly, if moving felt like a pit stop, wouldn’t that be amazing? But moving isn’t a quick coffee break — it’s a whole marathon.

You’ve got to estimate your move size, figure out what’s worth keeping and what’s not, and plan how to get it all from point A to point B without breaking the bank.

The key here is getting the estimate right from the start, and trust us, it makes all the difference.

Here’s something to chew on: a local move for a 2-bedroom apartment can cost you anywhere from $550 to $1,500.

Now, if you're moving farther away, let's say over 1,000 miles, your costs can jump up from $2,200 to $10,500.

But estimating your move size ahead of time can help you dodge those wallet-shocking surprises.

It’s all about knowing how much you’ve got to move, what that weighs, and how to plan for it.

Don't worry, though — we are here to walk you through how to estimate your move size, calculate moving costs and put together some budget-friendly moving strategies so you don’t end up feeling like you’ve just sold a kidney to pay for your move.

What is Move Size, Anyway?

When we talk about "move size," we’re not just talking about how many boxes you have or how many trips it’ll take you to move everything.

Move size refers to the total amount of space your belongings take up, either by volume (cubic feet) or weight. Movers will typically use one or both of these metrics to give you a quote.

And why does this matter?

Well, it affects everything — moving cost calculator, the size of the truck you need, how many movers to hire, and how long the move will take.

So if you don't estimate it right, you might end up with a truck that’s too small or an overpriced moving company.

Why Should You Care About Estimating Your Move Size?

Estimating your move size sounds like one more thing to add to the never-ending to-do list.

But it’s worth it. Here’s why:

Accurate Budgeting: If you know how much space your stuff will take up, you’ll get more accurate quotes. This way, you won’t get hit with a nasty surprise bill.

Efficient Planning: Estimating the right size helps you plan how many boxes and packing materials you’ll need. Plus, you’ll know if you need to reserve any special services, like handling heavy items or dealing with delicate antiques.

Optimal Resource Allocation: Knowing your move size will help you determine whether you need 2 movers or 6 and whether you should use a 16-foot truck or a 26-foot one.

Want to know exactly what your move will cost? Get your Free Instant Quote today and save up to 20% on your move!

Tools You Can Use to Estimate Move Size

Now, estimating your move size doesn't have to be a guessing game. There are some seriously helpful tools that make the process much easier.

Moving Cost Calculator

A moving cost calculator is like your BFF when it comes to estimating the amount of stuff you're moving.

These tools ask for information about the number of rooms, the size of your home, and sometimes even the weight of your things.

Based on that, it will give you a good idea of how much space or weight your move will require.

For example, you can use online calculators from major moving companies. These tools usually take into account factors like the number of rooms, whether you’re moving a 3-bedroom house or a studio apartment, and the distance of your move.

Estimate Based on Your Home Size

You can also use a general rule of thumb based on the size of your current home to estimate your move size:

•  Studio Apartment: 1,000 cubic feet
•  1-Bedroom Apartment: 1,500 cubic feet
•  2-Bedroom Apartment: 2,500 cubic feet
•  3-Bedroom House: 4,500 cubic feet
•  4-Bedroom House: 6,000 cubic feet

Again, these are general estimates. Your personal belongings may change these numbers a bit, but it’s a good starting point.

Here is the Step-by-Step Guide to Estimate Your Move Size

Now, let's discuss how you can estimate your move size. 

Step 1: Take Inventory of What You’re Moving

Before we start measuring things, you need to know exactly what you’re moving. 

Here’s how you can do it:

•  Walk through each room and make a list of the big furniture items, like couches, beds, and tables.
•  Make note of any boxes or containers full of things you’re packing, including those random “I’ll deal with it later” piles.
•  And let’s not skip over those special items: anything fragile, heavy, or super valuable (like pianos or artwork) will add to the complexity of your move size.

Here’s a little tip: Keep it simple. Don’t stress if you don’t have an exact list yet. Just mentally group things into broad categories like: “Big furniture,” “Appliances,” “Small boxes,” and so on.

