2 seater couch
1.20 m³
3 seater couch
1.60 m³
4 seater couch
2.00 m³
L-shaped sofa
2.50 m³
Armchair
0.75 m³
Recliner
0.90 m³
Coffee table
0.50 m³
TV unit
0.80 m³
Bookshelf (small)
1.00 m³
Bookshelf (large)
1.50 m³
Side table
0.30 m³
Ottoman
0.40 m³
TV stand
0.70 m³
Display cabinet
1.20 m³
Console table
0.60 m³
Floor lamp
0.20 m³
Table lamp
0.10 m³
Rug (small)
0.20 m³
Rug (large)
0.40 m³
Cushions (set of 4)
0.10 m³
Total Estimated Volume
0.00 m³
0.00 cubic feet
Items Selected
0
Start by selecting items above
Choose items from each room to calculate your volume, then we'll estimate the weight
The weight calculated above is a paper calculation - an estimate based on industry standard density factors applied to your shipment volume.
In the United States and many other countries, once your consignment has been packed and loaded onto the truck or into the container, it will be weighed at a certified weigh station. This actual weight is what determines your final shipping cost for weight-based pricing.
Important Note
The actual weight can differ from the paper calculation due to packing materials, item density variations, and how efficiently items are loaded.
6 lbs/ft³ - Low Density
Optimistic estimate. May be used by some companies to provide lower initial quotes, but rarely reflects actual weight.
6.5 lbs/ft³ - Medium Density
Moderate estimate suitable for lighter household goods or minimal furniture shipments.
7 lbs/ft³ - Industry Standard
The most commonly used factor in the moving industry. Provides realistic weight expectations for typical household shipments.
Ocean Freight (Most Common)
For international ocean freight, volume is typically the primary cost driver for household shipments. Household goods are considered light cargo and usually reach the container volume limit before exceeding the weight limit.
Sole-use containers: Priced by container size (20ft or 40ft), not by weight in most cases
Groupage/shared container: Typically charged per cubic meter or cubic foot
Weight becomes relevant if you have unusually heavy items (pianos, safes, marble furniture)
Air Freight
For international air freight, both weight and volume matter. Airlines use chargeable weight - whichever is greater between actual weight and volumetric weight.
Household goods typically average 5-8 pounds per cubic foot
Airlines enforce minimum density factors of 10.41-12.43 lbs/ft³
You'll be billed on volumetric weight rather than actual weight because household goods are lighter than the airline minimum
Why Paper Calculations Matter
Even though the paper calculation isn't your final bill, it's still valuable because:
Comparing quotes: Helps you understand if one mover is using unrealistic density factors to appear cheaper
Planning: Gives you a ballpark figure for budgeting and insurance purposes
Red flags: If the actual weight is drastically different from estimates, it may indicate items were missed during the survey or packing inefficiencies
What if my actual weight is higher than the estimate?
For weight-based pricing (uncommon in ocean freight for households), you'll pay for the actual weight. However, most international moves are priced by volume, so higher weight only matters if you exceed container weight limits (rare for household goods).
How can I reduce my shipment weight and cost?
Since most international moves are charged by volume rather than weight, focus on reducing volume: declutter before moving, avoid packing air (disassemble furniture), and consider selling heavy, bulky, low-value items like old mattresses or sofas.
Should I trust a 6 lbs/ft³ estimate?
Be cautious. The industry standard is 7 lbs/ft³. A mover using 6 lbs/ft³ may be deliberately underestimating to make their quote appear lower. While this won't affect your final bill (based on actual weight or volume), it may indicate less thorough estimation practices.
Do I need to know my weight for an international moving quote?
Not usually. Most international movers will conduct a pre-move survey (in-home, video, or self-survey) to assess your volume. From there, they'll calculate the estimated weight and provide pricing primarily based on volume and destination.