Look, I get it. You've got a million things on your plate, you're trying to pack up your entire life into cardboard boxes, and then some removal company on the phone starts grilling you about how many wardrobes you have and "what's the total volume?"
Honestly? It feels like homework. You just want a price so you can get on with your life.
But here's the thing: if a company gives you a quote without asking for a proper list or your volume, run. Seriously.
Why the "Cubic Feet" number actually matters
In the moving world, everything comes down to Cubic Feet (cu ft) or Cubic Metres (m³). It sounds technical, but it's just the amount of space your stuff takes up in the back of a van.
Think of it like this: the removal company isn't just charging for their time. They're figuring out:
- The Van: Do they send a 3.5-tonne Luton or a massive 7.5-tonne truck?
- The Crew: Do they need two people or four to get you moved before the sun goes down?
If they guess wrong? That's where the nightmare starts. If the van is too small, they either have to leave stuff behind or do two trips. And yep, you guessed it: two trips usually means two invoices or a massive "waiting time" charge while you're sat outside your new house with no keys.
A quick "Rule of Thumb" (the reality check)
Every house is different (some of us are hoarders, let's be real), but here's roughly what the professionals look at when they talk about space:
| Property Size | Cubic Feet (cu ft) | Cubic Metres (m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 500 – 900 cu ft | 15 – 25 m³ |
| 3-bed house | 1,200 – 2,000 cu ft | 35 – 55 m³ |
| 5-bed house | 2,100 – 2,800+ cu ft | 60 – 80+ m³ |
If you tell a removal company you have a 3-bed house but your stuff actually fills 2,200 cubic feet, that "cheap" quote you got over the phone is going to disappear faster than your packing tape.
* Indicative volume estimates based on industry norms used by BAR (British Association of Removers) member companies. Actual volumes vary by furnishings and lifestyle.
The "price on the spot" trap
We've all seen it. You ring a "Man with a Van" and he says, "Yeah, mate, £400 for the lot." Then moving day comes. He sees the piano you forgot to mention, or the fact that your "small" shed is actually full of gym equipment. Suddenly the price jumps by £200, or he says he can't fit the sofa.
Companies that insist on an inventory aren't being annoying. They're being professional. They want to make sure that on the day, there are zero surprises for your wallet.
Don't guess your move. Measure it the easy way.
MovePrep AI calculates your exact volume from a short video of your home. No clipboards. No calculators. No guessing.
Get my free volume report →How to get the number without the headache
This is exactly why we built MovePrep AI.
Nobody wants to walk around with a clipboard and a calculator trying to figure out the volume of a chest of drawers. It's boring and you'll probably get it wrong anyway.
With our app, you basically just film your rooms. The AI does the boring maths, works out the cubic feet and the cubic metres, and hands you a tidy list. When you call a removal company and say, "My volume is exactly 1,500 cubic feet," they instantly know you aren't messing around. You get a solid quote that won't change.
Don't guess your move. Measure it (the easy way).
Frequently asked questions
Can't I just give the removal company a rough description of my home?
You can, but you're inviting a rough estimate. And rough estimates are how you end up with unexpected charges on moving day. A volume figure gives companies the certainty they need to commit to a fixed price.
What is a cubic metre in practical terms?
Think of a washing machine. That's roughly 0.2 m³. A standard sofa is around 1.5 m³. A 3-bed house of furniture typically adds up to 35–55 m³ (1,200–2,000 cubic feet).
Do all removal companies use cubic metres?
Yes. Cubic metres (m³) is the UK industry standard. You'll also see cubic feet (cu ft) on some older systems. 1 m³ = 35.3 cu ft.
What happens if my volume is more than I declared?
Honestly, this is where things get expensive. If moving day arrives and there is significantly more than the removal company expected, they are within their rights to charge extra. That might mean a waiting time fee while they reorganise the van, or in worst cases, a second trip charge. This is why getting an accurate volume before you call is so important. Not for the company's benefit. For yours.
Can I get a fixed-price quote without a home survey?
Yes, but only if you can give the company accurate volume data. Without it, any quote is technically an estimate, and estimates can change on the day. A physical survey is one way to get that data. A MovePrep AI report is another: faster, cheaper, and done on your own schedule without waiting for someone to come round.
How long does it take to film a room walkthrough?
Just a few minutes, depending on the size of your property and how much is in it. A 1-bed flat might take around 3 minutes. A 3-bed house, closer to 8. A larger home with lots of rooms and storage, up to 15. Walk at a normal pace, open all wardrobes and cupboards as you go, keep the camera steady, and try to cover floor to ceiling on each side of the room. No need to zoom in. The AI handles the rest.
What is the difference between a removal estimate and a fixed quote?
An estimate is a best guess. It can go up. A fixed quote is a contractual price. It will not change. Most reputable companies will only commit to a fixed quote after a proper survey or receiving accurate volume data. If someone gives you a "fixed price" on the phone without seeing your home or inventory, that is a red flag. It tends to become very un-fixed on the day.