Step 2: Estimate Volume or Weight

Once you've got your list, we'll estimate its volume (the space your items will take up) or weight (how heavy it all is).

Both are important, depending on whether you’re using a moving cost calculator that works by weight or volume.

Volume (Cubic Feet): If you’re going by space, think of a large box (like your standard moving box) as roughly 1.5 cubic feet. Big furniture can take up several cubic feet each.

For instance, a couch might take up 20-30 cubic feet, while a queen bed could be anywhere from 25-40 cubic feet, depending on the frame and mattress.

Weight (Pounds): Some moving companies calculate based on weight.

The general rule is that each cubic foot of stuff weighs about 7 pounds.

So, if your inventory lists about 2,500 cubic feet of belongings, the weight estimate would be 2,500 x 7 = 17,500 lbs.

Step 3: Use a Moving Cost Calculator

Now that you’ve got an idea of how much space and weight you’re working with, it’s time to use a moving cost calculator.

They take the information you've gathered about your items (like the number of rooms and specific furniture) and give you an estimate based on the size of your move.

Step 4: Assess Your Home’s Size and Its Specifics

The layout and how packed your space is can make a difference.

Smaller homes or apartments tend to have fewer large furniture pieces and are usually easier to calculate. For instance, a studio apartment could take around 1,000 cubic feet of space.

On the other hand, a larger home — a 4-bedroom house can require 6,000 cubic feet or more. You’ll want to adjust accordingly based on the number of rooms and the space your stuff takes up.

Step 5: Consider Special Items and Their Needs

Some items require special handling, which can increase your overall move size in terms of cost and logistics. If you’ve got:

Pianos: They can require additional space. You’re probably looking at a big bump in the overall move size.

Artwork and Antiques: Fragile items like fine art or delicate furniture may require special crates or boxes, which add volume and possibly weight.

Large Appliances: Fridges, washers, and dryers are bulky and can take up valuable space in the truck. Keep that in mind when assessing your overall move size.

Step 6: Review Additional Costs

The last thing you’ll want to do is check for any hidden fees that could affect your move size. This might include:

Extra charges for items that are unusually heavy or require special handling (e.g., pianos, large safes).

Packing materials like moving blankets, boxes, and padding.

Storage if you need to store some of your things before or after the move.

Need a moving company you can trust? Compare the movers in your area and find the right fit for your move size!

What Factors Affect Your Move Size?

There are several key factors that influence your move size:

Amount of Stuff: This is the most obvious factor. If you’ve got more items, you’ll need more space (or weight capacity). If you’ve been collecting things for years, don’t expect a small move size.

The Size of Your Stuff: Big pieces of furniture—like couches, king-sized beds, and dining tables—take up more room. Similarly, heavy appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers will increase both the volume and weight of your move.

Packing Materials: You’re going to need boxes, packing peanuts bubble wrap, and who knows what else. All of these things take up space, too. So, it’s not just about the items themselves; packing them up adds more to the total move size.

Special Items: Got a piano? An antique armoire? A large painting you’re not willing to part with? These kinds of items need extra attention and will impact your move size.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Move?

Moving can be expensive, but it’s good to know what you’re working with.

Local Moves: For a local move (under 100 miles), expect to pay between $550 and $1,500 for a typical 2-bedroom apartment. This can include labor, truck rental, and basic services.

Long-Distance Moves: The cost for a move over 1,000 miles can range from $2,200 to $10,500, depending on the size, distance, and services. If you're moving a large house or have special requests, the costs can climb higher.

For example: 

A 3-bedroom house is a common size, and here’s what you can expect:

Local Moves: Roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for a local move (based on weight and distance).

Long-Distance Moves: For moves over 1,000 miles, expect costs between $3,500 and $7,000 (depending on the volume).

Still not sure how to estimate your move size? Use our easy moving cost calculator and plan your next move with confidence!

 

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